The Park

"The Park" is a compelling documentary that delves into the lives of three young black men residing in the Chagrin Falls Park community. Through the lens of local filmmaker Brandon Stubbs, we are given an intimate glance into their complex narratives.

The first subject openly discusses his unusual relationship with drugs, asserting their positive influence in his life, a revelation that catches Brandon off guard. In a twist of events, the seemingly laid-back second individual ends up on a tragic path, ultimately being implicated in a homicide months after being filmed. The final young man, despite the adversity surrounding him, remains fiercely protective and loyal to his community, actively resisting external intrusion.

This candid short film offers an opportunity for viewers to foster a deeper understanding of these individual's circumstances, challenging preconceived notions and judgments. It's a powerful testament to the power of empathy, compassion, and the importance of listening - even when the stories we hear are challenging to comprehend.

  • Brandon Stubbs
    Director
  • Brandon Stubbs
    Writer
  • Brandon Stubbs
    Producer
  • Jourdain Spivey
    Key Cast
  • Nyles Flowers
    Key Cast
  • Yusuf Ameen
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Other
  • Genres:
    Drama, Urban, Local
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 30, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Full Frame - Sony Cinema Camera
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Brandon Stubbs

Brandon Stubbs, a skilled commercial videographer, is venturing into the captivating realm of filmmaking. Fortunate to share his life with his wife and their eight children, Brandon's primary aspiration is to deepen his devotion to God and to embody the principle of loving his neighbor as himself.

He firmly believes that filmmaking serves as a profound medium for accomplishing this goal. By weaving together moving narratives and impactful imagery, Brandon hopes to facilitate understanding and foster empathy, truly embodying his spiritual journey in the art of visual storytelling.

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Director Statement

As a filmmaker, my mission is to craft narratives that transcend the boundaries of the screen and resonate deeply with the viewers. I am continuously drawn to the extraordinary power of storytelling, the ability to stir emotions, provoke thought, and inspire action.

My journey into the world of filmmaking began in the commercial videography sphere, an experience that cultivated my technical skills and storytelling acumen. However, I always yearned to tell stories with a deeper, more personal resonance - stories that reflect the intricacies of the human condition and our collective experiences.

I am blessed to be surrounded by a loving family, with my wife and our eight children. They have shown me the extraordinary power of love, compassion, and understanding, values that I strive to incorporate into my work.

My faith serves as the foundation of my life and my work. I am driven by the desire to love God and to extend that love to my neighbors. Filmmaking, for me, is a manifestation of this principle. Through the lens of my camera, I aim to delve deeper into the lives of individuals, to uncover their hopes, their dreams, their struggles, and their triumphs.

"The Park," my latest project, is a testament to this aspiration. I set out to explore the lives of my neighbors in the Chagrin Falls Park community, unearthing narratives that are raw, complex, and often untold. This film represents my commitment to fostering empathy and understanding, to challenge assumptions and encourage conversations.

As I continue my journey in filmmaking, I hope to amplify these voices, to spotlight stories that need to be told, and to promote a greater sense of unity and compassion among us all. Through film, I am not just creating art, I am weaving the fabric of our shared human experience.