Mike B. Rollen, a local cinematographer, set out to make a film that measures the toll of urban violence. He took his camera into living rooms and funeral parlors to show that Kansas City's murder rate is more than just a number and a ribbon of police tape on the 10 o'clock news.
Rollen encountered a number of people whose family lives are haunted by street violence. "One lady in the film, her daughter's father was killed, her brother was killed, and when I interviewed her, it was two days after her son was killed," Rollen says. "All murdered in Kansas City. And all the those cases at the time were unsolved."
Rollen's documentary, Kansas City Murder Factory, will show on Monday at 7:45 p.m. at the Glenwood Arts during the Kansas International Film Festival.
"A big challenge that I wanted to do was go beyond the soundbite," says Rollen, who studied under Ben Meade at Avila University. Rollen is originally from St. Louis. He moved to the area six years ago to work as a producer at KMJK 107.3-FM.
The film takes its name from a January 2009 series in The Kansas City Star, which identified the 64130 zip code as a "murder factory." Rollen says awareness of the problem of urban violence has not resulted in sufficient action. "Where is the outrage? Why aren't we doing more? When has 100 homicides in your city become acceptable?"
Rollen hopes that his film will add a new dimension to the discussion. In addition to interviewing victims' families, Rollen spent time with people and groups trying to make a difference, such as Gentlemen of the Roundtable, an outreach for young men. (Pitch staff writer Peter Rugg is also interviewed.)
As for practical solutions, Rollen says he would like to see the city work harder to implement the recommendations of the Commission on Violent Crime, which came together after the city recorded 127 homicides in 2005.
Rollen also believes the Kansas City Police Department could make an effort to be more respectful and communicative. He met one woman who says her grandson lay dead in the street for seven hours before his body was taken to the coroner's office.
"She knew it was him, because she could still see what he was wearing to school. They [the police] just put something over him, but she could still see his shoes," he says.
"The police are going to say, 'We have to preserve the evidence,' but they [victims' relatives] feel that there is, I guess, a disrespect, you know, not taking the family's feelings into consideration, calling them back, telling them about their case, telling them, 'This is an update' or 'We don't have any news.'"
Here's the trailer for Murder Factory:
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nice video just wished the would of also showed the many latino communities that are affected every year month and day by kc's "killa city'' attitude.
Every race is heart broken because of such selfish crimes. Not just one.
This is a very touching documentary to the reality of what is going on in Kansas City. Some of these comments posted are strong opinions but the real issue is our youth, the families, and the community. We ALL must come together to make a difference to build a stronger community and stop the falling through the cracks. Regardless of where your from or what color you are, we can rise together to stop the violence.
"When dey took our's community center we's had nothing else to do but join gangs" Yep- that's our fault. "A lot of people jsut don't care."
Nope, we don't care. You do it to yourselves.
How can you possibly blame others for what you breed? Don't give me this shit about opportunities- or lack thereof. What the fuck else do you want- some whitey to serve you food on a silver platter. Get the fuck up, out, and do something productive. My foot isn't on your head. Although it should be- since you're brining crime to all parts of the city. Fucking mongoloids.
And the bitch holding the fake gun with a toddler- give me a fucking break. Turn that fucking gun on yourself and do the job that will be certainly done within the next few years. Just do it beofre you breed.
Brian -
You're both polite and astute. Both qualities are lacking in this day and age.
I'd read the original Rizzo article, as have many others. What fundamentally bothers me is how suburbanites are so proud to hate these places... yet your argument is correct: crime knows no invisible lines. But that doesn't change perceptions of people that create those lines.
I'm ashamed to admit how many dinner parties I've been to, where the host stops mid-sentence and confirms where guests are from before completing the punchline of a joke. I'll admit to being a little jaded, but we're all a product of our environment, I suppose.
Tacitus,
Johnson Countians may, indeed, be primarily concerned with "real-estate value" --but that is yet another reason why they *should* be concerned about this issue. The premise of Mike B. Rollen's movie is based on the original research of Tony Rizzo (K.C. Star)--and that research shows the while the criminals may statistically be *from* 64130, the crimes they commit may be far and wide in the metro region--and that cannot bode well for "property values" *anywhere* in the area.
Bill -
I know what you're getting at; and I'm sure the folks in 64130 are well aware of their circumstances. I'm not criticizing Rollens - I wouldn't pretend to have the credentials to do so.
