Synopsis

A two hour documentary, Boys Become Men will complete a trilogy of films on urban teenage boys that began with Hoop Dreams. Most documentaries only present social problems; Boys Become Men will present solutions: it will be the definitive dramatic movie on the need to resurrect conscious initiation of teen boys in our time. The film will feature families and rites of passage from different traditions – Christian, Native American, Jewish, secular, and Muslim – making the point that ALL traditions, old and new, have valuable, much needed initiations to offer their boys. Having seen real-life teenage boys slay their personal dragons, having seen their adult mentors tested but unfailing and true, the broad audience of both teens and adults will rejoice in the film’s closing celebrations, with a profound sense of hope that we can and will change our society through the myriad forms of male teen initiation and mentorship.