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Heart Broken In Half
Chicago's Street Gangs
| Length: | 57 min |
| Released: | 1992 |
| Ages: |
College Adult |
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Few filmmakers have dared to get behind the headlines to confront the human reality and complexity of street gangs in urban America. Challenging stereotypes, this documentary gives voice to the street youth and reveals their underground culture. It weaves an intricate web of symbols and passions, territory and brotherhood, honor and—all too often—death.
Images of street bravado are counterpointed with scenes inside laundromats where gang members fold clothes and play with babies. A former leader of a female gang talks about her dreams for her two young daughters. The violent death and funeral of a Guatemalan street youth stir up deep feelings and haunting questions about both the vulnerability and the heroic ethic of gang life. The film is based on the field research of ethnographer Dwight Conquergood's, ethnographer, who co-produced and co-directed.
Images of street bravado are counterpointed with scenes inside laundromats where gang members fold clothes and play with babies. A former leader of a female gang talks about her dreams for her two young daughters. The violent death and funeral of a Guatemalan street youth stir up deep feelings and haunting questions about both the vulnerability and the heroic ethic of gang life. The film is based on the field research of ethnographer Dwight Conquergood's, ethnographer, who co-produced and co-directed.
"This film is ideally suited to bring social science understanding to a broader public."
‒Dr. Howard Becker, Sociologist
"A moving, thought provoking film. Highly recommended."
‒Library Journal
"A provocative examination of the underside of contemporary US. cities." ‒Booklist
‒Dr. Howard Becker, Sociologist
"A moving, thought provoking film. Highly recommended."
‒Library Journal
"A provocative examination of the underside of contemporary US. cities." ‒Booklist
American Psychiatric Association, 1993
Certificate of Merit, Chicago International Film Festival, 1990
Award, North Carolina International Film & Video Festival, 1991
Council on Foundations, 1991
Certificate of Merit, Chicago International Film Festival, 1990
Award, North Carolina International Film & Video Festival, 1991
Council on Foundations, 1991
