Fly By Light directed by Hawah Kasat (Washington, DC USA) - Rated PG
Trapped in suffocating city blocks and confined by streets paved with despair, hopelessness, and violence — fourteen teenagers boldly board a bus for West Virginia, their future unknown and in the hands of adult facilitators they barely know. For many, it’s their first time leaving the streets of Washington, DC. Confused and challenged by this foreign environment full of bugs, snakes, and caring adults, Fly By Light explores what really lies beneath the skin as their city walls come crumbling down.
Fly By Light begins with Hawah, a charismatic community organizer and poet, as he takes to the streets and schools of D.C. in search of teenagers for his ambitious new summer program. Hawah is confident that his unique curriculum, based on non-violent teachings, has the capacity to rebuild young people’s lives marred by violence. Through intimate vérité cinematography, Fly By Light follows Mark, Corey, Martha, and Asha, as they sign up and embark on the intensive eight-day journey of self-discovery. As each day passes and trust builds between the young people and facilitators, we progressively learn more about the deep traumas each teen carries. Beneath all the physical and emotional scars, the teenagers show themselves to be just like other teens: goofy and profound, playful and serious, weak and powerful. Fly By Light explores the struggle to change, after an intensive and unforgettable week-long emotional journey. As Mark says, 'a tree can’t grow in eight days.' But a seed can be planted in one minute.
Where: Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center - 10 College Street, Norcross, GA 30071
Located at College and Britt Streets in the College Street Playhouse Building -- in the Ballroom -- across the street from the Lillian Web Park. The building actually looks like a church. Free parking is available in the back of the building. Look for UMFF 2014 signs.
