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Deep Dive: The Hard Stop (2016)

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The Hard Stop
The Hard Stop is a documentary about the aftermath of Mark Duggan's death, a young black man shot by the Metropolitan Police in Tottenham, London, in 2011. The film follows the lives of Duggan's childhood friends, Marcus Knox-Hooke and Kurtis Henville, over a two-year period, capturing the social environment of Broadwater Farm, an estate known for its history of police tensions. The film begins with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. and aims to provide context to the riots that erupted following Duggan's death. The narrative shifts focus when Knox-Hooke is imprisoned, leading the filmmakers to concentrate on Henville's life. The film is based on over 130 hours of footage, emphasizing the emotional experiences of the subjects rather than adhering to a traditional investigative format. The documentary ends without resolution, reflecting on systemic issues surrounding police violence and societal cycles of power and resentment.

Why Watch

  • •Follow Marcus Knox-Hooke's life after the riots.
  • •See the impact of Mark Duggan's death on his community.
  • •Meet Kurtis Henville and understand his home life.

Did You Know

•Mark Duggan was shot by police during a 'hard stop' in 2011.
•The film had its world premiere on 14 September 2015 at the Toronto International Film Festival.
•Marcus Knox-Hooke was sentenced to 32 months in prison for offences unrelated to the riots.
•The film was nominated for a BAFTA in 2017 for Best debut by a British writer, director or producer.

Perfect For

Police violenceLondon riotsSocial justice