The REAL Boyz-n-the-hood…

Over the years much has been said in the media about the burgeoning problem of gang violence in America, with particular emphasis on the legacy of LA’s notorious Crips & Bloods factions. Now, Skate industry legend and Bones Brigade mastermind-turned filmmaker STACY PERALTA, hopes to have created the definitive documentary on the phenomenon with his new film “Crips and Bloods: Made in America.” Known as the director of the excellent “Dogtown and Z-Boys” and porno-rifically named “Riding Giants,” Peralta leveraged his underground status to penetrate some of the most dangerous neighborhoods and situations in Los Angeles in his quest to obtain footage of the rival sets’ most violent leaders and “soldiers.” Narrated by actor FOREST WHITAKER, the film traces the origins of LA’s gang culture to the shocking, war-zone reality of daily life in inner-city Los Angeles as members of the Crips and Bloods perpetuate their bloody four-decades long feud. Contemporary and former gang members offer their street-level testimony that provides the film with a stark portrait of modern-day gang life: the turf wars and territorialism, the inter-gang hierarchy and family structure, the rules of behavior, the culture of guns, death and dishonor. Peralta also shines light on the overarching social causes of gang culture and a political system seemingly disinterested in bringing about its demise through effective outreach in favor of mass incarceration. Set to debut with a one week run later this month at NYC’s IFC Theater (January 23–29), before moving to LA’s Laemmle’s Sunset 5 (February 6–12), the film will continue on with arthouse showings in Chicago, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle before seeing mass release. Don’t miss it…

This entry was posted on Friday, January 16th, 2009 at 8:36 am and is filed under Film, First Look, LA. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.