Kev Epps talkin’ about his new film ‘Solutions Not Suspensions’

by JR Valrey

Frisco filmmaker Kevin Epps is at it again with his weapon of choice, his camera. This time, the “Straight Outta Hunters Point” filmmaker just released his new film, “Solutions Not Suspensions,” which takes a look at who is being suspended from the San Francisco Unified School District and under what circumstance.

He is taking a stand on an issue that does not get a lot of attention in our community. People, at the end of the day, have to stand for something or fall for anything. What is more worthy than standing up for our youth and against the issues they are facing? Check out Kev Epps in his own words.

Coleman-Advocates-Presents-Solutions-Not-Suspensions-directed-by-Kevin-Epps-web, Kev Epps talkin’ about his new film ‘Solutions Not Suspensions’, Culture Currents

M.O.I. JR: Can you tell the people about your latest film? How did you come up with the concept?

Kev Epps: “Solutions Not Suspensions” is a film examining education and the disturbing systemic school-to-prison pipeline and how restorative justice and restorative practices can make a difference. This film project was inspired by the community-led campaign to shed light on this injustice.

M.O.I. JR: Why is it important to look at school suspensions as more than just a behavioral issue?

Kev Epps: It’s critically important. We hold schools in high regard and they generally suspend, expel, incarcerate and criminalize our Black and Brown kids, especially young Black males. Black kids make up more than 50 percent of school suspensions, yet they make up less than 10 percent of the school population in the San Francisco Unified School District.

M.O.I. JR: Is there a connection between suspensions and incarceration?

Kev Epps: Direct connection. Our young people are being labeled as criminals early and pushed into the criminal justice system by the school system.

Kevin-Epps-in-Hunters-Point-web-300x224, Kev Epps talkin’ about his new film ‘Solutions Not Suspensions’, Culture Currents
Kevin Epps on his home turf in Hunters Point

M.O.I. JR: How do you plan to promote this film?

Kev Epps: Film festivals, community screenings, social media, and other channels and outlets.

M.O.I. JR: How long did it take to create this film?

Kev Epps: It took 18 months. With Coleman Advocates, we followed the youth- and community-led campaign to address this injustice.

M.O.I. JR: What is next for your career?

Kev Epps: I just released “Straight Outta Hunters Point 2” on DVD finally, and I recently launched filmbread.com, a tech startup crowdfunding platform for filmmakers, producers, aspiring filmmakers and visual artists to raise money and resources for projects.

M.O.I. JR: How do people keep up with you online?

Kev Epps: www.kevepps.com, www.filmbread.com

The People’s Minister of Information JR Valrey is associate editor of the Bay View, author of “Block Reportin’” and “Unfinished Business: Block Reportin’ 2” and filmmaker of “Operation Small Axe” and “Block Reportin’ 101,” available, along with many more interviews, at www.blockreportradio.com. He can be reached at blockreportradio@gmail.com.