• 5 months ago
For Malik and Eric—two best friends who are more like brothers living in the Cabrini-Green housing projects of Chicago— childhood brims with unbound possibilities that extend beyond their housing complex. They see their environment through the lens of a youthful, optimistic imagination. The year is 1992 and the two boys are blissfully carefree and bursting with potential. Whether excelling at jumping competitions in the playground, dishing out hilariously juvenile jokes, or escaping the doldrums of school, the pair explore their world without caution or hesitation. At home, Malik’s mother, Dolores (Jurnee Smollett), strives to provide a loving foundation for her kids to flourish and where outside barriers don’t hinder their dreams. But when a tragic loss rocks their community, the boys’ friendship is tested despite their families’ efforts to prepare them for the world they are growing up into - they know their lives matter, their aspirations are valid, and that home will always be with the ones they love.
Transcript
00:00In Cabrini-Green, it don't matter how old you are, how much money you got, how big or
00:11tall, or small.
00:12What do you call three trees?
00:13What?
00:14A trio.
00:15You ever think about what it would be like outside of here?
00:16Wow.
00:17This is where we from.
00:18Such a big road out there.
00:19So much I want to do.
00:20You're never too little.
00:21Is that your mind?
00:22Yeah.
00:23You can do it.
00:24I'm putting my mind at some McDonald's right now, and I don't see it on my plate.
00:38Me and Eric, we've done everything together since we were born.
00:42You got dreams?
00:43Sometimes.
00:44Who ever had a dream that felt so real you thought you was awake?
00:51You know, we always wanted better. That's why we came here.
01:00Now how am I supposed to keep you safe?
01:07With everything that's been going on, they're moving out. Malik didn't tell you?
01:14You're just mad because I'm leaving.
01:16You're not a baby anymore. You're alone now. And you know right from wrong.
01:22This is what I know. The place is the people.
01:30My name Malik! And my name Derek! Don't you forget it!
01:36Hey! Oh!
01:44You

Recommended