Snow on tha Bluff
Encyclopedia
Snow on tha Bluff is a 2011 reality/drama film directed by Damon Russell
. It is the story of Curtis Snow, a real Atlanta "robbery boy and crack dealer whose livelihood revolves around armed robbery and drug pushing" who "sought out [director] Damon Russell to make a film about his life." The film's title refers to protagonist Curtis Snow and to Atlanta's neighborhood The Bluff
, which is famous for crime and drug dealing.
The film is described as exhilarating, comical and infuriating "as its anti-hero proves to be as clever and resourceful as he is violent and irresponsible." The film is extremely real, blurring the lines between acting and reality. Audiences state that it is almost impossible to know how much of the action is real or the actual daily life of the main character (the actor is a "real life thug").
, as some audience members were unsure if a scene in which a child is putting his hands into a pile of crack cocaine with a razor blade in it.
As a result of officers seeing a part of the movie, the Atlanta Police Department
contacted the filmmakers in connection with an investigation into a string of home invasions.
Damon Russell
-Filmography:* In 2005 Russell produced two episodes of Made, a series on MTV* In 2007 Russell produced three episodes of Flip This House, an A&E reality series* In 2007–2009, he produced 3 episodes of The First 48, a crime documentary series on A&E....
. It is the story of Curtis Snow, a real Atlanta "robbery boy and crack dealer whose livelihood revolves around armed robbery and drug pushing" who "sought out [director] Damon Russell to make a film about his life." The film's title refers to protagonist Curtis Snow and to Atlanta's neighborhood The Bluff
The Bluff (Atlanta)
The Bluff is an approximately 1.5-mile-square neighborhood northwest of Downtown Atlanta. The Bluff is bounded by Donald L. Hollowell Parkway to the north, Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. and the Atlanta University Center to the south, Northside Dr. and Downtown Atlanta to the east and Joseph E....
, which is famous for crime and drug dealing.
Plot
Snow On Tha Bluff is the story of Curtis Snow, an Atlanta robbery boy and crack dealer who steals a video camera from some college kids during a dope deal, and begins documenting his life. At first, it’s business as usual for Curt. He robs dope boys, he runs from the cops, and he sells drugs, all while trying to provide for his baby momma and 2-year-old son. But when one of the rival drug dealers he rips off comes back for revenge, Curt’s life spirals out of control.The film is described as exhilarating, comical and infuriating "as its anti-hero proves to be as clever and resourceful as he is violent and irresponsible." The film is extremely real, blurring the lines between acting and reality. Audiences state that it is almost impossible to know how much of the action is real or the actual daily life of the main character (the actor is a "real life thug").
Controversy
A melee broke out at the film's showing at the Atlanta Film FestivalAtlanta Film Festival
The Atlanta Film Festival is an Academy Award qualifying, international film festival held in Atlanta, Georgia. Started in 1976 and occurring every April, the festival shows a diverse range of independent films, including genre films such as horror and sci-fi...
, as some audience members were unsure if a scene in which a child is putting his hands into a pile of crack cocaine with a razor blade in it.
As a result of officers seeing a part of the movie, the Atlanta Police Department
Atlanta Police Department
The Atlanta Police Department is the law enforcement agency of the city of Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.The city shifted from its rural-based Marshal and Deputy Marshal model at the end of the 19th century. In 1873, the department was formed with 26 officers...
contacted the filmmakers in connection with an investigation into a string of home invasions.
Cast and crew
The film was directed by Damon Russell and stars "real-life thug" Curtis Snow. The film was produced by Chris Knittel.Showing at film festivals
Snow On Tha Bluff has not been released, though it has been shown at film festivals:- The film premiered at the 2011 Slamdance Film Festival2011 Slamdance Film FestivalThe 2011 Slamdance Film Festival was a film festival held in Park City, Utah from January 20 to January 27, 2011. It was the 17th iteration of the Slamdance Film Festival, an alternative to the more mainstream Sundance Film Festival.-Festival:...
, a showcase for the discovery of new and emerging talent in the film industry - 2011 Atlanta Film FestivalAtlanta Film FestivalThe Atlanta Film Festival is an Academy Award qualifying, international film festival held in Atlanta, Georgia. Started in 1976 and occurring every April, the festival shows a diverse range of independent films, including genre films such as horror and sci-fi...
- 2012 Brooklyn Film Festival (scheduled)
External links
- Gabe Wardell, "ATL @ Slamdance II: Snow on Tha Bluff", Creative Loafing, January 21, 2011
- Interview with Filmmakers, Damon Russell, Curtis Snow, and Chris Knittel "The Regular Guys", Rock 100.5 radio (Atlanta), April 27, 2011
- "‘Snow On Tha Bluff’ Provides Eye-Opening Look at a Crime-Riddled Area in Atlanta", Rolling Out magazine, May 7, 2011
- "25 New Faces of Independent Film 2011", Filmmaker magazine
- "Notorious Atlanta neighborhood subject of feature film", WXIA-TV Atlanta, 11 Alive News