Premieres: September 21-25, 10pm
Network: Sundance Channel
Featuring Cory Booker
At the epicenter of this riveting five-part docuseries is a tall, charismatic and impeccably educated black politician whose gift of gab is eclipsed only by an iron-willed determination to improve the lives of all over whom he governs. But it’s not who you think. It’s the man President Obama hoped might run his newly created Office of Urban Affairs — Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker. Since taking office in 2006, the hands-on Booker has overseen a stunning reduction in violent crime, yet he still faces vocal opposition from residents who are inured to the violence but starved for news of safe and affordable housing, resources for their children, and meaningful employment when one has a record instead of a diploma. The series pulls no punches, training its cameras on the open casket of a murdered 13-year-old girl, the stunned face of the father of two slain college kids at his first support group meeting, a gang shooting caught on surveillance tape. But Booker’s fellow players in this true-life tale of urban (and personal) renewal are mesmerizing, among them Ras Baraka, principal of the city’s crumbling Central High School whose devotion to his students is as steadfast as his determination to open a new facility; “Street Warrior” activist Ali Muslim, with the hint of permanent tear tracks etched into his regal face; and former rival gang members Jayda and Creep, now working as youth mentors and raising a growing family as they struggle to keep their lawless past behind them. Each makes it impossible not to care what happens in Newark after the final credits roll.
One Comment
This film is inspiring to all ages. Newark has been through a lot, and there are a lot of positive people doing something about it!. I was bale to meet and work with some of these people and I appreciate it!, Support the flim everyone!