Broken Stories is an abstract narrative constructed from the lives of contemporary black men, presenting the parallels and intersections of our existence as individuals.- Artemus Jenkins
On Friday, December 22nd, renowned artist Miya Bailey (IG: @miyabailey) and skillful filmmaker Artemus Jenkins (IG: @artemusjenkins) released the much anticipated short film, Broken Stories. Broken Stories started as Miya's solo art exhibit exploring the good and bad of his childhood memories while growing up in the projects of Asheville, NC.
by Artemus Jenkins
I've known Miya for a few years now and one thing that I know about him is that he NEVER forgets where he came from. If you look closely you'll see "828", Asheville's area code, tattooed on his hand. Miya epitomizes Drake's song Started from the Bottom, Now We Here! A man who knows and embraces his flaws, a man damaged from life experiences, a man with a quick temper but ultimately a man determined to make a positive impact in his community of Asheville and Atlanta. Miya, known to normally keep his personal life off limits, decides to switch it up and share more of his story with the people, something he's never done before.
Broken Stories was written AND directed by the talented Artemus Jenkins and let me tell ya'll it was so BEAUTIFULLY captured. The transitions, the soul and ambience of the film, the artistry definitely did not go unnoticed. Not only that, Jaye Price and Spree Wilson(@stagolee17 and @spreewilson) KILLED the musical score with that smooth and soulful jazz! *I need that soundtrack please!*
The film took place from 1996, showcasing young thuggin' Miya with the locs spending time with some his close friends and family, to present day 2017. Their were appearances from Miya's father, the late great Michael Logan, his son, his daughters, and his mom. I felt like I was in a time machine, to see a person in such a different setting than you've ever seen them before is quite mind blowing.
It was such a touching moment to see three generations of men (Miya, his father, and his son) sitting together listening to each other, sharing smiles, laughter and love. It was refreshing to see black men in such a positive light.
courtesy of Miya Bailey
The brought such a nostalgic feeling to me. It made me reminiscence and think about my grandmother, Luella or SuperLue as she liked to be called. My grandmother was always the one snapping pictures or recording home videos on her camcorder. She was the one in the family that documented and kept EVERYTHING! Watching Broken Stories made me realize how important it is to document those moments in a person's life, to immortalize them, and to continue to tell your story for generations to come. Miya immortalized his father. That to me is one of the greatest gifts a child can give to their parent.
By the end of the movie I shed a tear. *only one tear because thugs don't cry!* It was overall a beautiful piece of art and I can watch this film many times to come and will highly recommend it to others. It was so good I thought I was watching it on TV! *Netflix, Viceland, BBC, HBO, all ya'll docu-series shows need to pick this thang up*
So I ran out of stuff to say per usual, so without further a due if you haven't checked out the film already here's your chance!
Peace and blessings,
Shon