Finding its way onto Digital HD is the documentary This is North Preston, an in-depth look at the town in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada that received a rap of being the pimp capital of that country. While the film’s not a “tell all” on human trafficking, several of the film’s speakers do admit that it exists. However, mostly an appeal for other considerations for the town’s people, the approach of producing the film opens up a window into the vulnerable community.
“They put us out here to die…but after decades of pimps, violence, and economic struggle all while facing persistent racism, we are still here.” – Corvell “Velly” Beals.
Director and writer Jaren Hayman follows Singer Justin “Just Chase” Smith back to his roots in North Preston, a small village of 4000 black people. At the entrance to the town a sign reads “North Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada’s Largest Black Community, We’ve Come This Far By Faith”. It’s a chance for Just Chase to get to see his father and visit his mother’s grave. But, it’s also an opportunity to show his town to the world. A gang member as a youngster, he took chances until he realized he had to get out of the town to survive. Now his return may be something to celebrate.
The village of North Preston was formed many years ago as during Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad when Canada abolished Slavery. This small town was the last stop for freedom. The history behind it all is covered with the help of local historian Garry “POPZ” James who tells viewers of the hardships of his descendants during a tour of the Black Culture Centre for Nova Scotia. A nice introduction to what follows.
After the pleasantries are covered, viewers are presented with speakers like Sam Passano, Post media Court Reporter from 1993 to present, who talks about North Preston as the hub for gang activities and sex trafficking. He call the illegal trafficking the latest form of slavery. But, there’s also rebuttal and another side of life in the town that gets presented by many including their local pastor. He talks about the town having to face poverty, oppression, racial profiling, discrimination and other forms of degradation and negativity.
I found the film to be even sided in its presentation, especially because the speakers are left open to give their views on both sides of the coin. And the positives for the people who inhabit the town are openly presented for all to see if you do not turn a blind eye to them. Mostly in the faces of the children and their religious beliefs, the town still thrives with hope. The attitudes of both the townspeople, pimps and police are weighed out pretty squarely in the documentary with comments and interviews by community activists, prostitutes, pimps, clergy, and the mayor of Halifax among many more.
This is North Preston has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains abusive language and some partial nudity. It can be viewed on the Digital HD format.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A nicely produced and filmed documentary. (3 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Directed and written by: Jaren Hayman
Cinematography by: Brian Hamilton
Genre: Documentary
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains language, some nudity.
Running Time: 1 hr. 17 min.
Opening Date: April 23, 2019
Distributed by: Virgil Films
Released in: Digital HD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
