IN THE RED: CHANGING LIVES TO SAVE LIVES
IN THE RED follows the lives of six young people eager to rewrite their troubled history by becoming first responders in Oakland, California

IN THE RED: CHANGING LIVES TO SAVE LIVES

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WORLD PREMIERE - Santa Barbara International Film Festival | THE SPECIAL JURY AWARD FOR INSPIRATIONAL FILMMAKING - Arizona International Film Festival

Poverty • Second Chances • Juvenile Detention • Black Firefighters • First Responders • Inspiring Hope & Transformation • Mentorship • Overcoming Obstacles • Uplifting Communities


Date of Completion: 2025 | Run Time: 94 minutes | Language: English | Captions: Yes | Includes: Transcript | Director, Director of Photography & Producer: Mimi Chakarova | Producers: Aisha Knowles & Julias Canada | Narrator: Joseph Stubbs | Composer: Gavin Templeton | Illustrator: Lola Noguer

Eleven years in the making, IN THE RED is a feature documentary about growing up poor in one of the wealthiest areas in the United States and getting into trouble early on. Some find their way to a free program in Oakland, California that offers a lifeline – rigorous training to become firefighters and first responders. But the streets keep calling. What makes one kid heed that call and another ignore it?

Raw, intimate and at times funny, the film follows the lives of six young people for more than a decade. Not everyone succeeds. But for those who do, their lives are forever changed. From juvenile detention centers for armed robberies to driving fire engines and helping people in need, IN THE RED is a film about the transformative power of altruistic mentorship and genuine care.

The International Association of Black Professional Firefighters, Washington D.C.
“The struggles our young men and women face are all too real in America today. Their story can be told thousands of times in every urban setting across this country. My organization and I applaud you and your cohorts for the undertaking of this magnificent film. It is very real and true of what we, as African American firefighters, have faced for years in our communities to become firefighters. Our attempt to tell our story has fallen on deaf ears.”

The Chronicle for Social Change
"This film will show jurisdictions around the country what is possible when young people caught up in the justice system are given opportunity, resources and support.”

Splash Magazine | Lady Beverly Cohn, Film Critic
“With the beautiful opening shot of Oakland, California, I had a hunch this was going to be a compelling feature-length documentary. Chakarova’s sharp direction sprinkles in wonderful drawings of the action illustrating specific moments in the narrative, nicely supported by Raphael Saadiq’s lively sound track.”

The Voice
“Shot over the course of eleven years, In the Red chronicles the ups and downs, successes and failures, triumphs and challenges faced by individuals fighting to provide a better life for themselves and others. In light of ongoing hardships in California, Chakarova said she feels this story couldn’t have been shared at a better time.”

Montecito Journal
“Early perusal and preview screeners have revealed a number of informative and moving films, including the particularly timely In the Red, a world premiere film that chronicles the lives of six young people who change their troubled history into a promising future by becoming firefighters and first responders, creating their own opportunities through dedication and hard work.”

AWARDS
The Special Jury Award for Inspirational Filmmaking | Arizona International Film Festival

FESTIVALS
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Manhattan Film Festival