My Block My Hero, 25min., USA
Directed by Gina D'Onofrio
Jahmal Cole is the founder of My Block My Hood My City, a Chicago-based non-profit with a mission to inspire youth and empower local communities. He has been shot twice in his day-to-day life, an unfortunate reality that the teenagers and communities he has dedicated the organization to uplifting face on a daily basis in the murder capital of the United States. By leading community-driven efforts, Cole has made it his goal to build a better world one block at a time, while positively impacting the lives of the teens who grow up there. Through the Explorers program, My Block My Hood My City enables youth from Chicago’s divested neighborhoods to discover the world beyond their blocks, by taking them on enriching experiences across the city and the country that open the doors to new possibilities. In their latest adventure, the Explorers went behind the scenes at the Shedd Aquarium to learn how researchers are working to preserve the world's endangered coral reefs.

http://www.youreverydayheroes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/youreverydayheroes/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Jahmal Cole is doing amazing work with teenagers through My Block My Hood My City in Chicago, where I'm also from, and I've read quite a few articles about him. When I was tasked with finding a "hero" who was really impacting the community, asking if he was willing to participate was a no brainer.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you
to make this film?

Around a year and a half. There was a lot of coordination between MBMHMC and the Shedd Aquarium, where they allowed us to film the teenagers on an Exploration that involved going behind the scenes and propagating coral. The editing process afterwards was also lengthy.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Community hero

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Production time. We had a very specific time frame that we could have access to both the MBMHMC Explorers and Shedd after hours. Everybody was amazing through the process, from the kids being totally engaged, to the staff at the Shedd, who worked like a well-oiled machine to provide the most otherworldly behind-the-scenes experience. Despite all of that, I would have loved another day for production.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking
about your film in the feedback video?

Getting unbiased opinions about the film is invaluable. It's completely different than screening for family and friends, who skew towards being proud and complimentary.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

When I saw Home Alone as a child. Thought I wanted to be in front of the camera at first, but after an acting seminar, I realized that I would rather be behind it.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Fight Club.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other
festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking
career?

You're already doing it. The audience feedback is why I'll continue to submit to this festival.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your
experiences been working on the festival platform site?

I'm a huge fan of FilmFreeway, it absolutely streamlines the submission process.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Trapped on a deserted island with only one option for the rest of my life... Pizza.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Currently focused on getting My Block My Hero premiered on our website, youreverydayheroes.com, and submitted to additional festivals.