In his debut film, Brooklyn-native Keenan ‘Special’ Bristol brings the struggles of those with sickle cell disease to the forefront.
Students are Heroes: A Sickle Cell Warriors Story tells the story of high school student and athlete Jordana, who suffers a debilitating sickle cell crisis that leaves her hospitalized and in need of a blood transfusion. Because Jordana has developed antibodies from previous transfusions, a search for a compatible blood donor proves difficult. When word spreads about Jordana’s predicament, her community steps in to host blood types in hopes of finding a match.
The fictional story is one that mirrors real-life tales. About 100,000 people in the United States have SCD. More than 90% of those affected are African American or non-Hispanic Blacks. People with SCD have a life expectancy of more than 20 years shorter than those without it. According to the American Red Cross, frequent transfusions for treatment can make it difficult to find donors with compatible blood types, like in Jordana’s case.
The topic hits close to home for Bristol, a dancehall musician from Crown Heights who founded the non-profit organization Music Brings Life in 2010 after his mother struggled to find a compatible blood donor after a major knee surgery.
“My mom made it, but there's many people that never make it because of lack of blood," he said.
The nonprofit hosts assemblies at New York City high schools where Bristol and others perform and share information about the importance of blood donation for Black and other minority groups. They also host blood drives at high schools and colleges. “We have raised 1,000s of pints of blood, but we have so much more to go. The road is the road is long,” said Bristol.
Bristol decided to write and direct a film about SCD to spread awareness in a new way. He raised funds for the film and cast experienced actors, as well as first-time actors playing themselves as high school students, and a doctor who plays himself. The star of the film, Jordana Whyte, has SCD and is a longtime advocate.
“We wanted to give some of the students an opportunity be a part of this film,” said Bristol. “It’s mostly actors, but some of them were actually first timers trying this out for the first time.”
The production process of creating the film took about two years. Much of 2023 was spent on pre-production, while the film was shot for several months earlier this year. Maimonides Medical Center in Borough Park, where the hospital scenes were shot, allowed Bristol to shoot there for free due to the important nature of the topic.
The U.S. is currently experiencing a blood shortage. In August, the Red Cross, which is responsible for 40% of the county’s blood donations, reported that blood donations fell by 25% since July. The blood type most in need was type O, which 51% of African Americans and O% of Hispanics have. Type O negative is the most urgently needed type and used most often in emergencies but is carried by only 7% of the population.
“Blood is a gift, and none of us paid for the blood. It's sacred,” said Bristol. “And there are people that along their lives, they need the gift. So, it's a gift that can keep giving life.”
Proceeds from film screenings will go towards a future blood donation awareness concert at Yankee Stadium. A screening of Students Are Heroes will be held on Jan. 16 at East New York Family Academy. You can purchase and watch the film through the Music Brings Life website. Learn more about blood donation eligibility and where to donate blood in New York City from the New York Blood Center.
