The Muddy Lions cast with director Praheme on the set of "Troop 491: Adventures of the Muddy Lions."It’s Official! "Troop 491: The Adventures of the Muddy Lions" directed by Patrick “Praheme” Ricks is screening in Atlanta, GA this month at the 5th Annual BronzeLens Film Festival.
For those who are unfamiliar with this movie, it is a family adventure about an artistic middle school student whose mother signs him up for the Boy Scouts, to keep him out of trouble. After witnessing a murder, he must decide whether to follow the “no snitching” code of the streets or the code of the scouts. He quickly learns that doing the right thing isn’t easy.
I’ve covered this film several times because not only do I like it (I’ve watched it a number of times, in various settings and enjoyed every single viewing), I also know for a fact that many parents and youth could benefit from watching this movie. Having been present during a post-screening Q&A session of this film where people from all walks of life thanked director Patrick “Praheme” Ricks for making this movie, there are many reasons you should watch it; more than I can name right now but let’s start with a few good ones (in no particular order).
- It has a gritty story that takes viewers through a myriad of emotions, inciting laughter, fear, disappointment, anger and joy before coming to a surprising conclusion.
- Troop 491 boasts a hip movie soundtrack that the whole family can enjoy.
- The movie provides an antidote to the stereotypical images of inner city youth – and their parents – that are often portrayed in more mainstream films.
- There are uplifting messages of people exercising strength, honesty and faith while facing adversity.
- It contains adult characters who take personal responsibility and interest in steering youth in a constructive direction.
- Troop 491 shows the harsh realities of how the witness intimidation that runs rampant throughout inner cities has neither an age requirement nor any boundaries.
If you or someone you know is in the Atlanta area, I encourage you to go check out this movie.
Troop 491: The Adventures of the Muddy Lions is playing Saturday, October 25th, 11:00am (EST) at the Georgia Pacific Auditorium in Atlanta, GA. This screening is hosted by the BronzeLens Film Festival.