Tyler Perry better watch out! New short film “In My Shoes” just might give him a run for his money.

It’s an astounding film that begins with a prayer from a young African boy asking the Lord to bless his family, his village, and to lead him on the proper path. The opening scene takes place on a grimy street in South Los Angeles. It begins with the gathering of a young trouble maker named Harrison and a few of his friends.

It then makes a sudden scene switch and enters into a beautiful yet impoverished world that isn’t familiar to many Americans…Sierra Leone, Africa. This scene focuses in on another young boy who doesn’t make trouble…but somehow trouble finds him. Samba is an innocent young man, who is focusing on what keeps the attention of many youth in Sierra Leone, football (Soccer in the States). 

From this point on the scenes continue to transition back and forth, showing the conflict taking place in Samba’s life, while at the same time delving into the trials and tribulations Harrison is dealing with. The film portrays a parallel of these two young men from completely different parts of the world who both endure hardships and struggle. We’re taken on a journey with each of them, and you’ll have to watch the film to see how the story unfolds. 

There are several sociological issues addressed in this film including poverty, the buying, selling, and use of narcotics, bullying, broken families, economic struggles, and more. The script is a unique one that is unlike the Hollywood blockbusters with no story line that we often see on screens every Friday night. 

The director, Caleb Davis, clearly went outside of the box with a creative approach that is on a level Hollywood may not be ready for…just yet. We look forward to seeing more of “In My Shoes”, and more of Davis’ work. Kudos.  

Watch the film below: