Watch St. Louis Superman

St. Louis Superman is a documentary film that follows the life and political journey of Bruce Franks Jr., who served as a Missouri State Representative from 2016 to 2019. Directed by Smriti Mundhra and Sami Khan, the film has won numerous awards, including the Best Documentary award at the Cleveland International Film Festival. The film begins with a glimpse into Bruce's past life, highlighting his upbringing in a rough neighborhood of St. Louis. Bruce grew up seeing a lot of violence and trauma in his community, which ultimately led him to go down a dark path himself. He started gangbanging when he was only nine years old, and by the age of 16, he was sent to juvenile detention for armed robbery.

It wasn't until Bruce's brother was shot and killed in front of him that he realized he needed to turn his life around. He started working as a battle rapper, using his words to promote positivity and inspire others. He also began volunteering in his community, organizing peaceful protests and working to stop violence in his neighborhood.

As the film progresses, Bruce's activism leads him to run for office. He initially runs for a seat on the St. Louis Board of Aldermen but is ultimately unsuccessful. However, he doesn't let that discourage him, and in 2016, he runs for a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.

The film shows Bruce's campaign as he goes door-to-door in his neighborhood, talking to his constituents and sharing his vision for change. He gains a large following, and his message appeals to people across the political spectrum. He wins the election by a landslide and becomes one of the youngest members ever elected to the Missouri House.

Once in office, Bruce focuses on issues that affect his constituents, such as gun violence, education, and criminal justice reform. He's known for his passionate speeches on the House floor, where he speaks from personal experience and fights for the people he represents.

Throughout the film, we see Bruce's personal life, including his relationships with his mother and daughter. He also speaks about his struggles with anxiety and depression, which he attributes to the trauma he endured in his youth.

The film culminates with Bruce's decision to resign from his position in the Missouri House in 2019. He discusses the emotional toll his work has taken on him and the struggles he's faced trying to balance both his personal and political life. He also reflects on the successes he's had during his time in office, including passing a bill to raise the age of juvenile offenders in Missouri.

Overall, St. Louis Superman is an inspiring and thought-provoking documentary that showcases the power of activism and the importance of representation in government. Bruce Franks Jr.'s story is one of resilience and determination, and his message of hope and positivity is one that resonates with people from all walks of life.