WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Race relations. It has been a subject of conflict and tension for centuries, and one that can still be found even to this day. It is a potent reminder of where we’ve been and, quite frankly, if we’re not careful, where we could go again. With indie director Jamila J. Brown’s new short film, “GoFish”, the topic is breached in a very real way via the backdrop and aftermath of the August 1991 Crown Heights riot in Brooklyn, New York City. Focusing on two families impacted by the event, one African American and the other Orthodox Jewish, the initial moments of the narrative, with a voiceover to provide facts and set-up, brings the viewer to the ultimate center of the film.
Hannah (Kaitlyn Charette), a Jewish girl, struggles to even be accepted among her own peers at school, constantly being badgered, teased, and verbally abused to the point of tears. Meanwhile, African American Rachel (Hailey Reid) lives in her own little world at home while her mother deals with a family relative who’s promised trouble will come if she speaks out about certain criminal elements he’s involved with. In the midst of these internal conflicts, the two girls meet one day and strike up an unlikely friendship given the present racial climate. Bonding over the card game Go Fish, the two illustrate that hope and friendship can truly transcend the prejudice and hatred. Whether this relationship can stand up to those against it, that is the journey these two innocent girls intend to discover.
Next, my Mind:
As is continuing to be this reviewer’s experience, it truly amazes in how simplicity, belief, and heart can make a film that’s more powerful in its ultimate message in only 20 minutes than some major efforts do in two hours. Brown’s own personal experience with the Crown Heights scenario aids in making this story that much more real for the viewer. Listening to the radio announcer, followed by just a glimpse of actual confrontation via the riot-filled opening sequence, the mood of tension is already set, and what follows becomes an even more unsettling realization that, despite the existing, overall animosity between the African-American and Hasidic communities, the unrest is also within their own ranks and homes.
Charette and Reid are the true darlings of this film, each honestly and realistically portraying not just any children, but children of two races having to grow up faster than they ever should in the face of harsh realities around them. This innocence is emoted so perfectly by these two young actresses, you won’t be able to help but empathize with their plight. Gregory Adair and Alexandra Milne as Hannah’s parents, Avi and Rivka, are equally solid, showcasing the overt (sometimes overbearing) protectiveness and racial prejudice held by so many Hasidics at the time. Gabrielle Heslop, as Rachel’s single mother Rhonda, very much illustrates the desperation of someone simply wanting life to be settled, equal, and hate-free, even as the actions of relatives places that all in jeopardy.
In total, what transpires in “GoFish” is hope over hate, understanding over prejudice, humanity over race, and the simple joy of two young girls who choose to overcome all of it and bond over a game while the world rages around them. Lessons to be learned for sure, folks, that apply just as much today as then.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
Permalink