Watch Colorblind

Colorblind is a heart-wrenching indie drama from 2010 that explores themes of race, identity, and belonging through the eyes of a disparate group of characters living in a small Southern town. The film is directed by Frank Zanca and stars Kirby Brown, Chris Chiquet, Chuck Jones, and A.J. Pacheco in lead roles. At the heart of the story is Bill (Chiquet), a white high school senior who dreams of playing basketball at a famous college. Bill is deeply in love with his girlfriend, Lisa (Brown), an African American girl whose father (Jones) disapproves of their relationship. Despite this, Bill and Lisa's love is pure and sincere, and they are determined to overcome the societal and familial pressures that threaten to tear them apart.

As the story unfolds, we learn more about each of the characters' backgrounds and personal struggles. Bill's mother is ill and he struggles to balance his responsibilities at home with his passion for basketball. Lisa is dealing with the fallout from a family tragedy and is trying to find her place in the world. Mr. Wilson (Pacheco), a respected black community leader, is fighting to preserve his legacy in the face of gentrification and racial tensions within the town.

As Bill and Lisa's relationship becomes more serious, they are confronted with increasing hostility from both their families and their town. Their love is put to the test as they navigate the complexities of race relations and the expectations of those around them. Meanwhile, Mr. Wilson's battle for the soul of his community reaches a boiling point, with the fate of his legacy hanging in the balance.

Throughout the film, Zanca deftly weaves together the different storylines, building toward a powerful and emotional climax. The performances from the cast are uniformly excellent, with Brown and Chiquet in particular delivering nuanced and heartfelt performances as the film's central couple. Jones brings depth and complexity to his role as Lisa's father, a man torn between his love for his daughter and his own deep-seated prejudices.

The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the lush beauty of the Southern landscape and imbuing the scenes with a dreamlike quality that adds to the film's overall poignancy. The score, composed by James Lavino, is haunting and evocative, perfectly complementing the film's themes of love and loss.

In conclusion, Colorblind is a thoughtful and poignant drama that tackles complex issues of race, identity, and belonging with sensitivity and grace. The film's strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and haunting score make it a must-see for fans of indie cinema and anyone interested in stories of human connection and resilience.