Story Ave
Directed by Aristotle Torres
South Bronx teen Kadir (Asante Blackk) is a gifted visual artist who loses his way following the death of his younger brother. Overcome with grief and struggling with the pressures of school and family, he escapes into the thrilling yet dangerous world of graffiti gangs, seeking an outlet for the creative force threatening to explode out of him. To prove himself and join his neighborhood’s ruling gang, Kadir tries to rob no-nonsense MTA conductor Luis (Luis Guzmán) on the Story Ave subway platform. He is caught off guard when Luis agrees to give Kadir the cash if he’ll sit down to a meal with him. Following their conversation and the delicate, transformative friendship that grows out of it, Kadir sees for the first time how his artistic talent could lead to a better life. Winner of the Best Cinematography prize at SXSW, this moving and authentic portrait of the South Bronx announces an exciting new cinematic voice in Aristotle Torres and offers a welcome showcase for beloved character actor Guzman and rising star Blackk (This Is Us), alongside a supporting cast of up-and-comers including Alex R. Hibbert (Moonlight), Cassandra Freeman (Bel-Air), Coral Peña (For All Mankind), and Melvin Gregg (The Blackening).
Reviews
"Story Ave provides Guzman a heartfelt showcase... a necessary corrective to Hollywood's struggles to represent Latino stories."
"Unexpected and thoughtful. Reaches back to the hip-hop morality tales of the early ’90s. Asante Blackk is a revelation."
"Touching... a poignant story of survival. Luis Guzmán perfectly encapsulates a weary New Yorker with a good heart.”
“In a quiet and compassionate supporting performance, Luis Guzmán proves a beacon for a young graffiti artist – and for this debut feature from Aristotle Torres.”
“A lovely, heartfelt movie that is also gritty and deep and evocative, with outstanding performances.”
“A beautiful love letter to both the Bronx and the power of art.”
"Filmmaker Aristotle Torres is an astounding new talent."
