Experience the vibrant streets of the Bronx in Aristotle Torres’ captivating feature debut, Story Ave. This film takes inspiration from the hip-hop morality tales of the ’90s, reminiscent of classics like Fresh and Juice. But don’t be fooled by the title – this is not your typical transport stop story.
Meet Kadir, a young artist haunted by the loss of his disabled brother. Constrained by his surroundings, Kadir finds solace in his graffiti crew, Outside the Lines, led by the dangerous yet magnetic Skemes. Desperate to prove himself, Kadir’s life takes a dramatic turn when he pulls a gun on a stranger at the Story Avenue transit stop. Little does he know, this encounter will lead him on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
In a twist of fate, Kadir’s target, Luis, a Puerto Rican MTA conductor, refuses to be intimidated. Instead, he takes Kadir under his wing, inviting him to a Cuban cafe for dinner. Unbeknownst to Luis, the gun he buys from Kadir belongs to Skemes, setting off a chain of events that threatens to unravel everything. As Kadir grapples with his future and Skemes closes in, the Bronx becomes a character in itself, evolving and changing alongside our protagonist.
Story Ave stands out from the crowd with its portrayal of the ‘hood as a living entity. The cinematography by Eric Branco beautifully captures the essence of the Bronx, reminiscent of The Last Black Man in San Francisco. The Outside the Lines crew fiercely protects their turf, embodying the urban philosophy that the streets define who you are. Kadir’s journey is a testament to this belief, as he fights to find his place in a world that often overlooks graffiti art.
The performances in Story Ave are nothing short of exceptional. Luis Guzmán brings his signature grit and authenticity to the role, while Asante Blackk delivers a breakthrough performance as the conflicted Kadir. Melvin Gregg shines as Skemes, a character described as “a crazy motherf*cker but nasty with paint.” The chemistry between the cast is palpable, creating a compelling narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
This film delves into unexpected themes, exploring gentrification from a fresh perspective and delving into the inner lives of graffiti gangs. It poses thought-provoking questions about immortality and the choices we make in pursuit of our dreams. As Skemes muses, “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but don’t nobody want the grave.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the raw energy and gripping storytelling of Story Ave. Join us at SXSW, where this film will compete in the Narrative Feature category. Directed by Aristotle Torres and written by Bonsu Thompson and Aristotle Torres, this 1 hour and 34-minute journey will leave you captivated from start to finish.
