Watch Traffic Stop
- TV-14
- 2017
- 30 min
-
5.5 (1,071)
Traffic Stop is a 2017 short documentary film directed by Kate Davis and produced by David Heilbroner. The film revolves around a 26-year-old African-American woman named Breaion King who was stopped by a white police officer in Austin, Texas in 2015 for a minor traffic violation. The documentary begins with the dashcam footage of Breaion's arrest, where the officer is seen pulling her out of the car and throwing her to the ground before handcuffing her. The footage then cuts to Breaion's interviews where she talks about the traumatizing experience of being racially profiled, arrested and physically assaulted by the police.
As the narrative unfolds, the documentary explores the larger issues of racial discrimination and police brutality in America, particularly against African-Americans. The film interviews several legal experts, civil rights activists and psychologists who provide context and analysis to the case.
One of the key aspects of the documentary is an interview with another police officer who was in the police car with the arresting officer at the time of the incident. He provides an alternative perspective on the incident and sheds light on the training and attitudes of the police department.
The film also touches upon the emotional toll that such incidents have on the victims and their families. Breaion's mother and grandmother talk about their own experiences of racism and discrimination, and how they worry about the future of their children and grandchildren.
The documentary is skillfully edited and uses a mix of interviews, archival footage and animation to create a compelling narrative. The animation sequences are particularly effective in conveying the emotional impact of the incident on Breaion and her family.
The film received critical acclaim and several awards at film festivals, including the Jury Award for Best Short Film at the Tribeca Film Festival. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject in 2018.
Overall, Traffic Stop is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that raises important questions about race relations and policing in America. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in social justice, civil rights and the human impact of systemic racism.
Traffic Stop is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.