To what lengths would you go to see your favourite artist perform? That’s the basis of the new coming-of-age comedy Outgrown. Set in the 90s, the film follows 9 and 10-year-old cousins Sam and Reggie as they seek to see their favourite band OutKast perform live.
After their mother refuses to take them, the cousins go on a wild adventure in order to get to the gig, including co-opting a limousine and taking an ill-fated helicopter ride. Of course, they’ll soon realise that their biggest challenge is security at an 18+ event. The film has been described as a mix between Everybody Hates Chris and House Party. You can watch the clever, colourful trailer below:
The film spawned from the mind of NYC-based filmmaker Sam Hicks, who is making his debut with the film. He co-wrote the script alongside director Huriyyah Muhammad, founder of the Black TV Film Collective. Hicks based the main characters on his niece and nephew, citing their enthusiasm to dream big as an inspiration for the film. He explained:
“When we ask children what they want to be when they grow up, they give the most honest answer with no boundaries from reality. I challenge adults to keep their childlike enthusiasm and go after their dreams with that same energy”.
The film premiered at Gentleman Jack’s Real to Reel Festival earlier this month to “countless laughs, gasps, and applause”. It will next be screened in August at the Hip Hop Film Festival, which runs from Thursday, August 1 to Sunday, August 4 at the National Black Theatre in New York City. You can purchase tickets here.
As 90s nostalgia becomes more prominent in pop culture, films like Outgrown are going to find their voice. Follow the film’s Twitter or check out the website for more information regarding upcoming screenings.
#Peace.Love.Outgrown
