My grades were the best theyd ever been because I was disciplined throughout the whole process. Although the girls, parties, and respect gained are reasons for some, it's not for everyone. I couldnt help but think about the Jay Z song Get Your Mind Right Mami, in which he exclaims, Its a secret society, all we ask is trust. 2:54. From the film's overtly dark tone, it is safe to assume McMurray is critical of the most brutal hazing rituals, even if he glorifies them with his camera. In 2011, a drum major at Florida A&M named Robert Champion died after being beaten and hazed on a bus. [2], The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2017. Zurich takes out his cell phone and calls his dad, realizing why his father never joined the fraternity, and the movie ends. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. I leaned a lot not just through our communication but also just watching her and Steve (Harris) do what they do, he said. Now that Jackson has proven he can be portray dramatic roles, hes ready to tackle a comedy or two, he said. Zurich takes out his cell phone and calls his dad, realizing why his father never joined the fraternity, and the movie ends. I think it does an excellent job of showing the dangers of hazing. Copyright Fandango. Since 1969 there has been at least one death every year caused by hazing practices in the United States. What was your initial reaction after watching Burning Sands? It was a very creative and collaborative process.. It was a minor sacrifice in comparison with all that I gained and continue to gain. As a member of a sorority, I know how important campus involvement is and how much seeing women in my sorority have leadership roles on campus impacted my decision to seek membership. Hazing deaths in recent years Michael Walker (2016): Died of alcohol poisoning. Its the idea of tradition, that its been done for X amount of time, even if its a criminal act, even if its bizarre behaviour, its part of that group. What was your initial reaction after watching BurningSands?Well, before I watched the film I had a pretty visceral reaction to the trailer. Breanna Washington, Spelman College '13, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. How do you feel about the way in which BGLOs and the HBCU experience were portrayed in this movie?The movie hardly depicted what it was like attending an HBCU and mainly focused on the pledging environment. The Awakening. I feel like that balances me out. Patrick Jackson, Morehouse College '11, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. I analyzed how they performed. Narrow Escape! Are we truly uplifting one another even in the molding process for those trying to pledge? [Burning Sands] depicts the honor, distinction and dignity promised to the brothers of [the fictional] Lambda Phi just as clearly as it shows the danger in their baptism by fire, according to Netflix. Other organizations use this term as it speaks to the trials and tribulations that people face and rise above in life. Cheryl is 'torn' over the idea of having more children. It is important that we are the ones telling our stories and telling them truthfully, but we also need to be cognizant that eyes are on us and we should be telling stories holistically. The film was a good eye-opener for prospective, current, and alumni BGLO members. Still, for much of the film, theres little question that whatever long-term benefits there might be to this harassment, theyre not quite worth the short-term cost to both body and mind. While Burning Sands, which premiered this month on Netflix, is an intense, well-acted look at hazing in the world of black Greek fraternities, it never quite seems to be sure what it wants to. If it isn't, it's always more worth it to question instructions and stand up for what's right. They are: The first kingdom players start their conquest in the Great Empire. I learned to make something out of nothing. When the pledges were talking about their reasoning for wanting to join the fraternity. There are some colleges that dont have those groups but they still have hazing in their athletics groups. It also discourages her from allowing our daughter to pledge in the future. Still, you ache as Zurich undergoes emotional U-turns in the hours before Hell Night, debating whether to expose Lambda Lambda Phi's tactics or summon his leadership potential to "cross the . It is said to be the Western hemispheric branch of an Arabic vigilante organization founded by the prophet Mohammed's son-in-law Kalif Alee. I would add the consequences. The brotherhood and the family I acquired made me who I am but thats what separates pledging from hazing.. The way the pledges were treated, as well as the hazing, was somewhat dramatized. What was your initial reaction after watching Burning Sands?I watched the film after hearing quite a number of negative reviews, so I didnt have the highest expectations, to begin with, but I dont think it was as bad as some people made it out to be. While McMurray's inspiration is well-intended, I feel there were more aspects to show. Burning Sandsdirector is a Howard University alum and amember of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. My response: If you simply see it as that, then it will be just that. Theres a burning curiosity to get a glimpse into the black culture and community. Anything else?A lot of Greeks are upset about the movie being made, but I applaud the director. Love for Black Fraternities and Sororities, South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands (USD $), Kappa Alpha Psi Crimson Golf Stand Bag - COMING SOON, Kappa Alpha Psi Cream Golf Stand Bag - COMING SOON, Alpha Phi Alpha Half Zip Pullover Sweater. 