Pure Soul Magazine had the pleasure of attending the MIST Cinema in Harlem, NY for a private screening of The Boiling Pot. It is an independent effort from director Ibrahim Ashmawey that attempts to provoke its viewers into confronting the privately practiced yet publicly dismissed issue of racism. It sets out to provide a wake up call to the slumbering masses and a slap in the face to those who are simply in denial.
We are not aiming to give away any spoilers or summarize the plot. The only proper way to review this film would be describing the thoughts and emotions it invokes: apathy, empathy, sympathy and then sadness. Last and most important of these feelings is the necessity to act and make a change.
This film is reminiscent of Higher Learning and American History X but clearly stands on its own feet. It focuses on the ill-perceptions from and towards all communities in America, which fuels this country’s violent undertone.
The directing was up to par and very effective in creating an overall mood of unpredictability. There were many first time actors yet you didn’t get that after school special taste in your mouth. It was filled with very promising talent as well as great performances from such seasoned actors as Louis Gossett Jr., Danielle Fishel, Emmet Walsh, and Keith David, just to mention a few.
We hope this film will find its rightful place in the theaters and it’s mission accomplished as well as acknowledged.
Here is a glimpse of attendees and more.
