Jahmal Cole is following the same path as former Barack Obama as a community organizer in Chicago. With this path, the young man may be destined for greater things like the former President of the United States.
In the documentary A Tiny Ripple of Hope, director Jason Polevoi followed the community organizer for months in the segregated neighborhoods of Chicago. His film documents Cole’s life as he risks his finances and life to unite the community and to create a better environment for all.
Here’s a short synopsis of the film:
Jahmal Cole is the confident and charismatic leader of My Block, My Hood, My City: an organization that brings hope and opportunity to teenagers across Chicago’s segregated South and West sides. Away from the spotlight of his important work though, Jahmal is in the fight of his life as he battles to keep his home out of foreclosure, his marriage alive, and himself out of harm’s way.
A Tiny Ripple of Hope follows a formative year for Jahmal as he struggles with everything he must sacrifice so that the people and the city he loves can prosper.
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Cole is a fixture as a community activist and appeared in local Chicago news frequently. In the past, national outlets covered his personal story, including The Kelly Clarkson Show, Today Show, Live With Kelly & Ryan, and the Obama Foundation.
LRM Online’s Gig Patta spoke with director Jason Polevoi about this documentary. We talked about his involvement with My Block, My Hood, My City. With his filmmaking background, we discussed his production of recording Cole’s life for an entire year to put up a positive message on the screen.
Jason Polevoi is the founding partner of Chicago-based production One City Films. His previous credits included F*** You Hair, The Calling, and A Regional Taste.
A Tiny Ripple of Hope is now streaming at the Slamdance Film Festival until February 25. Visit www.slamdance.com for ticketing information.
Watch the exclusive interview below. Let us know what you think.
Source: LRM Online Exclusive, One City Films