The Cave of Adullam – World Premiere at 2022 Tribeca Festival 2022
Reported by: Lakisa Renee
The documentary film, ‘The Cave of Adullam’, premiered this June at the 2022 Tribeca Festival. Borrowing its name from the fortified stronghold referenced in the Old Testament where David and his followers hid from King Saul, the film explores the concept of masculinity through the lens of young men during their foray into adulthood.
The film centres on The Cave of Adullam Transformational Training Academy (The CATTA) in Detroit, Michigan, run by Jason Wilson, a pioneering figure in the youth development space. The centre offers young men the opportunity to foster discipline and emotional expression by engaging with martial arts and meditation practices. The metaphorical cave becomes the setting for the journey of these male youths who inevitably emerge better for their time in refuge together.
Throughout the documentary, Wilson mentors four young men, Tamarkus, Gabe, Daniel, and Kevin, through the process of understanding their masculinity over the course of a few months in 2019 – he shows them a new way to move past their trauma and live in integrity with their true selves. Referencing iconic abolitionist leader of the 1850s, Frederick Douglass, Wilson explains, ‘It’s easier to raise boys than repair broken men. It was imperative for me to create a space where boys could feel safe, where they can really express what’s going on, their toxic thoughts, and emotional wounds before they do something detrimental.’
The film has been masterfully directed by talented documentarian and Academy Award and Emmy nominated filmmaker, Laura Checkoway, alongside internationally renowned actor, Laurence Fishburne in the role of Executive Producer. Checkoway captures the essence of Detroit as the backdrop to this story through the cinematography of Greg Harriott and Mike Doyle, painting a different picture to the crime ravaged city of Detroit that is often portrayed onscreen. Her work also tackles ideas that could have been perceived as too dark and heavy, yet still manages to weave a tale with hope at its core. The documentary positions itself as an initiator for meaningful conversation around the personal work necessary to master our mind, body, and emotions as an antidote to our trauma. After the premiere of the documentary at the Tribeca Festival, Whoopi Goldberg moderated a post-screening Q&A.
The film has been masterfully directed by talented documentarian and Academy Award and Emmy nominated filmmaker, Laura Checkoway, alongside internationally renowned actor, Laurence Fishburne in the role of Executive Producer. Checkoway captures the essence of Detroit as the backdrop to this story through the cinematography of Greg Harriott and Mike Doyle, painting a different picture to the crime ravaged city of Detroit that is often portrayed onscreen. Her work also tackles ideas that could have been perceived as too dark and heavy, yet still manages to weave a tale with hope at its core. The documentary positions itself as an initiator for meaningful conversation around the personal work necessary to master our mind, body, and emotions as an antidote to our trauma. After the premiere of the documentary at the Tribeca Festival, Whoopi Goldberg moderated a post-screening Q&A.
‘The Cave of Adullam’ is a story of truth – it offers viewers a rare glimpse into the power that guidance and mentorship can have on our youth, whilst navigating the highs and lows of the masculine teenage journey. A documentary film worth investing your time – it will unpack the beauty that exists in watching others rewrite their life narrative for the better.
For more information visit: https://tribecafilm.com/films/cave-of-adullam-2022
Follow the director Laura Checkoway at: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5323949/
Social information: https://www.instagram.com/cave313/
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