Generation Lockdown
Sirad Balducci
United States, 2019, 17 min.
In English.
AIFF Award Winner:
Best Dramatic Short
Generation Lockdown is a 15 minute narrative short film, seen through the eyes of an eleven -year old boy as he tries to save his friend's life during an active shooter attack in his school. This film is based on a short story by Caleb, a 6th grader from a middle school in Teaneck, NJ. This film examines the effects of the gun epidemic and the silent psychological trauma it's having on our children.
Director's Statement
Generation Lockdown is a film born from a combination of terrifying events that came crashing together. The tragedies of school shootings are personal attacks on our collective freedoms to live in a safe society. Those that suffer the most are the children we are supposed to protect. These routine safety drills train our youngsters to protect themselves from being massacred in school, which, is unconscionable. Yet, the grim reality if that they are necessary in the world we live in today. As a mother, I've become passionate about shining a light on the emotional toll the gun epidemic is having on our country's children. I've always made films that shed light on difficult subjects and it's important to me to bring underrepresented voices to life. I hope to continue to build emotional connections with audiences and help impact the world in a positive way.
Category: Drama, Award Winner, Best of Fest.
Themes: Gun Culture, Youth.
