A powerful new documentary follows Bruce Franks Jr., a Ferguson activist and battle rapper who was elected to the overwhelmingly white and Republican Missouri House of Representatives, as he works to overcome both personal trauma and political obstacles to pass a bill critical for his community.
The film had its world premiere at the 2019 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival where it won the award for Best Documentary Short. It is an official selection at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival in the documentary competition, Official Selection – 2019 Hot Docs Canadian Intl. Documentary Festival.

Bruce Franks Jr. is a 34-year-old battle rapper, leading Ferguson activist and state representative from St. Louis, Missouri. Known as Superman to his constituents, he’s a political figure the likes of which you’ve never seen — full of contradictions and deep insights, who has overcome an unspeakable loss to become one of the most dynamic and unapologetic young leaders in the country. This intriguing documentary follows Bruce at a critical juncture in his life. He’s forced to deal with the mental trauma he’s been carrying for nearly 30 years, ever since his 9-year-old brother was shot and killed in front of him. Only by confronting his pain can Bruce find peace and truly fulfill his destiny as a leader for his community.

ST. LOUIS SUPERMAN is screening as part of the “Shorts: Forces of Nature” program during Tribeca Film Festival on Sunday, April 28; Monday, April 29; and Wednesday, May 1.