Back story
In the wake of the Trayvon Martin verdict we felt the need to create a project to change the distorted perception of young Black men in America, and do so through a compassionate lens. We decided to create a documentary following five Black men (ages 15-19) from varying backgrounds in the Greater New Orleans area over a six month period. Tracing their early experiences to their future goals and aspirations, Back Story was created to show the true experiences of Black males through their own eyes.
Starting in September 2013, the young men were provided with cameras to document their lives and reflect on their every day experiences. They come from different parts of the city and have a range of educational backgrounds, allowing viewers to get a glimpse into the breadth of the Black male experience. In addition to the footage gathered by the young men, staff traveled to the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington to collect footage and insight from Black men attending the event. Staff also interviewed civil rights leaders Marc Morial (former Mayor of New Orleans and National Urban League President and CEO) and Reverend Al Sharpton (National Action Network founder and President).
US PREMIERE: 2016 NEW ORLEANS FILM FESTIVAL
UK PREMIERE: 2017 CAMBERWELL FILM FESTIVAL
The film was also screened at the 2017 Sync Up Cinema Festival and at Studio BE.
MEDIa
ARTICLES
8.23.16 New Orleans Film Festival unveils in-competition lineup in The Times-Picayune
8.24.16 New Orleans Film Festival 2016 Competition Lineup Revealed in The Hollywood Reporter
8.24.16 New Orleans Film Festival Unveils 2016 Film Lineup + Official Poster at VIMooz.com
9.23.16 - New Orleans film festival announces feature competition lineup in The Gambit
10.17.16 - New Orleans Film Fest 10/12 - 10/20 in the WWOZ Blog
VIDEO
10.18.16 - The 504 with Sheba Turk on WUPL-TV
11.18.16 - Back Story: Five Guys, Five Cameras, One City on WWL
RADIO
10.17.16 - The Conscious Hour with Chuck Perkins on WBOK 1230AM Radio