The Cave of Adullam

Documentary Competition

World Premiere

FEATURE | United States | 94 MINUTES | English |

THE CAVE OF ADULLAM

Drama, Biography, Sports

At Jason Wilson’s martial arts academy in Detroit, the students’ emotional well-being is prioritized over athletic prowess. Here, these young Black boys are given the rare and invaluable experience of being seen and cared for as the vulnerable beings they are. Over several months, this documentary follows Tamarkus, Gabe, Daniel, and Kevin as they courageously confront their inner demons. Jason is more than just a martial arts sensei to these fragile tween boys who are silently suffering an array of hurts and fears and guides them to course correct at a crucial juncture where their trauma might otherwise calcify into darker behavior. Living out his mantra “it's easier to raise boys than repair broken men,” Jason teaches emotional intelligence instead of discipline, setting these children on a path to become whole and healthy adults.
In this tender documentary, Oscar-nominated documentarian Laura Checkoway presents a rarely seen methodology of raising healthy young men, weaving intimate verité footage into emotionally profound scenes. Devoid of melodrama, this film is a gift from scene one onward. Executive produced by Laurence Fishburne and told with warmth, impressive access and touches of humor, this heartwarming film is a beautiful testament to the healing power of love.--Karen McMullen

Part of the Juneteenth programming. Sponsored by:


CAST & CREDITS

Directed by Laura Checkoway

Laura Checkoway is an Academy Award® and Emmy® nominated filmmaker. Her film Edith+Eddie won the IDA Documentary Awards Best Short. Her award-winning debut film Lucky premiered in 2014.

Director
Laura Checkoway
Producer
Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland, Roy Bank, Joe Plummer, Laura Checkoway, Jenifer Westphal
Cinematographer
Greg Harriott, Mike Doyle
Composer
Bleeding Fingers
Editor
Christopher McGlynn
Executive Producer
Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland, Jenifer Westphal, Roy Bank
Associate Producer
Melissa Gelineau, Jaimi Cooks
Co-Producer
Jason Wilson, Audrey Kendrick, Lev Abramoff, Taylor Wildenhaus
Cast
Jason Wilson, Kevin L. Collins Jr., Gabriel Davenport, Daniel White, Tamarkus Williams

CONTACTS

US Sales Contact
Amanda Lebow
Creative Artists Agency
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: 424 288 2000
amanda.lebow@caa.com
International Sales Contact
Amanda Lebow
Creative Artists Agency
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: 424 288 2000
amanda.lebow@caa.com
Print Source
Taylor Wildenhaus
Wavelength
Brooklyn, NY 11205
Phone: 314 610 0475
taylor@wavelengthproductions.com
Print Source
Jaimi Cooks
Wavelength
Astoria, New York 11105
Phone: n/a
jaimi@wavelengthproductions.com