Host a screening and discussion of For Bo: A Play Inspired by the Murder of Botham Jean by Police Officer Amber Guyger
Watch FOR BO using the video above. Maximize the screen by hovering your mouse over the video, clicking play, then clicking the “[ ]” icon located in the lower right corner.
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Film Synopsis
Inspired by the real-life murder of Botham Jean in Dallas, Texas, this fictional narrative unpacks the unfortunate tragedy that befalls the Jones family when brother and son Bo Jones is murdered in his own home by police officer Amy Guy. Through contemporary free verse poetry, rhythm, and percussion this play explores the issues leading to Bo Jones’ death and how society, particularly the black community, grapples with the resulting trauma through social media. Most of all FOR BO reminds us of the monumental, life-changing weight of our decisions – that each thought and subsequent action has the power to change tomorrow for worse or for better.
Created by community for the community in honor of the life of Botham Jean, this unconventional film adaptation of FOR BO consists of over 200 illustrations created by volunteer artists from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and beyond. Visual artists range from middle school to professional while the voice-over work is performed by Theatre TCU students. Design, production, and film editing work was executed by Texas Christian University (TCU) students, faculty, and staff. FOR BO was an official selection for three 2021 film festivals across the country including Silicon Valley African Film Festival (Honorable Mention), Gary International Black Film Festival, and Lone Star Film Festival (Special Screening at The Museum of Modern Art of Fort Worth). Rising to the top 11% of thousands of submissions from around the world, FOR BO was also a third round finalist for the 2022 Ann Arbor Film festival — one of the few Academy Award-qualifying film festivals in the country. This film was presented by The #ForBoInitiative, Texas Christian University, and The Botham Jean Foundation in 2021.
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Approximate event length is two hours
- One hour for the film screening
- One hour for discussion
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For discussions, organizations and institutions are encouraged to:
- Feature an interracial, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary panel of professionals and community leaders who can provide insight and informed perspectives on: healing racial divides; the pervasiveness of racial bias and how to overcome it; relationships between all but especially African-American civilians and police officers; and issues within the American criminal justice system.
- Panelist examples: Members of law enforcement, a member from your local NAACP chapter, clergy, counselors, psychologists, members of your organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion office
- Take active measures to ensure discussions: allow attendees to share emotions and thoughts in a constructive way; encourage all points of view to be heard; move conversations in the direction of viable solutions for positive social change
- Click here to view starter discussion questions.
- You may also choose to watch the international community discussion with Botham Jean’s mother Allison Jean and sister Allisa Charles-Findley.
- Feature an interracial, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary panel of professionals and community leaders who can provide insight and informed perspectives on: healing racial divides; the pervasiveness of racial bias and how to overcome it; relationships between all but especially African-American civilians and police officers; and issues within the American criminal justice system.
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IMPORTANT NOTES:
- #ForBoInitiative participants are prohibited from charging an admission fee to attend the For Bo screening and discussion
- If you hold a screening and discussion of FOR BO, let us know!
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Header Image by Brian Dickson.
The #ForBoInitiative 