WHEN THE WATERS GET DEEP
The artists of SOL Development and BE-IMAGINATIVE disrupt trauma and hopelessness from gun violence and loss with music and radical love.
The award-winning, 36-minute documentary premieres on YouTube.com/kqedarts Feb. 10, 2022 6pm PST. Join a live moderated chat with story participants and the filmmakers.
“Despite the presence of so much heavy loss, an undercurrent of beauty, love and even joy runs throughout the film.” – Niema Jordan, San Francisco Chronicle
EVENTS + SCREENINGS + AWARDS
Feb. 10, 2022
YouTube Premiere 6pm PST at youtube.com/kqedarts
Jan. 25, 2022
Anthem Awards Recognizes KQED, SOL Development and BE-IMAGINATIVE Partnership
May 29, 2021
Best Short Documentary at the National Black Film Festival
Sept. 17, 2020
Dear Beloved: Virtual Experience
Don’t let pain be the end of your story.
When the Waters Get Deep is a short documentary about the Oakland-based hip-hop, soul and jazz ensemble SOL Development and their community-based healing practices supporting Black and Brown families experiencing trauma and grief from gun violence and loss.
When MC Karega Bailey loses his own brother in a shooting, his grief makes him sick with revenge and hopelessness, and he is left questioning his own message of hope and peace. Turning to his faith, family and writing, Bailey finds his voice and purpose again. With the collective BE-IMAGINATIVE, the four members of SOL help lead healing circles and musical experiences for mothers whose children have been taken by gun violence. This work prepares Bailey and his wife, Felicia, as they are tested with another profound personal loss.
When the Waters Get Deep, directed by Kelly Whalen and co-produced by Benjamin “BJ” McBride, was awarded Best Short Documentary at the 2020 Oakland International Film Festival and at the 2021 National Black Film Festival. It was also an official selection of the Pan African Film Festival, the Cinequest Film Festival, and the Cucalorus Film Festival.
