Shaw Boyz: "They always mention Tony Hawk..."
Question: Who do you think of when you think of skateboarding?
Shaw Boy: “They always mention Tony Hawk, it's not only Tony Hawk. It's the people right behind me, it’s the man over there… It’s multicultural it's not just for one person. It's for everybody.”
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Shaw Boyz is a short documentary following a group of young teens as they navigate a rapidly gentrifying environment in the historical Shaw neighborhood. Exploring culture, gentrification, community, and how it all ties to the creation of DC’s first public skate park, Shaw Boyz is a delve into the organic ways marginalized communities heal one another through third places.
Producing, Cinematography & Editing by
Paul A. Notice II
Executive Producer
Joshua Lopez
DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment
Shaw Boyz | DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment
June 2017 - December 2019 | Washington, DC and New York, NY | Short Documentary | Producer, Director, Voiceover Talent, Director of Photography, Editor
A short documentary that follows a group of young teens as they navigate a rapidly gentrifying environment in the historical Shaw neighborhood. It's about culture, gentrification, friendship, and music with moments of Black Boy Joy and wonders. (Runtime: 20:25)
Trailer: Shaw Boyz | The Rebirth of DC's Black Skaters
Teaser Part 1: Shaw Boyz | The Story Behind DC's 1st Skate Park
Teaser Part 2: Shaw Boyz | “Way Back."
Bonus 1: Shaw Boyz | "Talk With Your Feet Not Your Mouth"
Bonus 2: Shaw Boyz | Clutch | Beginnings
2019 Official Selection of Independent Shorts Awards for Best Documentary
2019 ISA Bronze Award for Best New Web & Media
Official Selection of 2021 Flickfair
Semi-Finalist of 2023 Sensei Film Festival