Synopsis: Told from the viewpoints and perspectives of protestors on different sides, this raw, sprawling account of a movement for change is visually explored when the murder of George Floyd sparks worldwide protests against a global pandemic and a contentious US election season in 2020.
Process Message of ‘The People United’
Featuring over fifty (50) on-the-spot remarks, actions, and interviews from activists, politicians, and fringe groups on different political and ideological sides during several notable public demonstrations, The People United shines a light onto the of reasoning “Why” everyday individuals have chosen to march and protest against the troughs of a global pandemic, to demand change and accountability in the wake of the murder/death of George Floyd. This film takes us through the trepidation, the fears, the pride and love of people, standing up for what is ‘right.’
We wish to provide an answer as to ‘Why Black Lives Matter? Why All Lives Matter? And why must it be now to act, when it hasn’t been a priority to do so, for so long? Through the lens of our camera, this is the story of the people. The People, United!
Director’s Statement: Crosby Tatum
Executive Producer/Director – The People, United!
The People United is a cinematic diary-style documentary, highlighting the demonstrations, actions, and events after the murder of George Floyd. Shot in a sprawling yet cinematic fashion, this documentary covers the viewpoints of protestors, on differing sides, against the throes of a global pandemic, social and racial unrest, and a very contentious US general election season.
As a person of color, working at a hospital during the 1st wave of the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd deeply affected me in a way where the trauma of the murder, coupled with viewing patients being carted off in morgue carts, and the raw visuals of people risking their lives to protest on live TV, pushed me to pick up my own camera and use my gifts of storytelling to document the people demands for equality & change, despite reactions and comments from those of differing views and elected officials.
From “on-the-spot” interviews, remarks, and actions from groups on the “left” and “right,” The People, United is a unique looking glass into how different our lives were during the worst pandemic in a hundred years, while providing inspiration and hope to future generations who call for equality, fairness, and justice for their fellow man.
The People, United!
Executive Producer/Director – Crosby Tatum
Producers – Crosby Tatum, Tressa Epps
Featuring featured remarks from: Family members of George Floyd (Angela Harrelson), Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Ernst Jean-Jacques (Shimmy), Monica Cannon-Grant, Rod Webber, Lauren Pepisa, ,Jacob Blake Sr., Family members of Trayvon Martin, Terrence Coleman, Eurie Stamps Sr., Ashawn Dabney-Small, and others.