77 were here. You dont see it on the news or social media and I feel like its a dope thing. There is a strong difference between hazing and pledging, and many of the members of our BGLO have failed to see the difference. BGLO's are a big component of the culture but not all of it. 2021 Associated Newspapers Limited. Burning Sands is pretty straight forward in terms of the plot, but there is a nice twist at towards the end of the film, which is probably when the movie hit its climax. Tales from the Burning Sands is a lore-friendly, serialized adventure mod which will evolve through chapters. 100 Best Free Movies on YouTube (March 2023), 100 Best Movies Written by Women of All Time. Kingdoms are the main locations of the game that the player can build and manage a castle in. Could these athletes have become better from something less strenuous? And I think were tired of seeing ourselves depicted as slaves or abusive on screen. After I watched it, I really saw that McCurray was trying to do. Blavity. Drama Deep into Hell Week, a favored pledgee is torn between honoring his code of silence or standing up against the intensifying violence of underground hazing. I was excited but nervous, McMurray said. The ensuing student debate focuses on the documents authenticity, and whether or not that matters if what it conveys is true. All rights reserved. V3.1. The Witch Trials of JK Rowling makes sensible points. His death wasnt a freak one-off incident. His latest book, "The Ratline," is a gripping sequel. Despite the advice, the young neophyte fraternity brothers wait together at the hospital awaiting the fate of their friend, Frank. All of us had at least a passing interest in Burning Sands, a film that turns the pledge process into a stressful . I wanted to show young black men at a black college and the challenges they go through on the path to manhood.. To follow in their footsteps was a great challenge and honor for me. We rarely see black people in college, he said. Certain parts were difficult to watch, but I believe that most of those were impactful parts of McMurray's directorial decisions. We produce the most black engineers and doctors. It's completely meaningless. In The Burning Maze, the third book in The Trials of Apollo, Jason Grace is killed by Emperor Caligula while in battle. He makes himself available to be told of pledge abuse but not far enough to break the fraternity code of silence and secrecy. It was imperative to prevent anything like this from happening again. Director Gerard McMurray Writers Christine T. Berg Gerard McMurray Stars Trevor Jackson Tosin Cole DeRon Horton See production, box office & company info Watch on Netflix with subscription For example, African-American scholar, Dr. John Hope Franklin, in his autobiography, Mirror to America, documented . Released March 10th, 2017, 'Burning Sands' stars Trevor Jackson, Alfre Woodard, Steve Harris, Tosin Cole The movie has a runtime of about 1 hr 45 min, and received a user score of 58 (out of. When Samuel Mason died at Radford University, the price for sixpeople who gave him enough alcohol to put him to death was a $1,000 dollar fine each. Earth is dying and humanity's only hope of survival will be somewhere among the stars. McMurrays film raises that provocative suggestion early on, during a discussion in Professor Hughess (Alfre Woodward) classroom about a historical letter describing the fear, distrust and envy used by whites to control their black human property. Six convicted of hazing and providing alcohol to a minor. Some 1,600 homes and buildings have been destroyed. Burning Sands is a 2017 American drama film, directed by Gerard McMurray, from a screenplay by McMurray and Christine Berg. I wasn't really offended. Based on feedback from people who arent Greek-affiliated, the positive characteristics of these organizations arent portrayed prominently enough in the film to indicate that the negative experiences that it depicts are exceptions to the norm. Not everyone is Greek, and not everyone wants to be Greek. It stars Trevor Jackson, Alfre Woodard, Steve Harris, Tosin Cole, DeRon Horton and Trevante Rhodes. It gives people an idea of what they could be getting themselves into. This was frustrating, because the film was shot very well, and could have been even better had the plot been more realistic. My mindset when I pledged was: By Any Means Necessary. Student Zurich leads the pledge class as they endure big brother hazing on campus and at line ups at fraternity house. Academia and growth were only [tangentially referenced] in Burning Sands, while there was an emphasis on social life. It sent the message that when you join Greek Letter Organizations you fail in your classes, which is also not true. Original . Its similar to someone who makes it through college with a 4.0 but gets into the professional world and lacks the drive, hustle and professionalism to be successful. Theres no permanent solution hazing has always been with us and it will continue to be with us in 100 years.. Yes, Jason David Frank is unfortunately dead at the age of 49. Just like one of them $80 shirts from Dick's or the PGA Store. Remember!" before losing his life. Dri Fit, UPF 50+, Moisture Wicking, Breathable, Recycled Material, Wrinkle Free Collar. Mark Sands Organizer Hull, Yorkshire and the Humber, United Kingdom Created February 13, 2023 Funerals & Memorials Report fundraiser Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help Easy Donate quickly and easily. While the movie is named after the term "crossing the sands," it doesn't have much to do with the phrase's meaning. Furthermore, I enjoyed the one professor's concern with Zurich; educators at HBCUs are definitely more connected with their students. Burning Sands is an American drama movie directed by Gerard