“If there is no enemy within, no enemy from without can harm you.” That’s one of the countless nuggets of wisdom, usually encased in a myth, passed down over the last decade to hundreds of black Ohio adolescents who’ve participated in a unique, multi-year mentoring program. Alchemy, Inc.’s approach is centered on a drum circle that fosters self-awareness and sharing and instills self-confidence, critical thinking, maturity, and a determination to succeed. Those qualities are readily apparent in the six college freshmen that Bay Area filmmaker Karina Epperlein (
Awakening from Sorrow: Buenos Aires 1997, MVFF 2009) follows as they leave home for the first time. Obliged to deflect and reflect stereotypes and racism from other students, in addition to all the usual challenges that go with stepping up a level, they must draw on every internal resource. At a certain point in this intimate and poetic film, a new group of sixth graders takes their place behind the drums. The circle remains unbroken.
WORLD PREMIERESpecial guests from Alchemy, Inc. will attend the screenings.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
HUNTERS POINT FAMILYSponsored by:
