23rd & Union
Runtime: 40 minutes
Release Date: 2011
Written, Directed and Edited: Rafael Flores
“23rd & Union” is a docu-drama that weaves real interviews with fictional characters to investigate the 2008 murder of Degene Berecha in the popular Seattle restaurant “Philadelphia Cheese-Steak”. The director was a friend of the victim and shares mutual acquaintances with the convicted murderer. He completed interviews with a wide range of people familiar with each man to help interpret the circumstances that led to the shooting. The film is an ADAPTED story and is used as a vehicle to discuss gentrification and the tension between young African-American men, Ethiopian immigrants and gay couples in Seattle’s Central District.
Awards & Screenings:
Best Local Filmmaker Award – 2011 International Seattle Black Film Festival
Official Selection – 2011 Golden Lion Film Festival (Swaziland, Africa)
Official Selection – 2011 San Francisco International Black Film Festival
Official Selection – 2011 International Black Film Festival of Nashville
Official Selection – 2011 Bush Fire International Festival of the Arts (Africa)
Official Selection – 2011 Urban-Suburban Film Festival
Reviews & Links:
http://www.centraldistrictnews.com/2011/02/11/take-a-peek-at-the-23rd-union-docu-drama-trailer
http://madronaseattle.com/2011/02/11/movie-being-made-about-central-district
