Making her feature film directorial debut, award-winning actress Nicki Micheaux helms ‘Summer of Violence’ an independent film set in Denver in 1993, and inspired by the true events where over 70 homicides were committed in the city of Denver.
The film starring Kasey Inez, Jahking Guillory, Pedro Correa, Damon Gupton, Madhulika Krishnan, and Stelio Savante, follows a young woman navigating through life and following her passion for poetry.
Summer of Violence screened at the 2023 Austin Film Festival, 2023 Tallgrass International Film Festival where it won the Outstanding First Feature award, and the DTLA Film Festival where it won the Best Picture award.
Release Date
Directed by Nicki Micheaux, ‘Summer of Violence’ opens in select US theaters on September 27, 2024.
Synopsis
In the turbulent summer of 1993, Denver was rocked by a wave of violent crimes, forever remembered as the “Summer of Violence.” Against this backdrop, Naomi, a recent college graduate, defies her parents’ expectations by turning down law school to follow her passion for poetry. As she navigates a city gripped by fear, Naomi’s creativity becomes her lifeline to the community. But as the violence claims those she loves, she spirals into a battle for her own survival. “Summer of Violence” is a powerful story of resilience, loss, and the fight to find one’s voice amidst chaos.
Reviews
Rod Machen in an Austin Chronicle review praised the film, writing, “In the end, the poetry is still there. Micheaux wrote all of it herself, some from old journals and some for the film. While we can still see Naomi as a little naive in pursuit of her dream, she has pulled back from the self destruction that almost ruined everything. Maybe that’s enough.”
The Chichano Film Shelf also gave the film a positive review, writing, “Micheaux never shies away from how difficult it can be to find a purpose in a world so bent on destruction; but in the creative process, in organizing beside your fellow humans, she finds a way to show how, despite it all, life is such a delicate gift.”
Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer for ‘Summer of Violence.’