A 2008 Tribeca Film Festival Official Selection is Disruptive Element's documentary, Zoned In--Daniella Zanzotto's peek at a inner-city teen's transformation from a drug dealer's son to a Brown University grad.  And what made this documentary particularly interesting was Zanzotto follows her subject for 9 years.

Daniel "Sukie" Nartey II has two older brothers in prison, became a father at fifteen, close to being a high school drop-out and then an incredible journey starts. Over the course of nine years,  Zanzotto accompanies Daniel Nartey on a path that takes him from William F. Taft High School in the Bronx (a high school that has a notorious reputation) to Brown University and back again as he becomes a teacher at his alma mater. It is a compelling tale of survival, ambition, achievement and disillusionment.

But what should be a stark portrait of American disenfranchisement as well as Daniel's personal journey, is also deep insight into Daniel's angst. Daniel complains a lot. And we see too much of him talking...talking...talking. And the problem is not the obvious family history and up-from-proverty struggle. What's missing is why Brown was so hard (and we can imagine why but too much is left for the audience TO imagine); there is no classroom footage, no connections with Brown Faculty/admin and no info on how he forged friendships in an Ivy League world.

The film has a strong music track with hip hop, reggae and atmospheric instrumentals that punctuate and underline the emotion and energy of the film.

Divine Caroline has an insightful interview with director, Daniella Zanzotto and Variety's review is pretty solid.