For Ahkeem is a poignant documentary film that follows the life of a young black American girl named Daje Shelton. The film explores the struggles that Daje faces as a teenager in the urban community of North St. Louis, where poverty, racism, and violent crime are rampant. The film begins with a court hearing where Daje, who is just 17 years old, is on trial for a simple assault charge. She pleads guilty and is given the option to undergo court-ordered alternative education. Daje agrees to the conditions, and we follow her journey through this process over the next two years.
The filmmakers capture Daje's daily life in her neighborhood, in her school, and at home with her mother, who is battling her own demons. We see how Daje is affected by the environment around her and how it shapes her worldview. She talks candidly about the despair and hopelessness she feels, the pressure she faces to join a gang, and the constant threat of violence.
Despite the obstacles she faces, Daje remains determined to make something of herself. She has dreams of becoming a schoolteacher, but the reality is that many of her peers have already dropped out of school or become entangled in the criminal justice system. Her situation is made even more challenging when she becomes pregnant and must continue her education while being a young mother.
The film is not only about Daje's personal story but also about the broader issues of racial inequality and systemic injustice that she must confront. The filmmakers interview community leaders, educators, and activists who work to create change in the community. They discuss the impact of policies like zero-tolerance discipline, which funnel young people into the criminal justice system and exacerbate the cycle of poverty and violence.
For Ahkeem is an intimate and honest portrait of a young woman who is trying to navigate a system that is stacked against her. It shows the resilience, courage, and determination of Daje and the people around her who refuse to give up hope. The film is beautifully shot, with raw and honest scenes that capture the realities of life in a neighborhood where opportunities are scarce and the odds are stacked against you.
One of the things that stands out about For Ahkeem is the authenticity of the storytelling. The filmmakers take a vérité approach, allowing the subjects of the film to speak for themselves. They do not rely on voiceover narration or talking head interviews to tell the story. Instead, they use cinema verité techniques to capture real moments as they unfold, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy.
The film also features an innovative use of visual storytelling. The filmmakers incorporate animation and graphic design elements to help visualize the statistics and data that illustrate the institutional factors that contribute to the cycle of poverty and violence in the community. This approach adds a layer of depth and nuance to the film's message, making it powerful and impactful.
Overall, For Ahkeem is a thought-provoking film that provides a window into the lives of young people who are struggling to find a way forward in a society that is hostile to their dreams. It is an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about race, poverty, and criminal justice reform in America.
For Ahkeem is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 75.
