The highly anticipated and award-winning documentary, The Body Politic, directed by Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough, has officially unveiled its theatrical trailer. The film, distributed by 8 Above, will have its first theatrical runs beginning on September 27 at DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema in New York City, followed by a release at Laemmle North Hollywood 7 in Los Angeles on October 18. Audiences nationwide can look forward to select city screenings, with a national broadcast and streaming release set for November 25 on POV/PBS.
The film tells the compelling story of Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, the youngest mayor in the city’s history, as he takes on the overwhelming challenge of reducing extreme gun violence and enacting police reform in a city ravaged by crime. With unprecedented access, The Body Politic follows Scott’s first year in office, documenting his ambitious attempts to turn the tide of violence while the city’s fate hangs on reducing its shocking murder rate, which exceeded 348 homicides in the previous year.
Key points from the documentary include:
- A harbinger of hope: The film portrays Scott as a symbol of idealism and action amidst the troubling prevalence of gun violence in Baltimore.
- Political stakes: Mayor Scott’s political future is depicted as being deeply intertwined with the city’s health, as critics tie his success to whether he can bring down the city’s homicide rate.
- Challenges of reform: The film highlights the intense opposition Scott faces, both from political adversaries and the media, as violence spikes during his tenure.
- A blueprint for healing: Through Scott’s journey, The Body Politic aims to provide a pathway for violence reduction and political healing not only in Baltimore but also for cities across the nation.
In a statement, Goodenough, a Baltimore native, expressed the significance of telling Scott’s story. “We made a film about the healing of our city, a film that hopefully serves as a pathway to healing for the rest of the nation,” he said. “I am hopeful this film will be an example to inspire others to take action.”
Since its World Premiere at Sheffield DocFest 2023, The Body Politic has garnered widespread acclaim, screening at over 25 film festivals and winning 9 awards, including 7 Audience Awards. Some of its key screenings include DC/DOX 2023, Zanzibar International Film Festival 2023, and Big Sky 2024. The film has been lauded for its powerful storytelling and engaging cinematography.
About the Filmmakers:
- Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough (Director/Producer): A Baltimore native, Goodenough’s film career spans prestigious projects, and The Body Politic marks his debut as a feature documentary director.
- Dawne Langford (Producer): A 2023 Sundance Women to Watch Adobe x Fellow, Langford has a history of producing socially impactful documentaries.
- John Benam (Producer/Cinematographer): A two-time Emmy Award-winning cinematographer with a passion for social justice films.
For more information, visit The Body Politic official website, or follow the film’s social media channels.
