“The Interrupters” via Chicago-Based Kartemquin Films

The warm weather is on its way out – signaling the end of the Summer Blockbuster. Throughout the past few months countless movies have made their debut; some reaching the coveted ‘blockbuster’ status, while others simply just fizzled. A majority featured A-list cast members and numerous explosions, but few had substance. If you’re looking for something true, local, and inspiring, check out Kartemquin Films (KTQ) newest feature: The Interrupters. Approaching their 45th Anniversary Celebration on September 15th at the Metro, KTQ is world renowned for producing grounding breaking documentaries right here in Chicago. Past films include Hoop Dreams (1994) and No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson (2010). There are various showings of The Interrupters throughout the city. Take a look!

Centered around members of CeaseFire, “The Interrupters tells the moving and surprising stories of three Violence Interrupters who try to protect their Chicago communities from the violence they once employed.” Thought of as a virus, these individuals seek to stop the spread of hatred at its source: “go after the most infected.” Ameena Matthews, daughter of Jeff Fort, one of Chicago’s most infamous gang leaders, joins the cause to help educate and promote a positive message of rising above the violence. “From  acclaimed director Steve James and bestselling author Alex Kotlowitz, this film is an unusually intimate journey into the stubborn, persistence of violence in our cities.”

–  Evan Jones, Intern

@ewjonesy