Movie Premiere and the Bosco Blue Carpet

Convicted and sentenced to 35 years for attempted marijuana possession, Quawntay “Bosco” Adams astoundingly breaks free from a high-security Federal prison despite being under constant 24-hour surveillance. Although the escape is not much a spoiler, just how he escapes and the people involved is what makes the movie a must-see.

His story includes extremely unfortunate circumstances that lead towards freedom, justice and an impact for the greater good. Through Bosco’s struggles and coming of age, we see a brutal and sometimes violent life in Compton, California. Played by Aubrey Joseph, star of the show Cloak and Dagger that ended all too soon with a cult following, this character comes to life in a way that our heart is imprisoned with him.

His acting hits every mark, holding the character through strength, anger, and perseverance. From moment to moment, his empathy and ability to take us from anger to sadness and hopefulness all in one breath will keep your eyes locked on the film. I had the opportunity to ask Aubrey Joseph and his mother at the Bosco Hollywood Premier: What did you do to prepare for the film? His response was humbling, “I have been preparing since I was very young. I love my life, I work out, I love my girl, and I love God; that’s all the preparation I need.” His mother also reflected on his comments. “From a very early age, Aubrey has prepared for this role. I’m just happy I get to live long enough to see him in action.”

Several themes of the film were centered around family abandonment, a generational curse of being born into the system, a fatherless life, and drug-influenced despair. This is a story of a young, intelligent boy jaded by a cruel father and an unapproachable mother at times leaving him alone to choose life for himself. Many times it feels as if he was born to lose.

One of my favorite parts of the movie is that it is a true story! I was able to meet the mother, the daughter, and Bosco himself, asking him: Did you think the film came out the way you wanted it to come out? “Divine greatness can happen. I am happy that we all showed up to celebrate together,” was Bosco’s response.

In addition to “knowing divine greatness can happen,” he was able to produce the film and anchor in the talent that felt like family. I also spoke to the writer/director, Nicholas Manuel Pino, on the Blue Carpet and asked how close the movie was to the original material. Pino said, “The movie was pretty close. I worked a lot on it with Bosco, Aubrey, and all the actors (that) contributed. All the actors took ownership of the characters, which is what you want, to protect their characters. To do that, you have to really respect them. Of course, it’s my writing, but they all added to it.” My favorite part of the movie was the storytelling, cinematography, music, and the fact that this is a remarkable true story!

This film was heartfelt, a must-see, and hopefully, it is just the beginning of more prisoners telling their stories of injustice, sparking a movement of great change for years to come.

Knowing that the real Quawntay Bosco Adams wrote much of what was in the movie, here are a few of my favorite quotes:

“I have made my choices, baby; you can only protect yourself by your choices,” Vivica A. Fox as Bosco’s Mother.

“One day you are going to find someone who finally sees you the way I see you, genuine soul,” Aubrey Joseph as Bosco.

“My ancestors have come and gone with freedoms, only to never obtain it. Freedom from injustice, freedom from poverty, and even freedom from prison walls.” Aubrey Joseph as Bosco.

“I am removing the restraints from my mind.” Final last words.Bosco.

Enjoy this thrilling movie to remind us that our lives may or may not be exactly what we hope for, but it’s never too late to give up at home,” Aubrey Joseph as Bosco.

You can also see Bosco’s story narrated in the show Great Escape by Morgan Freeman.