Documentary films Beating the streets, Aboriginal teens turn their lives around.

Beating the Streets

A National Film Board of Canada/Lorna Thomas Productions
CO-production.

Ordering information

Beating the Streets -
A NFB/ LTP CO-production.
Directed by Lorna Thomas.
Exposes the poverty, racism and violence that drive kids onto the street,
in a positive and optimistic story of survival and beating the odds.

Running Time- 48 minutes
Format- VHS NTSC (North America only)
In the US, Caribbean
$60.00 (U.S.Funds)
+ shipping and handling.
Contact Lorna Thomas
For sales in Canada and the rest of the world (excluding the U.S.) contact the National Film Board of Canada at
1-800-267-7710
or go to the NFB website at
www.nfb.ca

"Beating the streets" traces six years in the lives of Marilyn Brighteyes, and Lance Marty, two inner-city Aboriginal teenagers struggling to turn their lives around. And it is the story of Joe Cloutier, the teacher and former dropout determined to help them.
In "Beating the streets", Marilyn and Lance candidly discuss the abuse and violence that drove them into prostitution and drug dealing. The film also introduces Joe's innovative approach, combining alternative education and popular theater as a way to get young people off the streets.
The film begins in 1986, when Joe creates the Inner City Drama Association (ICDA) for teens like Marilyn and Lance. They participate in theater workshops led by actors like Tantoo Cardinal (Dances with Wolves) and their plays explore important issues like substance abuse, family violence, suicide and racism. Performances lead to discussions with the audience in an effort to seek healthy solutions.
Then, in 1993, Lance encourages Joe to take on the immense challenge of opening an alternative school -Inner City High- for teens at risk. We witness a remarkable transformation in Lance and Marilyn as they become leaders at the school.

Narrated by Tom Jackson (North of 60)
Director: Lorna Thomas
Producers: Lorna Thomas (Lorna Thomas Productions Inc.),
Jerry Krepakevich (NFB)

48 minutes. NFB Order number: C9198 025
Produced by Lorna Thomas Productions Inc., in CO-production with the National Film Board of Canada, with the assistance of Heritage Canada, Alberta Foundation for the Performing Arts, Health Canada, CBC Alberta, Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta, Native Counseling Services of Alberta and Alberta Community Development

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