Watch Strong Island

Strong Island is a powerful documentary film that tells the personal story of filmmaker Yance Ford's brother, William Ford Jr., who was shot and killed by a white man in Long Island, New York, in 1992. Through a blend of home movies, family photos, interviews, and poetic narration, the film explores the history of racial injustice and violence in America and how it affects one family's quest for justice and closure.

The film begins with a haunting image of William's grave, and Yance's hushed voiceover sets the tone for the film's raw, emotional storytelling. He recalls the painful memories of his brother's death and the injustice that ensued: the white shooter was never indicted by a grand jury, and the Ford family was left to grapple with the trauma and grief of losing their son and brother.

As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that Yance is not just telling his family's story, but also the story of all black families who have suffered at the hands of racial violence and systemic oppression. He weaves in archival footage of famous trials, protests, and speeches to contextualize his personal narrative within the wider historical struggles for civil rights and social justice.

The heart of the film lies in Yance's interviews with his family members, who offer candid and heartbreaking accounts of William's life and death. His mother, Barbara Dunmore-Ford, is particularly poignant as she shares her anger, frustration, and grief over losing her son and the injustice that followed. She recalls how the police interrogated her for hours after the shooting, accusing her son of being a drug dealer and insinuating that he deserved to die. Her raw emotions are a testament to the resilience of black mothers who, despite facing insurmountable odds, continue to fight for their children's futures.

Yance also interviews his older brother, Harvey Walker, and William's best friend, Kevin Myers, who both provide personal insights into William's life and personality. We learn that William was a talented artist and musician, a loving son and brother, and a proud black man who refused to be degraded or humiliated by white racism. His death, therefore, was not just a random act of violence; it was a hate crime fueled by the same racism that still plagues America today.

Perhaps the most provocative aspect of the film is its critique of the criminal justice system and its failure to serve justice to black victims of violence. Through interviews with legal experts and family friends, Yance reveals the bias and corruption that permeate the courts, especially when it comes to black bodies. He recounts how the prosecutor in his brother's case failed to present all the evidence to the grand jury and how the media vilified William as a dangerous criminal. By exposing these flaws in the justice system, Yance highlights the urgent need for reform and accountability in law enforcement and the media.

Despite its heavy subject matter, the film is also a celebration of black resilience and love. Yance's voiceover is poetic and tender as he remembers his brother and reflects on the meaning of life and death. His use of light and color in the cinematography is stunning, particularly in the dreamlike sequences that depict William's memories and fantasies. The score, composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, is haunting and hauntingly beautiful, adding a layer of emotional depth to the already powerful narrative.

In conclusion, Strong Island is a must-see film for anyone interested in the intersection of race, violence, and justice in America. It is a masterful work of documentary filmmaking that combines personal memoir, social commentary, and historical analysis in a way that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally affecting. Yance Ford is a talented filmmaker who has crafted a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Strong Island is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 86.