Film Lens
For Ahkeem is a documentary that focuses on 17-year-old Daje Shelton from North St. Louis. The film captures her life experiences, including her relationship with her boyfriend Antonio, her struggles in school, and the birth of her son. Daje's narrative is presented through a combination of voice-over narration and direct footage of her daily life, providing an intimate look at her circumstances.
The film was shot over a two-year period, coinciding with significant events such as the shooting of Michael Brown and the Ferguson protests. Directed by Landon Van Soest and Jeremy S. Levine, For Ahkeem premiered at the 2017 Berlin Film Festival and has received critical acclaim, evidenced by its 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Why Watch
- •Meet Daje Shelton, a North St. Louis teenager.
- •Follow Daje's life-changing experiences in school.
- •See the impact of the Ferguson protests on her community.
Did You Know
•For Ahkeem was filmed over two years, from 2015 to 2017.
•Daje Shelton was forced to switch to an alternative school after fighting.
•The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2017.
•Daje becomes pregnant with her son, Ahkeem, during the film.
Perfect For
Teenage life storiesSocial justice issuesDocumentary film enthusiasts