Hollywood Black Film Festival 2009

"Don't Fall Down in the Hood", tells the story of Philadelphia youth, caught in the crossfire of gun and drug violence, who are given a chance to turn their lives around. As the film opens, the city of Philadelphia is in turmoil. There is an average of one murder – EVERY DAY. Nearly 85% are victims of gun violence. And over 40% of the victims are Black or Latino, male, and between the ages of 13 and 24.The film focuses on two teenaged boys, Malik and Kenny, enrolled in the violence intervention program, Don't Fall Down in the Hood. Arrested for gun and drug crimes, they have been given a choice: go to the program, or GO TO JAIL.Outgoing and personable, at age15, Malik is already a veteran of the drug game. Even narrowly surviving a gun shot to the back - a failed attempt on his life - did not deter from the streets. But the sudden murder of Malik's brother sobers him. Although he still reveres the streets, he is ready to make a change in his life.Kenny entered the program with a history of drug use and violence. The murders of his closest friends has left him angry and alienated. At 17, Kenny is fully aware of the injustice of his circumstance. "My mom tried over and over to get me the help I needed. Why did I have to get locked-up before I could get some help?"To successfully complete the program, Kenny must begin to heal the deep hurts of his past, and Malik must choose between his 'homies', the streets and his his future.A provocative and poignant examination of the culture of urban juvenile violence, '"Don't Fall Down in the Hood" sensitizes us to the life and death existence these teens face every day, the obstacles they must overcome, and the fate that most likely awaits them if they do not succeed.