“Bilal’s Stand,” a feature film written and directed by U-M alumnus Sultan Sharrief that grew out of his work as a U-M student, will be presented in a screening at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Helmut Stern Auditorium followed by a talk-back session.
Based on a true story, Sharrief’s debut feature was showcased at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. Critics say “Bilal’s Stand” is freshly crafted and filled with heart and authenticity that transports audiences to a world rarely seen onscreen and heralds the arrival of its filmmaker as a new voice in American independent cinema. Sharrief will appear for a brief talk back after the screening.
The film tells the story of a black Muslim teen who works at his family’s taxi stand in Detroit. Bilal, who dreams of attending a top university, is forced to decide between keeping the stand alive and living the only life he has known, or taking a shot at social mobility — all while dealing with a dysfunctional family.
The film, which grew from a Community Filmmaking class, was made as part of the Student Encouraging the Filmmaking Experience, a partnership between local artists, U-M students and metro Detroit high school students. “Bilal’s Stand” was shot in and around Detroit, with the help of community volunteers, businesses and students.
At 19, Sharrief produced “The Spiral Project,” a 35mm feature film nominated for an MTV Movie Award, according to the “Bilal’s Stand” website.
For more information go to www.bilalsstand.com.
