COLORS STRAIGHT UP
Year: 1997
Country:
United States
Run Time:
92 minutes
"When I was little I wanted to fly. I wanted to be Superman. That's what brought me into acting." The 14-year-old Michael and his upbeat attitude sums up the spirit of many a fresh young newcomer drawn to the stage. But Michael's circumstances are not so ideal. His wounded family lives in Watts, South Central Los Angeles, a crime-ridden community ruled by gangs, guns and ghetto feuds, where police are a frequent (and unwelcome) presence. Too many South Central kids look forward only to jail and/or the grave by age 18. Enter Colors United, to whihc Michael belongs, a theater workshop that uses drama therapy to stress self-esteem, self-control and self-expression for 'at-risk' children of the streets. COLORS STRAIGHT UP follows six aspiring performers. Michael, LaToya, Oscar, Stanley, Norma and Cynthia, through a year of hard work, police raids, funerals, Shakespeare and ultimate triumph wiht the production "Watts Side Story." This is no simple "Fame"-tastic boosterism for a liberal social program; Michele Ohayon's camera stunningly juxtaposes play-acted violence or grief and the real thing, demonstrating the narrow and dangerous path these young people must walk. In an age when politicians use 'midnight basketball' as a joke, Colors United and COLORS STRAIGHT UP shine like a spotlight through the chaos and despair.
Director
Michele Ohayon
Producer
Julia Schacter, Michele Ohayon
Cinematography
Theo Van Sande
Editing
Edgar Burcksen
ECHO Pictures
2337 High Oak Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
tel: (213) 855 8766
fax: (213) 871 2119
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