Colors Straight Up 1996
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by Michele Ohayon and Julia Schachter
Directed by Michele Ohayon
VHS, color, 60 min.
High School - Adult
Multicultural Studies, Criminal Justice, Sociology
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Stephen Hupp, Swedenborg Memorial Library, Urbana UniversityColors Straight Up powerfully presents the lives of several young people growing up in South Central Los Angeles. It also presents the story of one program, Colors United, which attempts to give these men and women a chance to complete high school, then move towards better futures. The film's central theme is hope while not flinching from the harsh realities of inner city life.
Director Michele Ohayon concentrates on rehearsals for Colors United's version of West Side Story. Through the group's founders and directors, Phil Simms and Kingston DuCoeur, we learn of the program's high academic expectations and no tolerance of arms. Interspersed with dance, song and acting are interviews with about a dozen African American and Latino men and women involved with the program. Their stories portray a picture of involvement with drugs, gangs, violence, and abuse. We also see the desire to complete high school and move on to something better. Particularly moving are the stories of Oscar and Stanley. Oscar is a young Latino, with a record of drug pushing and robbery, who is now involved with Colors United. However, his past returns to haunt him, and Oscar is jailed on outstanding warrants. Intervention by Phil and Kingston brings his release. Stanley is also attempting to build his future, but he is also coming to grips with an addicted mother. There is a powerful scene in which Phil attempts to strengthen the teamwork of the group, telling them that they must learn to rely on each other, and that he is tired of attending funerals for young people. The film closes with a successful performance, and the word that many of the participants are currently pursuing college degrees or other careers.
This honest, forward-thinking video presents one success story of efforts to assist young people to rise out of very harsh circumstances. A multi-award winning film, including an Academy Award nomination in 1997, this excellent work is very highly recommended for all school, public, and academic library video collections.