A gritty and inspiring, award-winning documentary highlighting the challenges and triumphs of residents on Chicago’s West Side will be available through Allen Media Group’s Freestyle Digital Media beginning on March 28.
“Raised Up West Side“ focuses on the entrepreneurs, social activists and ex-offenders who thrive in a predominately poor Black neighborhood beset by poverty and lacking essential services.
“Too often, when we hear about Chicago, we’re assaulted by grim statistics and a sense of daily dread. It makes you numb, whether you live in these neighborhoods or not,” filmmaker Brett A. Schwartz said.
“It’s too easy to forget there are real stories and real people who are striving in areas affected by gun violence, food insecurity, and overall disinvestment,” said Schwartz, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker who wrote, directed and produced the documentary. “Raised Up West Side” takes viewers behind the headlines, behind the statistics to meet the brave and resilient people seeking change — and very often, against the odds, a second chance.”
“Raised Up West Side” also examines the impact of deep-seated segregation, food insecurity and mass incarceration on the community. For example, nearly one in three far West Side residents live below the poverty line, and 70% of the men between the ages of 18 and 54 have been incarcerated, according to the “Raised Up” website.
Despite the challenges, the documentary shows how sheer tenacity and the desire to change can positively impact lives. It also features some of the West Side’s talent by showcasing the music of Emone “EQ” Quadeem, Bigg Baby, Kid Wond3r and others.
The film’s numerous awards include Best Feature Documentary at the Piermont Film Festival, Best Use of Music at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival and Best Documentary Director at the Hamilton Black Film Festival.
The film will be available beginning March 28 to rent/own on DVD and to watch via digital HD internet, cable and satellite platforms.
Freestyle Digital Media, the digital distribution arm of media mogul Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, produces some of the most acclaimed independent films on the market today. Recent releases include the teen musical “Best Summer Ever,” the sci-fi thriller “The Recall” and the coming-of-age dramedy “Miles.”
Allen Media Group, which owns theGrio, is one of the world’s largest independent producers and distributors of film and television content worldwide.
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