Original Gangsters. Can they break the cycle?

OG4LIFE

Award-winning filmmaker Janey Ayoade, has worked in the UK Television & Film Industry for over 15 years and has a keen eye for political & social issue narratives. Janey’s ability to unearth stories that connect with people beyond the borders of the UK was honed in mainstream current affairs and documentaries. Troubled by the perpetual violence against black bodies and disturbed by the youth emulating gangster life in Los Angeles, Janey gained exclusive access to three OG lifers from one of LA’s most violent Blood gang sects to make this compelling feature length documentary.

Bobby, Sam and Charles have served sentences totalling 101 years, for murdering a rival Crip gang member. Now back on the block, all three struggle to reconcile their new lives with their pasts. Can they break the cycle of five decades of violence?

Now in their 50s, these former lifers reflect on their childhoods, crimes & community, and offer an authentic portrayal through the lens of those who lived to tell the tale.

OG 4 Life is an observational and harrowing film where remorse & redemption may not be enough to heal old wounds.

Why this documentary?

As we know, the youth in the UK are fascinated with American culture and despite the abundance of gang-related content, few films have been made featuring OGs talking candidly about their past, their experiences behind bars and their difficulties stepping back into a world that has changed since their incarceration.

OG4Life is candid, raw and emotive. It serves to educate and inform without judgement, whilst not shying away from the ugly underbelly of a desperate community left to its own devices, to find its way out through the haze of crack, violence and murder in the 1980s, through to reformed lifers giving back to the communities they left behind.

This is the first time the gang have spoken. They know it’s going to be painful. They also know that it will resonate with the majority of OG lifers around the world as their stories are similar.

How can you help?

Thus far, Janey has self-funded and despite her credentials, continues to fight to get this film made she believes that it is an important film and we would like to invite you to help support Janey by donating to the making of OG4life which will help ensure that the integrity of this film is maintained.

Black Seed Films & Contemporary TV are seeking your support to crowdfund, so we can complete OG4Life.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Thank you very much for your support.