One of the best films of the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, Michele Ohayon's engrossing documentary focuses on the lives of black and Latino kids in Watts, who have found a safe haven in the nonprofit performing arts group Living Literature/Colors United.
"Colors Straight Up" had its world premiere Saturday at Raleigh Studios, and it deserves a chance to get its hopeful message to a wide audience. Both intimate and objective, the filmmaking energetically keeps pace with the subjects as they prepare to perform "Watts Side Story".
Indeed, the harmonious bringing together of creative Latinos and blacks in a group environment is the purpose of Living Literature/Colors United. But as life on the streets is dramatic and tragic, the self-reflective and cathartic aspects of the theatrical project make sense.
Casablanca-born documentarian Ohayon ("It Was a Wonderful Life") and crew spent a year filming in neighborhoods and at rehearsals and group gatherings, harvesting insightful material from the families and friends of the six principal teens one gets to know: aspiring choreographer Stanley, natural leader Oscar, aspiring actress LaToya, reformed bad girl Norma, singer-actress Queenie and ambitious survivor Michael.
Through glimpses of the environment and the occasional unsavory family member, the troublesome everyday lives of the at-risk youths underscore the importance of the after-school program. Along with the strides come the setbacks. But standing behind his talented theater corps and leading the charge to glory is Phil Simms, the group's founder who has worked closely with the "Gang Hotline" in Los Angeles and inner-city kids for more than 20 years.
Since the program began at Jordan High School in 1990, Living Literature/Colors United members have performed many times, including at the Super Bowl with Michael Jackson and at President Clinton's inaugural celebration in 1993. But along with the fame comes the hard work.
The production of "Watts Side Story" is an inspired reworking of the "Romeo and Juliet" story, and Simms passionately drives home its themes and connections to reality. On the academic side, students have to maintain a passing grade point average and be willing to learn academic, artistic and professional skills. Amazingly, 100% of Living Literature/Colors United students have graduated from high school, and 90% have gone on to college or trade school.
COLORS STRAIGHT UP
Echo Pictures
Director Michele Ohayon
Producers Julia Schachter, Michele Ohayon
Director of photography Theo Van de Sande
Editor Edgar Burcksen
Color/stereo
Running time -- 92 minutes
No MPAA rating...
"Colors Straight Up" had its world premiere Saturday at Raleigh Studios, and it deserves a chance to get its hopeful message to a wide audience. Both intimate and objective, the filmmaking energetically keeps pace with the subjects as they prepare to perform "Watts Side Story".
Indeed, the harmonious bringing together of creative Latinos and blacks in a group environment is the purpose of Living Literature/Colors United. But as life on the streets is dramatic and tragic, the self-reflective and cathartic aspects of the theatrical project make sense.
Casablanca-born documentarian Ohayon ("It Was a Wonderful Life") and crew spent a year filming in neighborhoods and at rehearsals and group gatherings, harvesting insightful material from the families and friends of the six principal teens one gets to know: aspiring choreographer Stanley, natural leader Oscar, aspiring actress LaToya, reformed bad girl Norma, singer-actress Queenie and ambitious survivor Michael.
Through glimpses of the environment and the occasional unsavory family member, the troublesome everyday lives of the at-risk youths underscore the importance of the after-school program. Along with the strides come the setbacks. But standing behind his talented theater corps and leading the charge to glory is Phil Simms, the group's founder who has worked closely with the "Gang Hotline" in Los Angeles and inner-city kids for more than 20 years.
Since the program began at Jordan High School in 1990, Living Literature/Colors United members have performed many times, including at the Super Bowl with Michael Jackson and at President Clinton's inaugural celebration in 1993. But along with the fame comes the hard work.
The production of "Watts Side Story" is an inspired reworking of the "Romeo and Juliet" story, and Simms passionately drives home its themes and connections to reality. On the academic side, students have to maintain a passing grade point average and be willing to learn academic, artistic and professional skills. Amazingly, 100% of Living Literature/Colors United students have graduated from high school, and 90% have gone on to college or trade school.
COLORS STRAIGHT UP
Echo Pictures
Director Michele Ohayon
Producers Julia Schachter, Michele Ohayon
Director of photography Theo Van de Sande
Editor Edgar Burcksen
Color/stereo
Running time -- 92 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 4/16/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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