FIVE STAR Dramatizes and Humanizes the Life of a Gang Leader

FIVE STAR tells a story of gangs, growing up, and the search for direction and connection in Brooklyn, shared with us direct from filmmakers James “Primo” Grant, John Diaz and writer/director Keith Miller. With Grant’s own time as a “Five Star General” in the Blood street gang of Brooklyn serving to inform the story that is captured onscreen, we explore the humanity and overlooked aspects of gang members and young people in the hood, in this Lip News Interview, hosted by Nik Zecevic.

Guest Bio

FIVE STAR is inspired by a true story with a New York backdrop, the film stars James “Primo” Grant and John Diaz and was written and directed by Keith Miller.

A member of the notorious Bloods since he was 12 years old – both in the film and in real life — Primo takes John, the son of his slain mentor, under his wing, versing him in the code of the streets. Set in East New York, FIVE STAR blends documentary and fictional storytelling as director Keith Miller carefully avoids worn clichés of gang culture to offer a compelling portrait of two men forced to confront the question of what it really means to be a man.

The film explores Primo’s life - raised by the Bloods at an early age to becoming a man and realizing the importance of family and what it really means to find acceptance and redemption.

FIVE STAR is available now on iTunes.

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Episode Breakdown

00:01 Welcoming James “Primo” Grant, John Diaz and writer/director Keith Miller of FIVE STAR.

00:55 How much was drawn from real experience as a Blood in Brooklyn?

02:19 Why name the film FIVE STAR.

03:12 The decision to focus on characters and he sides you don’t normally see of gang members.

05:50 Bringing an uncomfortable reality to the screen.

09:07 Memorable scenes and writing during the filming.

10:51 For those who misunderstand the life.

13:00 Reaction from other gang members.

13:57 Thanks and Goodbye.

Guest Bio

FIVE STAR is inspired by a true story with a New York backdrop, the film stars James “Primo” Grant and John Diaz and was written and directed by Keith Miller.

The film explores Primo’s life - raised by the Bloods at an early age to becoming a man and realizing the importance of family and what it really means to find acceptance and redemption.

FIVE STAR is available now on iTunes.