What I'd meant to imply was that the sort of people who choose to live in affluent suburbs are a different breed. It seems the number one priority is real-estate value; any activity that services this end is desirable.
There are exceptions, but this demographic has unquestionably washed their hands of the city (almost by definition). Most of them consider this a badge of honor. Do these people need to see a film like this? Yes. Will they see it? Maybe. But I fear it will only serve to reinforce existing prejudices.
Of course, if showing this film brings us together in a kumbaya moment, I'll owe you a beer. :)
Nice to see you growing. I heard that you had completed this documentary and hope to see it soon. During one of my visits, of course. I say "visit" because I can no longer stay in Kansas City for too long. I found the means to escape and so I did. I know I'm a part of the problem, but just looking at a few of the comments on this page reminds me of the MAJOR racial problems that exist in Kansas City. I believe the murder rate is so high because, from a young age, the youth of the working poor learn that this is a cruel world, without hope or opportunity, and as a result, grow unsympathetic and sociopathic. Kansas City would wear Dexter out. Anyway, CONGRATS. I'll see you soon (hopefully). QG. LIPTDID!
The kansas Ciry Murder Factory is not only a documentary but an advocacy film about a cycle of violence and the possible remedies for this huge problem. I read some of the above comments and it is interesting the ignorant ones are "anonymous". The people who need to see this are the "white-bread" demographics. I am pretty sure that the people who live in the 64130 zip code knows what's happening. This is about black on black violence. This movie does not blame the white man. It shows what people who live there are willing to do to stop this cycle. Fantastic street poets, scenes that will rip your heart out and a killer soundtrack. For Mike Rollens first time out of the gate this film kicks ass. People who criticize things they have not seen are,well, ..you know. I suggest that if given the chance give the film a look. It might give you a different perspective.
From a sister's point of view, I'm glad another one of our own has taken interest and concern in highlighting the growing rate of homicides in our community. My brother happens to be one of the victims of 2009. It saddens me to hear the voices of citizens in Missouri & Kansas who talk down about people such as Mr. Rollen and others who not only read the paper & look at the news that depicts murder after murder of our loved ones day after day and do NOTHING; but these are the few who actually try to convey a message through film that "The Murders Have To STOP". Our young people of today must realize that VALUE of life for themselves and others. We as a people can go to a movie theatre to view all kinds of films that do nothing to depict the actual challenges we face in our community today; but we'll watch everything else from Action, Drama, Horror and even the fake reality shows that are being displayed in the theatres and on our televisions today.If we would all come together as a "community of people" who care whether you live in KCMO, Overland Park, Shawnee Mission, KCKS, or other outlining areas; maybe we could collectively make some type of impact on our youth and others who are commiting these violent acts. So, with that being said; "DON'T JUST TALK ABOUT IT, BE ABOUT IT" if you really care because one day someone you love could be the next victim.
Dear Pitch: Thanks for highlighting this most important movie. One thing to note about our city's homicide stats in recent years: We have been having a major "homicide surge" in the black neighborhoods of KCMO since the spring of 2008. At this point in 2007 we were at 50 black homicides and 29 homicides for other races--now we are at 66 black homicides and 17 for other races. Moreover, in all of 2007 we had 62 black homicides--for 2010 we are at 66 black homicides with nearly three months to go for the calendar year. One can debate the reasons for this "homicide surge", but that it is occuring cannot be denied. Sincerely and Respectfully, Ernest Evans
This is a very good trailer, I would like to see the whole film.
I also am on a champion called "Put Down The Guns" formed by Rev. G.C. Jones;
I'm just wondering what needs to be done to get this message across to our youth and community so it "can" make a difference in the years to come?
I'm not from here I see the need for activist to unite and work continously not just a day or two, but 365 and it can be done.
It will take shift work and needs to be worked just like a job: 7-3, 3-11, 11-7...
email me on anything up coming, I'm sure my pastor and our champion will be glad to help...God bless
What not make a movie about these people not taking personal responsibility in their lives? Why not show how these people are shitty parents, doing drugs, etc, then are all dismayed when their kids end up in gangs, then dead? Fuck this guy!
Nice story, nice clip - this is obviously a labor of love for Mike Rollen.
But why show the movie in overland park? You'll never find an audience who cares LESS. The murder rate in Kansas City is the punchline of a joke for those people. Some of them go as far as having a gambling pool for the annual murder rate.
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