DETROIT – A new film, by Detroit-bred filmmaker Earl Hardy, is taking a provocative, yet comedic, look at community and perceptions around streets named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in urban cities across the country.
“King Blvd” was shot on location in the City of Detroit.
Hardy, a Cass Tech graduate, is the film’s producer and director. He said the idea behind the film came to him during a job search in 2008. He and some friends got into a discussion about using MLK Boulevard on a resume. That sparked Hardy to look deeper into streets named after the civil rights icon across the country.
“I did the research,” Hardy explained. “I found that it’s not a coincidence. There are reasons. There are political reasons. Economic reasons. Racial reasons why that street is in the situation that it’s in.”
“King Blvd” centers around a guy named Joshua who’s having a hard time finding work, due to his address. The film follows Joshua’s mission to help change the perception of his street and the hurdles he faces along the way.
Hardy said the film is something anyone can connect to, especially if you have a passion for change.
“If we kind of start the process, if we kind of ignite the flame, others will come around,” Hardy explained.
Right now, Hardy and his team are preparing to premiere “King Blvd” during special screenings in Detroit. There will be two showings Saturday, June 15 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the University of Detroit Mercy – Ford Life Sciences Building. Tickets are still available here.