Shaw Boyz

In the midst of gentrification, police brutality, and community efforts to rebuild after the 80's crack epidemic - young Black and Latinx skaters created a safe space in DC's first public skate park. This is their story.

Shaw Boyz follows a group of young teens as they navigate a rapidly gentrifying environment in the historical Shaw neighborhood. It's about culture, gentrification, friendship, and music with moments of Black Boy Joy, and wonders.

In this piece, I combined aspects of abstract storytelling and signifiers of Blackness and DC culture to convey an almost fever-dream like approach to documentary filmmaking.

Official Selection of 2019 Independent Shorts Awards | Best Documentary
Winner of the 2019 ISA Bronze Award | Best New Web & Media 

Producing, Cinematography & Editing by
Paul A. Notice II

Executive Producer
Joshua Lopez
DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment 

Rossell: How to Skate

Rossell explains explains exactly who Shaw Boyz & Wolfpack are - and how to make it as a skater.

Clutch: How to Be

Franklin aka "Clutch" gives a quick minute on stereotypes vs. reality for black and brown youth in the Shaw.

Shaw Boyz | Trailer 1

It's about culture, gentrification, friendship, and music with moments of #BlackBoyJoy and wonder.