I had the pleasure of seeing this moving documentary at the Film Forum in NYC this evening followed by a question and answer sessions by the filmmakers. The movie depicts how a change of environment, and by having those around them truly believe in their education, teenagers can be stimulated into believing in themselves. Personally, I would hope that every inner city junior high school and high school should offer the chance for their students to view this film. Unlike "Born into Brothels" which was narrated and told primarily from the filmmaker's point of view, Boys of Baraka is narrated and told by the boys themselves, and that makes it a really strong picture. We get to know these boys, Tre, Richard, Devon, and the others and see a future for them. In the question and answer session, the filmmakers were able to address several questions that are left hanging in the movie such as What happened to Richard? (He's about to enter Job Corp) What happened to the school building? (It remains in Baraka, abandoned).Are similar schools planned elsewhere? (Yes, in Baltimore) but personally I believe that the environment, the lizards, the hedgehogs, the elephants all have a lot to do with the positive impact of the Baraka education and that can't be replicated in Baltimore. I've personally seen how environment can change a person. Each year, I take a select few of the troubled teenagers that I counsel up to a dude ranch in upper NY State for a day. It's amazing watching a tough thug gang member cradling a Belgian Hare in his arms. This movie is a real gem. And a big "thank you" to Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady for taking time to discuss the movie and the program.
Review of The Boys of Baraka
