Beyond The Silence
Terry Katz
30 mins | 2023
In the heart of Canarsie, Brooklyn, where the echo of gunshots threatens the future of its youngest, this film emerges as a beacon of hope and resilience. delves into the profound impact of gun violence on children and teens in this vibrant community.
Sponsored by:
Friday Harbor Film Festival
In the heart of Canarsie, Brooklyn, where the echo of gunshots threatens the future of its youngest, "Beyond the Silence - A Stand Against Gun Violence" emerges as a beacon of hope and resilience. This compelling short documentary, brought to life by the Hebrew Educational Society (H.E.S.) and produced by Pomonok Films, delves into the profound impact of gun violence on children and teens in this vibrant community. Through the eyes of those most vulnerable, the film uncovers the raw, untold stories of how lives are forever altered by the specter of violence.
Through heartfelt interviews with community leaders, educators, and the young individuals confronting these challenges head-on, "Beyond the Silence" reveals the collective effort to carve out alternative paths and safe havens for the youth. Together, they embody the village it takes to raise a child, each playing a crucial role in weaving a safety net that catches those at risk of falling through the cracks.
"Beyond the Silence" is more than a documentary; it's a call to action, inviting schools, community centers, leaders, and every concerned citizen to engage in a critical dialogue. It challenges us to look beyond the statistics and see the faces, the dreams, and the potential of every young person at risk. By raising pivotal questions and fostering dialogue, it shines a spotlight on the enduring efforts and spirit of a community unwavering in its mission to secure a promising future for its younger generations.
As Canarsie stands at the crossroads, "Beyond the Silence" serves as both a mirror and a window—a mirror reflecting the challenges and resilience within, and a window opening to a world of possibilities, where gun violence is no longer a narrative written for its youth. Through this poignant journey, the film inspires hope, ignites change, and proves that even in the face of adversity, unity and love can pave the way to a brighter future.
Terry Katz
Terry has worked for over forty years in film and television as editor on commercials, dramatic, and documentary films, and television programs. He recently wrote and directed the documentary Beyond The Silence: A Stand Against Gun Violence (2023). His feature documentary, Loving Mona (2020), which he wrote, produced, and directed was awarded Best Documentary at the 2021 New York City Festival of Cinema, and Best Animal-Friendly Film at the 2021 Toronto Beaches Film Festival.
He also wrote and directed the feature documentaries, Pomonok Dreams (2015), and Past-Time (2023). His editing credits include COFFEE AND CIGARETTES (Somewhere in California), directed by Jim Jarmusch and winner of the Cannes Film Festival Palm d’Or award, the documentaries Life With Big Cats, winner of the Ark Trust Genesis Award, and Straight Dope: MTV News Special, a finalist for Best Editor at the International Monitor Awards.
He was the creative director on the commercial campaign "Respect Yourself, Protect Yourself" winning the CIPRA Award for Excellence, and received a Telly Award for The Ad Council's President's Initiative on Racism. An adjunct professor in film/video production and media studies for more than sixteen years at St. John’s University, New York Institute of Technology, Hofstra University, and the SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, he continues to teach his Make A Movie program for after-school and summer programs. Terry’s film work can be viewed here.
CREDITS
Director
Terry Katz
Producer
Alan Stark
Artist
Andaluz
I am very grateful for being a part of the team that created "Beyond the Silence". It is an important film that should be seen by a wide audience.