H.E.S. DOCUMENTARY

About The Film

“Beyond the Silence – A Stand Against Gun Violence” has been accepted into 6 film festivals!

In the heart of Canarsie, Brooklyn, where the echo of gunshots threatens the future of our youngest, “Beyond the Silence” emerges as a beacon of hope and resilience. The short documentary delves into the profound impact of gun violence on children and teens in our vibrant community and offers a platform for their voices to be heard. Through the lens of the H.E.S., along with local community leaders and partners such as Outreach House, the 69th Precinct Community Council, Shoot for the Stars Foundation, and Man Up!, this short film reveals the collective effort to carve out alternative paths and safe havens for our youth.

“Beyond the Silence” is a call for all of us to engage, empathize, and work tirelessly towards a future where every child can thrive in peace. The film is more than a documentary. It’s a call to action, inviting schools, community centers, leaders, and every concerned citizen to engage in dialogue about sustainable solutions to gun violence, not just in Canarsie but throughout the United States. It challenges us to look beyond the statistics and see the faces, the dreams, and the potential of every young person at risk. By fostering dialogue about gun violence, our hope is to harness the power of community-based interventions and highlight the crucial role of community support systems to safeguard our youth.

About The Producers

Terry Katz, Director and Producer

Terry Katz is an experienced director and producer with over 40 years in the film and TV industry, known for his editing, directing, and producing work across commercials, films, and documentaries. His recent documentary, Beyond The Silence: A Stand Against Gun Violence (2023), followed by Loving Mona (2020) — awarded Best Documentary at the 2021 New York City Festival of Cinema and Best Animal Friendly Film at the Toronto Beaches Film Festival — highlights his significant contributions. Katz also directed Pomonok Dreams (2015) and Past-Time (2023).

Alan Stark, Producer

Alan Stark is a distinguished producer and a professional in the field of youth services with over five decades of experience. Born in November of 1951 on the Lower Eastside of Manhattan, Alan moved with his family to The NYCHA Pomonok Houses in Flushing, Queens, in 1954, where he would later draw inspiration for his award-winning documentary. Alan’s notable work includes “Pomonok Dreams,” a documentary he produced and co-wrote, capturing the essence of growing up in a NYC Housing Project during the 1950s and 1960s.

Press

Beyond the Silence Premieres at the H.E.S. 

Canarsie Courier

By Bristol Hendrix

April 20, 2024