On Our Block
The decade-long turf war between “The 900” and “The Hoolies” in Bed-Stuy didn’t start with Wesley Jeffreys and Jason Bostic, but they’re determined it ends with them.
What began as teen parties and family hangouts turned out as affiliations to violent street crews. Wesley went to prison for attempted murder when he was still a minor, and Jason dropped out of college when his sister was killed out of town. Their seemingly doomed futures took a turn when they joined a community intervention program led by Jarrell Daniels, a former Bloods member.
Wesley, Jason, and their childhood friends embarked on months of challenging conversations about trauma, healing, accountability, employment, and community issues. We meet them at the beginning of summer, the most violent season – when a member of The 900 is murdered. As rumors swirl and tension increases, for the first time, the group leaders plan social engagement initiatives, quelling any talk of retaliation.
Screens live on SATURDAY, Dec. 7
Q&A with filmmakers to follow
Filmmakers
Astrid Useche
Chloe Barlow
Astrid Useche is a community-oriented filmmaker. Born and raised in Colombia, a country that has endured a century of armed conflict, Astrid developed an interest in matters related to peace-building, education, and psychological work that pursues the whys of societal issues.
After receiving a BFA in filmmaking, she started her career as a director of photography, and video editor. Astrid’s body of work focuses on branded, educational, and documentary productions. Some of her work has been showcased in film festivals around the globe.
Her portfolio includes series and short docs related to early childhood; high school drop-off prevention; mental health for the youth; adult literacy; gun violence prevention; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); indigenous and queer communities; and filmmaking as a multidimentional educational strategy.
Email: agu2003@columbia.edu
Chloe Barlow was trained in documentary filmmaking at Columbia University. She is particularly interested in the intersection of culture, social justice, and psychology in her work. This is her first film.
Email: csb2206@columbia.edu
