The Nickelodeon debuted a powerful documentary called "Whose Streets?" on the events surrounding the 2014 Brown v. Ferguson trial. The film is filled with interviews from those who witnessed the shooting of Michael Brown and from those who organized and participated in the peaceful protests against police brutality following the incident.
"Whose Streets?" not only illustrates the injustice of America’s police force regarding the protection of minorities, but paints a mural of brave individuals of all colors coming together to remind the public of the unifying words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, which outlines the undeniable rights of all peoples.
Though the film contains multiple segments of home videos, the lack of high-definition imaging does not take away from the overall impact. If anything, the videos make the incident more relatable, so that other communities can understand its direct effects on the residents of Ferguson. The scenes are eye-opening and heart-wrenching.
"Whose Streets?" does a wonderful job of portraying the aftermath of the Brown's death; however, the film rarely focuses on the events leading up to it, such as why the shooting occurred in the first place. A comprehensive description of the police’s reasoning behind the shooting would have added a nice finishing touch to the documentary.
What could be misinterpreted as a lack of focus regarding the multiple perspectives of "Whose Streets?" is actually what makes the film an appropriate portrayal of the community. The balance of news clips, social media posts and interviews with residents makes the film not only a disturbing reality, but also a privilege to watch.
This film was a part of The Nickelodeon’s "For the Record" series, which hosts select documentaries and after-film discussions each month.