The world premiere of Heavy Is the Crown, a documentary directed by faculty member Sean Kafer and produced by UWM students, drew wide media coverage ahead of its September screening at the Oriental Theatre during Milwaukee Film’s Dialogues Documentary Festival.
The feature-length film follows Milwaukee community activist Vaun Mayes as he explores the history of Milwaukee’s North Side and works with residents to address violence and strengthen their communities.
Kafer, who is the director of Doc|UWM, discussed the film with WISN, highlighting his hopes that audiences will engage with the complex issues it raises.
“I want them to have good questions,” Kafer said. “I want them to have conversations and not have simple answers toward violence, community building and resources that are out there.”
Established in 2021, Doc|UWM is a documentary media center within UWM’s Department of Film, Video, Animation and New Genres.
To learn more, visit Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WISN, and Milwaukee Magazine to learn more.