I Am Sean Bell

Young boys reflect on the Sean Bell tragedy, speaking out about their fears and hopes as they approach manhood in a city where the lives of young black men are often cut short.

More about I Am Sean Bell from filmmaker Stacey Muhammad

I've loved film for as long as I can remember. Initially, screenwriting was my interest; however, I wanted to see my ideas come to life beyond the writing. This led to a desire to acquire the skills needed to actually produce my own projects. So, I embarked upon the journey of studying and learning as much about the filmmaking process as I possibly could by attending film school, workshops, and anything else I could find.

First and foremost, I consider myself an activist, so I'm drawn to human issues and subjects that enlighten and uplift humanity while challenging us to examine our ideals and issues on this planet. I've always been drawn to documentary filmmaking, particularly as an activist. It's a powerful way to communicate with an audience.

When I chose to do the Sean Bell film, I was extremely disturbed by the verdict and wanted to hear from the children, particularly young black boys, about their thoughts, fears and concerns regarding violence against black men. Most of the topics that interest me are those that give a voice to those often unheard populations of people, who indeed have stories to tell and victories to celebrate.

One thing that I've learned is that life is what it is—meaning, everything we do and experience is connected. Often, we try to compartmentalize our lives and deal with different aspects of our experience (be it our personal lives, our career, etc.). Filmmaking, for me, is a spiritual process and journey. I've been prepared through life experiences, for each and every topic I choose to explore.

So, my advice to any aspiring filmmaker would be to live your life with integrity, take care of yourself, learn as much about your craft as possible, commit to creating the life you desire and expect the universe to grant you everything you ask.
Find out how to TAKE ACTION at http://www.mediathatmattersfest.org/films/i_am_sean_bell/action

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• family & society
• criminal justice
• human rights
• politics / government
• racial justice
• youth
• police brutality
• sean bell
• race
• violence

[NickManor]

My goodness this pisses me off like nothing else. Discrimination makes me sick to the stomach

[abruzz0]

"cops never do anything to white people" -- bullshit.

[BenaiahsHeart777]

IF I RECALL CORRECTLY TWO DETECTIVES WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THE SEAN BELL CASE WERE MINORITIES....JUST A THOUGHT.

[SPENCER1SHOT]

@Mrjp161 well even if you really hate african americans

a human gets shot 50 times and dies in cold blood and your happy about it.

[SPENCER1SHOT]

DAM DROP ALL THE RACIST SHIT ALL WHITE PEOPLE ARE NOT MURDERERS AND ALL BLACK PEOPLE AINT GOOD.FUCK IT DOESNT MATTER

[swagboi7]

RIP!

[swagboi7]

@TheAmericanDefender all you white pigs die very soon!

[swagboi7]

@Mrjp161 but we still fuck your white bitches! you're just ugly pale small dick cracker who cant do shit!! ahahahaha sucks to be white man BLACK POWER!

[TheAmericanDefender]

@Mrjp161 Despite affirmitive action giving niggers advantages over the whites, they are still the laziest and the biggest fucking race of criminals on earth.

[Mrjp161]

Sean bell is fucking animal. Glad he's dead. I'm glad niggers will always stay at the bottom of society.