| The Boys of Baraka | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Heidi Ewing Rachel Grady |
| Produced by | Heidi Ewing Rachel Grady |
| Starring | Devon Brown Richard Keyser |
| Cinematography | Marco Franzoni Tony Hardmon |
| Edited by | Enat Sidi |
| Music by | J.J. McGeehan |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | THINKFilm |
Release date |
|
Running time | 84 min. |
| Language | English |
The Boys of Baraka is a 2005 documentary film produced and directed by filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady. The documentary follows twenty boys from Baltimore, Maryland who spend their seventh and eighth grade years at a rural boarding school in northern Kenya.
It premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2005, where it won the Special Jury Award for Documentary Feature. It was released theatrically in 2006 by ThinkFilms.[1] The film also won a Gold Hugo at the 2005 Chicago Film Festival for Best Documentary and an NAACP Image Award[2] for Outstanding Independent or Foreign Film. The film was shortlisted for the 2006 Academy Awards. and nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Informational Programming.
Synopsis
The Boys of Baraka is a documentary film that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by African-American boys in Baltimore. The film addresses the alarming statistic that 76% of African-American boys in Baltimore fail to graduate from high school, with 50% of them ending up in jail. These numbers reflect the challenges posed by drug dealers, addiction, and a public school system overwhelmed by chaos.
The documentary focuses on four young boys: Devon Brown, Montrey Moore, Richard Keyser Jr., and Richard's younger brother, Romesh Vance. These boys, aged 12 and 13, find themselves at a critical juncture in their lives. Living in the tough streets of Baltimore, they are confronted with choices that could determine their futures. Will they succumb to the allure of the drug trade, manage to continue their education against the odds, or become victims of violence?
The Boys of Baraka introduces the audience to the personal stories of these boys. Richard, troubled by his absent father's imprisonment and concerned about his brother's prospects in the projects, exudes confidence but also vulnerability. Romesh, already suspicious and pessimistic, carries a weight on his young shoulders. Montrey is mischievous and contentious, frequently getting into fights and facing suspensions. Devon, on the other hand, finds solace in preaching at the local church while dealing with his mother's repeated battles with addiction and incarceration.
The film highlights the resilience of these boys, who draw strength from the support of their families, the black community, and the church. Recognizing that the Baltimore public school system is failing them, their families see an opportunity for a brighter future when they learn about an experimental boarding school in rural Kenya. The Baraka School, founded by the private Abell Foundation, offers these "at-risk" African-American boys a chance to receive a quality education in a completely different environment.
The documentary follows Devon, Montrey, Richard, and Romesh as they embark on a two-year journey to Kenya, leaving behind their families and friends. The Baraka School provides a disciplined structure and a low student-teacher ratio, offering the boys the educational attention they need to succeed. Initially, Africa is both exciting and disorienting for the boys, who relish the freedom to be children without the constant threat of violence. However, homesickness and dissatisfaction with the school's rules soon take hold.
Despite these challenges, a transformation begins to unfold as the boys develop a newfound enthusiasm for education and gain confidence in their abilities. By the time they return to Baltimore for summer vacation, they have blossomed and bring hope not only to themselves but also to their families. The film captures this remarkable journey, highlighting the positive impact of the Baraka School.
The Boys of Baraka takes an unexpected turn as the boys and their families receive surprising news. How each boy responds to this twist of fate becomes the most intriguing aspect of the documentary. The film demonstrates the resilience and potential for change that exists within these young individuals.
As of 2013, the film reveals that Devon Brown is pursuing a business venture called Taharka Brothers Ice Cream in Baltimore, showcasing the impact that education and opportunity can have on the lives of these boys.
Background
Founded by the private Abell Foundation in 1996, the Baraka School – "baraka" means "blessing" in Kiswahili, the native spoken language of eastern Africa – was designed to give "at-risk" African-American boys from Baltimore a chance to learn academically and grow personally in an environment far removed from their troubled neighborhoods. Without television, Game Boys and fast food, and exposed to the hardworking and socially rich life of rural Africans, the boys are given a more disciplined structure and the kind of educational attention (a five-to-one student-teacher ratio) normally reserved for better-heeled private schools.
The Boys of Baraka is a co-production of the Independent Television Service (ITVS), produced in association with American Documentary | POV . The film was released theatrically in 2006 by the now defunct Think Film.
References
- ↑ Brooks, Brian (3 November 2005). "THINKFilm Takes "The Boys of Baraka" to Theaters". IndieWire. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
- ↑ "Home". NAACP Image Awards. Retrieved 27 January 2023.