BROOKLYN IN JULY is an Award Winning short film that tells the story of Frank Walker (Thaddeus Daniels), an African-American WWII veteran who begins working a new job as a chauffeur. Played with enormous depth by Daniels, the film opens up with Frank having nightmares of his past. A past with invisible scars that run deep inside him.
It is the summer of 1945. The War is all but won. The U.S. is riding a wave of triumph even as the undertow of unresolved issues roils beneath. Frank, like so many other African-Americans of the time, is drawn to New York by the promise of a better life – only to be confronted by the same harsh realities and prejudices. The fear and hatred he hoped he left behind – still exists.
Frank struggles to keep his emotions in check, as he is tested time and time again, in the most demeaning ways. He strives for freedom and equality in this slowly evolving world.
A touching performance by Suzette Gunn, Frank’s pregnant wife, along with wonderful performances by the rest of the cast. Captivating Cinematography (Ken Kotowski) and Score (Ariel Marx).
Beautifully Written and Directed by Bob Celli, this film is difficult to watch for the raw feelings it brings up. The physical and emotional abuse of race that you witness on screen, causes visceral pain. It is a reminder of how inhumane people can be – at the cost of being different.
This film packs a punch that leaves you filled with powerful emotions. It does its job to remind us how horrible the past and how hopeful the future – for equality and respect for ALL.
