American Promise

Synopsis

A documentary 13 years in the making, AMERICAN PROMISE provides a rare look into the lives of two middle class Black families as they navigate the ups and downs of parenting and educating their sons.  The documentary captures the stories of Idres, Seun, and their families from the first day of kindergarten all the way to their 2012 High School graduation.  All of this is set against the backdrop of a persistent educational achievement gap that dramatically affects African-American boys at all socioeconomic levels across the country.

Credits

Produced and Directed byJOE BREWSTER and MICHELE STEPHENSON

Co-Executive Producer DAN COGAN

Editors ERIN CASPER, MART MANHARDT, and ANDREW SIWOFF

Original Score by MIRIAM CUTLER

Awards & Festivals

Premiered at Sundance 2013

Featured in the New York FIlm Festival and is currently enjoying a National Theatrical Release

Winner, The Reva and David Logan Grand Jury Award, 2013 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival

Winner, Special Documentary Jury Prize, Sundance

Broadcast PBS 2014

Reviews

"Riveting -- an intimate look at what it's like to be young, black, and male in a largely white private school" ~ Variety

"A hard edged and inspiring account of how African American males can attain academic success" ~ The Hollywood Reporter