McMurray, from a screenplay by McMurray and Christine Berg, and starring Trevor Jackson, Alfre Woodard, Steve Harris, Tosin Cole, DeRon Horton, and Trevante Rhodes. Ralph Abernathy and Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin are members). The story is told through the eyes of a black fraternity pledge. The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2017, before being released on March 10, 2017, by Netflix. I didnt know how I would handle a woman of her caliber. Stage Information Misc. The movie leaves you feeling empty, like there's no real meaning behind it all, and that's the whole point; it's just like the hazing death that it portrays. Moreover, in the escalating nastiness that Zurich and his friends are forced to endureleading to broken ribs for Zurich, and doubts about whether undergoing such an ordeal makes senseit continually raises the thorny issue of whether all this hazing is an example of African-Americans embracing the strategies of their former slave-era oppressors (and their white college counterparts) for similar supremacy-asserting reasons. Most residents. Customer SatisfactionCustomer SupportHigh End ProductsSecured Transactions. Presenting an accurate representation of Black Greek life and the HBCU experience is almost impossible if you're not from this world, so it's interesting to note that McMurray is an alum of Howard University and a member of Omega Psi Phi. As a member of a BGLO and a graduate of an HBCU, I felt cheated. Armando Villa (2014): Died after being forced to hike barefooted through the Angeles Mountains While I do not agree with the entire approach, I would be a fool to say that the topic wasnt relevant. Comfortable sweater keeps me warm without overheating. To me, this movie focused more on fraternity and not the HBCU experience. As a member of a Black Greek Letter Organization, were you personally offended at any point during the film? In his new Netflix movie, Burning Sands, director Gerard McMurray ( Fruitvale Station) takes an unflinching look at college hazing. Not only is hazing illegal, but the practice has claimed the lives of far too many young men and women across college campuses all over America, including historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Now, that's not to say that those practices are kept secret because they're bad or necessarily harmful, it's just that there are traditions that truly are integral and meaningful to the journey towards membership. It leaves it up to the audience to interpret, which for me, isn't necessarily a bad thing at all. McMurray was inspired to write "Burning Sands" after the hazing death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion in 2011. Why not focus on a band specifically and show the good and then the turmoil? And once I crossed the burning sands, it did become harder. Perhaps most disturbingly, Nuwer suggests that participants are willing to go through the suffering as they know they too will be able to inflict the punishments a few months later. The actor committed suicide, per TMZ and other news outlets. In this case, I will be referring to Frank Zhang, our favorite son of Mars! Price: $3.99 USD. The pledges balance their time in class with English professor Hughes and their new fraternity life of parties, sorority girls and dating. I cant ignore, however, what seems like an increasing number of incidents. Champion, 26, died in November 2011 aboard a school bus after a football game and a band initiation rite. Members thinkweve always done it, were kind of an extraordinary group ourselves and we can get through this.'. To Rokugani, the Burning Sands are a gaijin enigma. The 1988 comedic drama School Daze, which Lee wrote and directed, follows the hazing rituals of the fictional Gamma Phi Gamma fraternity. Anything else?As people of color, we are all unique and multifaceted in so many ways. Instead of highlighting the important reasons people join sororities and fraternities forfamily lineage, support system, seeking personal and professional growthit created a narrative that was negative. Following 1908, there would be four more black fraternities and three more black sororities created, all boasting their own illustrious history, members and contributions to American and world history. It emphasized the false perception that hazing is at the heart of Greek Organizations, when really at the core is a strong bond of love, sisterhood, and brotherhood. These organizations bring people together, make change in the world, and give you a bond that you cant find anywhere. Burning Sands By Frank Touby Rated 5.00 / 5 based on 1 review Before the catastrophic BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico all earth was threatened by the oil disaster in the Persian Gulf over 700 oil wells were set on fire by Saddam Hussein. But anti-hazing rules have driven his Hell Week underground, and the veteran members of his fraternity have degenerated into a pack . So, my theory for Tyrant's Tomb is that- okay get ready for it- Frank Zhang will die. For me, it meant that I completed one of the most arduous treks of my life. Between 2 Sistas: Burning Sands Review! And this is true, because now you have a chapter and committees to run. These events have, do, and will continue to happen. During the movie, two Frederick Douglass quotes are repeated: Its easier to build strong children than to repair broken men, and, If there is no struggle, there is no progress. These quotes are on opposite ends of the spectrum, yet still meet at a crossroads, showing the dichotomy of black Greek life. On March 9, hip-hop music fans around the world were recognizing the 20th anniversary of rapper Biggie Smalls death. Words . 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