The bustling, vibrant culture of Brooklyn's Caribbean communities takes center stage in Dolla Van, a new scripted TV series set to premiere on Jan. 29 on BRIC TV.
Written and directed by Gabriel Tolliver and produced by BRIC TV, the pilot has already garnered critical acclaim, earning official selection slots for the American Black Film Festival (2023) and Caribbean Lens International Film & Art Festival (2023), according to a press release.
Inspired by the iconic dollar vans that serve as lifelines for Caribbean neighborhoods, Dolla Van follows Trinidadian siblings Jordana and Khalid Bibby as they navigate the competitive world of van driving along Flatbush Avenue.
Jordana, the route’s first female driver, faces challenges from her brother and the eclectic passengers they pick up, including a gentrifying couple craving authentic roti, a displaced military veteran and a mystical horn player seeking solace at Floyd Bennett Field.
Tolliver said the project offers a fresh perspective on New York City storytelling, blending magical realism, social commentary and the cultural vibrancy of Brooklyn.
"When it comes to NYC and its boroughs, there have been subway stories, taxicab confessions but not any Dollar Van stories – fiction at least. I was interested in what could be the genesis for a diverse anthology series that could give one a glimpse into the mosaic that is Brooklyn," said Tolliver. "I wanted the show to have the DNA of the Caribbean led dollar van industry yet reflect aspects of Brooklyn's changing demographics. The pilot episode has a cinema verite/documentary feel laced with magical realism and social commentary woven in."
The show explores gentrification, the challenges of first-generation Americans and the entrepreneurial struggles of women and veterans, creating a nuanced portrayal of life in Brooklyn’s Caribbean communities.
Kuye Youngblood, general manager BRIC TV, said he could not resist the pitch, thanks to Tolliver's experience as a writer and director, the authentically Brooklyn story and the cast.
Jordana Persad, who plays Jordana Bibby, said the show's themes were deeply familiar.
''The themes of Dolla Van resonated with me, and I love being a part of the show," said Bibby. "I have a strong connection to dollar vans, as they are part of Caribbean culture and also a mode of transportation I use. The Flatbush dollar van is so connected to Caribbean culture that I used it for my promo video for my first video piece."
Khalid Hamid, who plays Khalid Bibby, said his character wasn't that far off from his own experiences.
"Being an entrepreneur with a Caribbean background I am able to connect to the authenticity of Dolla Van," he said. "It feels as if I’m playing myself. The story, the struggle, and the success are mine and my brothers. It's a story that needs to be told."
