Mean Streets

Jersey-bred director debuts her doc in Gotham

 

Former police captain turned award-winning filmmaker D.R. Hernandez debuts her latest film “Newark Street Preachers” at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival on Sept. 20 at 4pm at Village East Cinema. Show Business had the pleasure of catching up with her to hear more about her new life as a filmmaker.

 

Show Business: Tell me about “Newark Street Preachers.”

 

D.R. Hernandez: It’s a documentary that explores a grassroots faith-based movement in Newark, New Jersey — a movement that is spiritually committed to stopping the gang warfare that plague this urban community. Featured in this film are four Newark pastors, known as “street preachers,” who are living their lives in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., marching and preaching for non-violence and determined to motivate their community to carry on in Dr. King's name.

 

SB: What was the catalyst for your film?

 

D.R. H: I was born and raised in Newark. Last August I was appalled that four college teenagers were shot at point-blank range, three of them murdered as they listened to music behind a school. I wanted to call attention to the soaring gang and street violence in Newark. The following month I received an email asking me to participate in a Newark march to “Take Back the Streets for Jesus.” I brought my HDV hand-held camera along and shot footage of the entire march. Afterwards, I met several Newark Pastors and began videotaping them as they marched, preached and motivated their congregations to be God’s street soldiers in the war against street violence.

 

SB: Has your film received any interest from distributors or film festival programmers.

                                                                                

D.R. H: “Newark Street Preaches” will make its worldwide premiere during the 2008 NYIIFVF. At this time, I have not approached other film festival programmers other than the NYIIFVF. I respect the ethos of the NYIIFVF in that they provide a great platform for filmmakers to showcase your work. Currently, ITN Distribution in Las Vegas is interested in the film. I remain open to discussions with other distributors interested in my film projects.

 

SB: Tell me what inspires you to make a film.

 

D.R. H: I am inspired by real-life stories that speak about survivorship, especially thought-provoking topics that discuss what motivates the human psyche to move forward and survive insurmountable life circumstances. True crime and police stories inspire me the most.

 

SB: Has your career as a veteran police officer positively impacted your film career?

 

D.R. H: I spent my entire police career working in the Patrol Division, retiring as a police captain in 2007. I am streetwise and I've seen it all during my 26 years of police service. I interacted with the public at every level possible, most times under the worst of circumstances. I grew up in a tough city and handled tough police calls. I know how to investigate an incident, write about it and testify to it in court. I put my extensive police experience into directing and producing my films.

 

SB: What's next for Blue Force Films?

 

D.R. H: Finances are always tight for independent filmmakers. I am seeking a distributor for “Newark Street Preachers” as well my other film projects. I just completed a short film called “Street Justice-The Hood Ain’t Pretty.” I have two films in post-production: “Fallen Blue Angels” and “Stick It.”. My film production company's website is www.blueforcefilms.com.