Naz and Malik offers a slice-of-life adventure set on the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, this impressive debut feature from writer-director Jay Dockendorf follows the title duo, a pair of gay, black, devout Muslim and closeted teens who become unwitting targets of the government’s War on Terror. Introspective Naz (Kerwin Johnson, Jr.) is pretty sure that most change in the world is “bad change,” while Maalik (Curtiss Cook, Jr.), with an easy smile and a more positive outlook, tries to keep b...
Naz and Malik offers a slice-of-life adventure set on the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, this impressive debut feature from writer-director Jay Dockendorf follows the title duo, a pair of gay, black, devout Muslim and closeted teens who become unwitting targets of the government’s War on Terror. Introspective Naz (Kerwin Johnson, Jr.) is pretty sure that most change in the world is “bad change,” while Maalik (Curtiss Cook, Jr.), with an easy smile and a more positive outlook, tries to keep both their spirits high as they bounce around the city one meandering afternoon. They flirt, argue, make up, make out, just chil—all while under the surveillance of an FBI agent newly assigned to scope out their community. Like Naz and Maalik, the film is quick on its feet, moving effortlessly between sublime moments of teen romance and tense encounters with the law, and the two young lead actors nail every note of the story’s shifting moods. It’s indeed a new New York story—still with hints of Woody Allen, Spike Lee and Sidney Lumet throughout, along with camerawork that lovingly captures every colorful detail of a city constantly in motion—yet it’s also a universal tale of having faith in love despite all obstacles. - Andre Hereford, Film Festival Programming Team Member
SXSW, Frameline and Outfest featured film!
(USA, English, 86 mins)
