Romeo Is Bleeding

Name: Romeo Is Bleeding
Director: Jason Zeldes
Released: 2015

Jason Zeldes 2015

ROMEO IS BLEEDING is a documentary film following Donté Clark, a young poet in Richmond, CA, a community that struggles with gun violence stemming from a turf war spanning across multiple generations.
Donté transcends the violence in his hometown by writing poetry about his experiences. Using his voice to inspire those around him, he co-founded an arts organization called RAW Talent, where like-minded youth from both sides of Richmond mount Te’s Harmony, an urban adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, with the hope of starting a meaningful dialogue about violence in the city.

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Running Time:

93 min.

Spoken Languages:

English

Directors:

Jason Zeldes

Producers:

Michael Klein

Press

KQED

“The audience experiences Richmond through Donté’s eyes, watching his efforts to transform the grief and pain of a turf war into a more hopeful future through the optimism of his artistry.”
Huffington Post

“Clark's experiences as a playwright and young man in Richmond are the subject of a documentary by LA-based filmmaker Jason Zeldes. Zeldes began shooting August 6, the day of the Chevron Refinery explosion. The Kickstarter-funded documentary is titled "Romeo Is Bleeding."
Aspen Times

“The film offers a visceral portrait of a desperate community and the power of art to transform lives.”
The Hollywood Reporter

“Jason Zeldes, an editor on Twenty Feet from Stardom, makes an accomplished debut as director here, delivering a film whose polished aesthetic matches its social import and potent emotions. It will be a standout on the fest circuit and deserves some big-screen time before moving to video.”
Reely Dope

“As the film works to show you the deep hurt and tragedy embedded in the city, it also works to show both hope and healing truths in reality.”
On Milwaukee

“The documentary is beautifully shot and both hopeful as well as heartbreaking.”
Berkeley Daily Planet

“Romeo Is Bleeding, one of the many outstanding offerings at the upcoming San Francisco International Film Festival, is intended to take viewers on an unforgettable journey into the beating, emotional core of urban America. It delivers.”
San Francisco Bay View

“Masterfully told cinematic story”
Indiewire

“Romeo Is Bleeding” was not at all what I expected. Though moving and compelling, there are just as many moments in the film that will gut you… It's a film about laws, loss and heartbreak, but also one of optimistic inspiration and new beginnings.”

Festival Participation

San Francisco International Film Festival
Audience Award
Aspen Film Festival
Audience Award
Cleveland International Film Festival
Rooftop Films Summer Series
Portland Film Festival
Heartland Film Festival

Additional Materials

Distribution Company

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