The Class -

During the spring of 2006, 12 U-M students enrolled in a Community Filmmaking course through the Screen Arts and Culture Department. The class, team-taught by Terri Sarris and Sultan Sharrief, incorporated other professors and professionals from the film industry including Jim Burnstein, Rob Hess, Steve Kopera, and Janet Maylie. Also incorporated into the class were area high school students selected for their interest and enthusiasm for filmmaking, and the lack of film courses in their home schools. All students participated in discussions, hands-on film assignments, and community outreach to build support for the project. This included location scouting, speaking with vendors, and recruiting support and sponsorship from area businesses.

The Crew -

From July-August of 2006 a student and community crew, supplemented with select professional crew members, shot the feature film on location in Ann Arbor, metro-Detroit, Bay City, and surrounding areas. The project involved over 260 people both on and off camera. The majority of the roughly 30 person crew was comprised of qualified U-M students, many of whom had participated in the class. These students not only performed the duties of a professional film crew, but also served as mentors to participating high school students. We strongly believe that the collaboration of students from different backgrounds offered a diverse and informed perspective on several aspects of the film.

On camera the cast was comprised of actors all hailing from southeast Michigan including Julian Gant, Angela King, Sabrina Quinn, Angela Roberts, and Charles Usztics. Some of these actors had over 15 years of experience, while others were making their acting debut. Additionally, hundreds of community members came out to participate as extras, show their support, and learn about the filmmaking process.

The Film -

The script for Bilal’s Stand was written by U-M alumn Sultan Sharrief, and is based loosely on Sultan’s real-life experience. The film focuses on the life of an inner city high school senior – Bilal - and his family’s long-owned taxi stand. “The Stand,” as they call it, has been the source of all activity and money for the family for the last sixty years, and it seems as if Bilal is about to carry the torch. But after secretly submitting a college application and taking up ice carving in order to win a scholarship, he is forced to decide whether to continue working at The Stand, or pursue a higher education and personal empowerment. The film embodies the themes of social mobility vs. community abandonment, while confronting issues of class, race, and public and personal responsibility. In both content and form, the film addresses issues faced by high school students from economically depressed communities.

Post Production -

Although the camera is no longer rolling, work is still being done to make this project a success. In addition to editing and planning for distribution, we are also in the process of collaborating with community youth and independent musicians to produce the score and soundtrack. Although we are hoping to premiere the film in the spring of 2007, this will only happen with your support.