St. Louis Superman

St. Louis Superman is a critically acclaimed 2019 documentary short film. It features the incredible journey of King Bruce Franks III, also known as Bruce Franks Jr., a prominent battle rapper from the challenging neighborhoods of St. Louis, Missouri. The film offers a heart-rending portrait of this unique individual, who transforms his personal tragedy into the strength to create change in his community by becoming a state representative.

The film unravels the life of Bruce Franks Jr., an unlikely politician who craft's his life's dramatic episodes into a captivating narrative. It invites viewers to witness the journey from his earlier years as a respected battle rapper to his association with the Black Lives Matter movement and eventually his rise as a lawmaker. Directors Sami Khan and Smriti Mundhra, both earning accolades for their authentic narrative style, portray a man navigating two complex worlds, each with its own language and customs.

St. Louis Superman effectively captures the struggles and perseverance of Franks Jr. He is a man born and raised in St. Louis, a city marked by distinct racial divisions, violence, and social ills. He gets pulled into the world of activism following the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, which stirred an unprecedented wave of protests across the United States. Throughout the film, viewers witness how Franks Jr. harnesses his passion for social justice and his dynamic presence on stage to become a charismatic and influential political figure.

In just 28 minutes, the directors skilfully extract numerous threads of Franks Jr.'s life, including his devastating personal tragedy – the loss of his brother to gun violence when he was just a child. They intricately weave these strands into the broader political and social fabric of 21st century America. Above all, they never lose sight of the man at the center of their narrative -- engaging, empathetic, and wholly dedicated to bettering the lives of his constituents.

This film also demonstrates Franks Jr.'s commitment to his family, strikingly reflected in his interaction with his young son, King. The filmmakers subtly explore the duality Franks Jr. experiences as a public figure with responsibilities to the broader community, and a dedicated parent invested in creating a safer environment for his child.

St. Louis Superman is a poignant film that astutely takes into account the struggle of black people in America, the power of collective action, and the potential for meaningful change through political participation. It also examines the enormous personal and professional toll these endeavors can inflict and reminds audiences of the resilience required to bear this burden.

Throughout the film, the viewers are presented with scenes where Franks Jr. grapples with the trauma of his past, struggles to connect with his son's innocence while stirring him towards consciousness, and balances his obligations as a representative of the people, particularly those at the margins. Unpretentious, moving, and sometimes heartbreaking, St. Louis Superman tackles these themes with unflinching honesty.

The founding appeal of the movie is Bruce Franks Jr. himself. Equally commanding on stage, in the realm of freestyle battle rap, or in the politics-laden legislative assembly, Franks Jr.'s charisma lends a formidable presence to the documentary. Filled with emotional nuance, the film sees Franks Jr. reveal his vulnerability, dreams, nightmares, and above all, his unwavering resolve to fight for justice.

St. Louis Superman earned a nomination in the Best Documentary (Short Subject) category at the 92nd Academy Awards, serving as a testament to its powerful storytelling and resonance with audiences.

This documentary is not just a political narrative or a dramatic personal journey. It is a testament to the remarkable resilience human beings possess, their ability to turn personal tragedy into public good, and a tribute to the individuals who dare to stand up and make a difference in this world.

In summary, St. Louis Superman is an engrossing portrayal of an inspiring figure battling institutional hurdles, systemic racism, and personal demons to effect real change in his community. It is a film that compels us to think, reflect, and most importantly, to act.