A Charismatic Activist Works To Build a Better Chicago

We are thrilled to share with you today’s trailer drop for insightful documentary “A Tiny Ripple of Hope” ahead of its world premiere at the Slamdance Festival (February 12th-25th, 2021).

Our world has seen inspiration in the actions of an individual – Stacey Abrams worked thru community to affect change in Georgia.  Jahmal Cole with his My Block, My Hood, My City: an organization is bringing hope and opportunity to teenagers across Chicago’s segregated South and West Sides. Jahmal Cole is charismatic and charming, and the beating heart of his community –because he does care so very much (his home mortgage is used to fund his organization!).  The moving and aspirational feature film documentary “A Tiny Ripple of Hope” from award winning Chicago filmmaker Jason Polevoi will make its world premiere at this year’s Slamdance Film Festival (February 12^th – 25^th, 2021) as a Competition Documentary and the film follows a formative year for Jahmal as he struggles with everything he must sacrifice so that the people and the city he loves can prosper. Jahmal is an incredible interview and has been featured as the good news story for The Kelly Clarkson Show, Today Show, Live With Kelly & Ryan, Obama Foundation, etc.

We appreciate your coverage consideration for this inspiring story.  We still have availability in our upcoming press day this Thursday, February 4th if you are able to join us. Below please find the trailer and press materials for your ease of reference and coverage consideration. Private screeners available upon request. Thank you again for your incredible continued support of independent film!

“A Tiny Ripple of Hope” Press Notes Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XdeNR0a1xRelsrjZTsDssoJ-paKBnvtg?usp=sharing

A charismatic activist works to build a better Chicago for the teens in his neglected community even if it comes at the cost of his home, his family, and his safety.

Short Synopsis:

Jahmal Cole is the confident and charismatic leader of My Block, My Hood, My City: an organization that brings hope and opportunity to teenagers across Chicago’s segregated South and West Sides. Away from the spotlight of his important work though, Jahmal is in the fight of his life as he battles to keep his home out of foreclosure, his marriage alive, and himself out of harm’s way.

A Tiny Ripple of Hope follows a formative year for Jahmal as he struggles with everything he must sacrifice so that the people and the city he loves can prosper.

About the Director:

Jason Polevoi is a founding partner of the Chicago-based production company One City Films and the first-time feature Director and Producer of the Slamdance Film Festival premiering documentary A Tiny Ripple of Hope. Jason’s previous credits include the Chicago/Midwest Emmy-winning documentary F*** Your Hair, the Independent Lens series The Calling, and A Regional Taste, a first-of-its-kind docuseries for the James Beard Foundation.

Jahmal Cole’s mission is to build a more interconnected Chicago on the pillars of service and education.

About Jahmal Cole:

A champion of social justice, Jahmal Cole’s mission is to build a more interconnected Chicago on the pillars of service and education. As the founder and CEO of the city’s fastest-growing social impact organization, My Block • My Hood • My City, Jahmal is the creator of an exposure-based education program for teens and a network of volunteer initiatives that serve Chicago communities year-round. 

In 2018, Jahmal was named a Chicagoan of the Year by Chicago Magazine, in 2019, he was named to Crain’s 40 under 40, and in 2020 he was awarded the American Red Cross Community Impact Hero Award.