In the 1950s, legendary high school basketball coach Lofton Greene led the recently racially integrated River Rouge High School Panthers to a record number of state championships in a league of otherwise segregated schools. Now, almost 70 years later, LaMonta Stone, a former Panther himself, has returned to the struggling industrial town of River Rouge, Michigan, to help the Panthers chase the school’s 15th State Championship.

In Rouge, Stone and four of his student-athletes, including Seniors Brent Darby Jr. and Ahmoni Weston, and junior Legend Geeter strive on their quest to fulfill generations worth of work on and off the court by preparing for their next chapter of life.

This first feature documentary by Hamoody Jaafar is more than a coming-of-age story. In the film, we come to learn about the history and legacy of the River Rouge High School Panthers. We also meet some of the alumni students and former Panther’s team members who reminisce about their time in the team, as well as, discuss how meaningful it was to have that camaraderie.

The film weaves in and out through past and present in a way that keeps us invested and interested in the story throughout. With the three ‘all star’ young players, Brent, Ahmoni and Legend, we come to see the significance of having mentors like their coach LaMonta Stone, and family support.

With excellent use of archival footage, personal interviews and on-the-court camera work, Rouge brings us closer to the action and story. It is a testament to the legacy of River Rouge Panthers, the need to have sports programs that support young students, and the importance of community.

CREDITS

Directed and Produced by: Hamoody Jaafar
Produced by: Razi Jafri
Co-Producers: LaMonta Stone, Sam Widdoes & Mohamed Awan
Edited by: Ben Garchar & Chent
Music by: Osei Essed
Cinematography by: Tommy Daguanno & Richie Trimble