Former Harlem Globetrotter Mel Davis fathered two sons. One was with a white woman with whom he was in love but felt he couldn¹t marry in the racial climate of the sixties. The other was with a black woman with whom he had an unhappy marriage. Hubert Davis, the film director, was the mixed race son who for many years did not know his father. This film movingly explores the pain of sons growing up with an absent father and its effect on their mothers.

Mel eventually divorced his wife to marry Hubert's mother and the half brothers met for the first time. They bonded, revealing to one another the hurt of their childhoods. Mel explains how he too experienced the devastating effect of growing up without a father. Basketball, he says, saved him and he "gives back" by coaching young players.

Hardwood is compelling in its tale of one black family reconstituting itself after coming to terms with the sorrows brought on, in part, by the racial prejudice of the time. It will resonate with many young people who grew up in single parent households, as well as the adults who try to help them heal. An important film for African -American studies, multicultural studies, psychology and sociology.

"A poignant document--specific in social milieu but with wider human resonance--this film is a festival award winner and a 20004 Oscar nominee for best short documentary. For African American studies and social sciences collection and general adult audiences, it is highly recommended", Library Journal

"Highly Recommended. This Black family’s experience is one of hope and redemption, of the power to change, of overcoming the patterns of the past to forge new and strong family connections. Hubert Davis acknowledges “sometimes a new pattern emerges, a path allowing us to change our lives in a profound way.” Patricia B. McGee, Coordinator of Media Services, Volpe Library & Media Center, Tennessee Technological University for EMRO

Academy Award Nomination2004
NAME (National Association of Multicultural Education), 2005
Big Sky Documentary film Festival, 2005
Jurors' Choice, Black Maria Film Festival, 2005