A film that is sure to stir controversy on its release for a number of reasons, Gang Tapes has been described by several critics as The Blair Witch Project meets Boyz N the Hood. Director/co-writer Adam Ripp is a white filmmaker tackling the subject of gang life in Los Angeles, and while it seems certain some will view the movie as a great exercise in digital cinematography and creative storytelling, others may see it as exploitative.
The setup to get the plot rolling is rather clever. When a 13-year-old boy steals a video camera after a brutal carjacking, he begins to use it to digitally document his life and the lives of a group a gangbangers who welcome him into their midst. The film is reported to be rather graphic and violent and includes scenes of beatings, murder, sodomy and drive-by shootings, so it’s pretty clear that Gang Tapes is not for the squeamish.
Adding to the stark reality of the movie is the fact that none of the performers are true mainstream actors. Looking over the credits of the various cast members, only one is even vaguely recognizable with appearances as a regular cast member on MTV’s Undressed and a couple of guest stints on Angel. The soundtrack is pure, hardcore rap, which should provide a gritty parallel to the events that occur as the story unfolds.
Gang Tapes is currently set for a limited release in LA on August 14, 2002, with further expansion planned two weeks later. The film has already been featured at several festivals, including Cinequest, New York Underground, Urbanworld and Pan African, where it has played to generally positive response. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
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