On the Circuit: Beth Toni Kruvant (Heart of Stone)
Before 1960, Weequahic High School in Newark, New Jersey graduated more eventual PhD students than any other school in the entire country. By 2000, it was one of the most violent schools in the 12th most dangerous city in the country. When Ron Stone took over as principal in 2001, he vowed to bring the school’s prestige back.
Beth Toni Kruvant’s Heart of Stone, which won the Audience Award at the 2009 Slamdance Film Festival, documents the lives of some of the students at Weequahic. Though many grow up fatherless and swear allegiances to rival gangs, they’re able to peacefully co-exist and resolve conflicts thanks to the efforts of Stone and a dedicated, unified alumni association who stress education and non-violence as opposed to the law’s “zero tolerance.”
Zoom In Online's Jim Rohner spoke to Beth about Heart of Stone to discuss the environment which perpetuated Weequahic’s degradation, advice to those who want to follow Stone’s example and the excitement over the potential the film has for viewers.
Host: Jim Rohner
Editor: Jim Rohner
Producer: Giancarlo Sutton
Special Thanks:
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