“The Bridge” Premieres to Tears, Hugs

A homegrown documentary showing a life-changing journey for a group of nine young men in Miami’s inner city opened to emotional reactions at its first showing this week.

“The Bridge,” which chronicles the growing sister city relationship between affluent Key Biscayne and low-income Liberty City, premiered at the island’s community center. With family and friends crowded in, scenes were met with laughter, applause and an occasional tear.

Residents watch the premiere of “The Bridge,” at the Key Biscayne Community Center, April 26, 2019 (Key News/Tony Winton)

The film depicts residents in the two communities describing their utterly disparate worlds and how they have both worked to generate the hope that can overcome. It culminates with this year’s trip by the nine to chilly San Francisco, where they met with former President Barack Obama at this year’s My Brother’s Keeper Conference.

While Key Biscayne Police Chief Charles Press was on the trip, the experience of seeing the film left him filled with pride and emotion — and a bit stunned.

“What I did love was seeing people on both sides of the community realize how important this work is. And that brought tears to my eyes,” Press said. He said the film should serve as proof to the island’s critics that Key Biscayne cares.

“This says everything about Key Biscayne, and they should all see this part instead of the garbage that they talk in the County and the City,” he said.

Tyrell Kennedy, 21, admitted some embarrassment watching himself get onto the flight to the West Coast. “As you can see, I was terrified, first time on a plane.”

He says the film moved him deeply.

“I didn’t expect it. Honestly, it was just a blessing,” he said, adding it should inspire others on both sides of “the bridge.”

“Reach out to others. Step out,” Kennedy said.

“The Bridge,” produced by BrotherSoul films, was produced with the support of the Key Biscayne Community Foundation.  An encore showing is being planned at Crossbridge Church.