HBO Max documentary explores public education in NYC, America

Three years ago, John Campbell set out to make a film about education in America. Then he was introduced to Eagle Academy -- a network of all-boys public schools with six locations, including Brooklyn and the Bronx.

News 12 Staff

Dec 31, 2020, 3:28 AM

Updated 1,303 days ago

Share:

A new film set to stream on New Year's Day features the inspiring story involving schools in New York City.
Three years ago, John Campbell set out to make a film about education in America. Then he was introduced to Eagle Academy -- a network of all-boys public schools with six locations, including Brooklyn and the Bronx.
"I said, I think there's a greater story here and maybe we should be focusing on inspiring people about something that's really good and working," says Campbell.
The school was founded by the 100 Black Men organization and David Banks, the president and CEO of the Eagle Academy Foundation. Their mission is to respond to what he calls the crisis impacting primarily Black and Brown boys in New York City.
"With the low graduation rate, so many of these young men get in trouble, wind up populating the criminal justice system and we wanted to show, through our work, that it didn't have to be that way," says Banks.
And that is also the subject matter of the documentary "The Infamous Future," which has been lighting up screens at film festivals for the past year.
The film follows students in the Bronx, particularly teenaged Joshua Perez and his mother Rosa. It also features Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
Campbell hopes it will inspire others to think about what's possible.
"Because I saw what was possible, and I was inspired so I hope that it inspires adults and children to look at their community," says Campbell.
As for Banks, he says that he knew this would happen when the academy first opened in 2004.
"I have never been limited in my thinking about the possibilities of what Eagle could potentially be. We were just waiting for John to show up," Banks says with a laugh.
The Infamous Future premieres Jan. 1 on HBO Max.


More from News 12
0:32
Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

1:40
Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

1:46
Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

1:08
East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

1:24
G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

1:44
Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

1:43
Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

0:47
Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

0:24
Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

1:54
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

1:36
Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

1:31
Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

1:41
Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

1:46
YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

0:37
Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

1:14
New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

1:35
Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

1:55
Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

0:29
Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American