Black To Our Roots
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Film Overview

Directed By: Ras Tre Subira View Official Website	Release Date: 2007-09-11 Running Time: 0:53 Content Rating: PG (Parental Guidance)	Audio Language(s): English
Genres: Documentary >> African American Heritage :: Documentary >> History :: Documentary >> International Influences: Sankofa, Quilombo, 500 Years Later, Favela Rising, Rize, Boys of Baraka // Sankofa, Quilombo, 500 Years Later, Favela Rising, Rize, Boys of Baraka

Synopsis

Living in a housing project, 17-year-old Sylvia Dorsey is frustrated by the violence and drug abuse that surrounds her. Determined to transcend this environment, Sylvia soon finds herself on a soul-searching mission to define who she is and what will become of her life.

'Black To Our Roots' is the inspirational story of the journey that Sylvia takes from Atlanta, GA to Ghana, West Africa to escape the poverty and hopelessness that surrounds her as she explores her ancestral homeland. While there, Sylvia is confronted with several challenges that test her patience and change her life forever. She must adapt to living conditions that America has ill prepared her for, learn to appreciate things she took for granted, and address the misconceptions that exist about both Africans and African Americans. Sylvia must also confront a very painful chapter in human history when she visits the Slave Dungeons and grapples with the divisions that confront Africans throughout the Diaspora. In this process, Sylvia faces her fears and emerges as a confident, outspoken, and articulate young woman ready to claim her destiny. However, when she returns to the US, will she be ready to adjust to her old world as a new woman? This film is a testament to the power of change. This film is a story of self-love and self-discovery.

Crew

Director: Ras Tre Subira | bio
A native of Chicago, IL, Tre Whitlow’s journey into documentary filmmaking began in high school when he turned his basement into a darkroom and began producing black and white photographs of his neighborhood. When he later moved to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College, the soul of the South sparked a spiritual awakening in him that eventually led him to Africa.

Upon his return to the States, Tre began teaching in inner-city schools in Atlanta, where he became deeply disturbed by the perception towards Africa that many African American youth had. Realizing how influential the media was in the youth’s lives, Tre began using film as a means of educating young people. He later returned to Africa, where he produced educational films that were broadcast to high schools. He holds masters degrees in Communications & International Development as well as is Documentary Film.

An important theme in Tre’s films is the exploration of identity issues within African communities throughout the Diaspora with a strong emphasis on the culture and the arts. Music is always a very integral part of his films, which touch on historical events, political issues, and social trends. His latest film, Black To Our Roots, follows the inspirational journey that an inner-city girl takes to Africa to escape the violence of her neighborhood, while exploring his ancestral homeland. Tre also does a lot of community outreach with his films in conjunction with cultural enrichment programs for youth in both the United States and Africa.
Associate Producer: Jacqueline Olive
Producer: HABESHA Inc.
Producer: Documentary Institute, University of Florida

Bonus Features

Making Of Featurette
Director Commentary
Deleted & Extended Scenes

Accolades

Festivals

International Black Docufest 2007, New York African Diaspora Film Festival 2007

Press Reviews

Mwalimu K. Bomani Baruti, Ankoben Institute | show/hide snippet
Beautiful. To see Afrikan children return home and fully discover that they are the culmination of their Ancestors is beyond words. These young asafo (warriors) found themselves in the place we were torn from and brought our spirit full circle home. A logical sequel to the cinema classic Sankofa, this is a document generations from now will study to see how their Ancestors transformed the long and arduous spiritual, mental and spiritual journey back home into one that one will never be forgotten.
the late Dr. Asa Hilliard III | show/hide snippet
Black to Our Roots is a short but very powerful documentary covering many deep issues among our people everywhere. I really liked that the story is told through the eyes of our youth. As an educator, I saw many things in the film, many opportunities to generate serious discussion and dialogue. Issues of culture and identity are vital concerns. Both our confusion of some and the clarity of others is apparent. The free-flowing and unscripted voices of our children are very welcome, even the voices that express anti-self feelings, simply because they are real. We start with what we have.

You have managed to pack many topics and examples in this film. Views of Africans in America juxtaposed to views of Africans in Africa , with variety on both sides is where we are. I liked the selection of sites in Ghana , and the samples of interactions with local community members. Even, in this brief time, examples of self examination and reflections break through, and are quite compelling. .I can see many ways to use these vignettes in classes at all levels, in educator staff development, in leadership development, etc. When many of us ask, “Where are the young teachers and students in our time of need.” I am always grateful for examples like this one which shows the commitment, sacrifice, courage, determination and solidarity of many unsung pockets of excellence.