As violence in the Middle East has recently dominated headlines, it’s easy to forget about other global scenes of conflict. In the past month, 67 bodies have been found and connected to Mexican President Felipe Calderon’s war on drugs, totaling at more than 44,000 since 2006. Steve James’ new documentary shadows Violence Interrupters Ameena Matthews, Cobe Williams and Eddie Bocanegra as they seek to quell the fraying tempers of Chicago’s gang culture.
Working for anti-violence organisation CeaseFire, these ex-gang members have the credibility to speak to the main provocateurs on a level they can actually relate to. Rather than glamourising violence, James presents the gradual change in character these Interrupters can have on those willing to listen, some completely turning their backs on their former selves. Although not an original concept, the film carries enough gravity to make compelling and often distressing viewing. Even though the pace sometimes slows, it only mirrors the prolonged war of attrition faced by the Interrupters’ daily lives, a fact that is accentuated by the number of deaths that occur during the filming process. While cheerful reconciliations do happen, James keeps the mood fierce by sharing tales of families and school children affected by Chicago’s ongoing hostility. It’s hard to believe CeaseFire will ever fully prevent killings but the more they change attitudes, the closer they get.
Features as part of Cameo Cinema’s Doc/Fest, a chance to see a select few films shown at the Sheffield Documentary Film Festival.