In 1999, nine-year-old Emmanuel Sanford-Durant and his Washington, D.C. family began to film their daily lives in America’s most dangerous neighborhood — just 17 blocks behind the U.S. Capitol building. They’ve been filming ever since. The film focuses on four generations of the Sanford Family, including Emmanuel, a promising student, his brother Smurf, a local drug dealer, his sister Denice, an aspiring cop, and his mother Cheryl, who must conquer her own demons for her family to prosper.
In 1999, nine-year-old Emmanuel Sanford-Durant and his Washington, D.C. family began to film their daily lives in America’s most dangerous neighborhood — just 17 blocks behind the U.S. Capitol building. They’ve been filming ever since. The film focuses on four generations of the Sanford Family, including Emmanuel, a promising student, his brother Smurf, a local drug dealer, his sister Denice, an aspiring cop, and his mother Cheryl, who must conquer her own demons for her family to prosper.
"Spellbinding! Over a 20-year period, this family’s dynamics, conflicts, breakthroughs and tribulations are recorded like an urban allegory."
Black Press of America
“A remarkably raw and heartfelt piece of filmmaking... 17 BLOCKS reminded me of the deep humanism of Steve James’ work.”
RogerEbert.com
"More than just a singular achievement in documentary filmmaking, 17 BLOCKS is the result of the Sanford family's profound act of bravery."
Variety