When the Waters Get Deep is an award-winning documentary film directed by Kelly Whalen and co-produced by Benjamin “BJ” McBride, is a short documentary conceived as a tool to support Black and Brown communities to tend to their grief brought on by gun violence and loss. The film centers on the community-based healing practices of Oakland-based hip-hop, soul and jazz ensemble SOL Development and the collective BE-IMAGINATIVE.

After SOL Development’s Karega Bailey’s brother Kareem transitioned, his grief makes him sick with revenge and hopelessness, and he is left questioning his own message of hope and peace. Turning to his faith, family and writing, Bailey finds his voice and purpose again. With the collective BE-IMAGINATIVE, he and the members of SOL Development lead healing circles and musical experiences for families who have lost their children to gun violence. When Bailey and his wife, Felicia, experience the sudden transition of their baby daughter, they find support in the tight-knit community of artists and survivors. This film is about the work of SOL Development and BE-IMAGINATIVE and how they harness the power of their ancestors to transform their greatest pain into their greatest gifts.

Watch the documentary on YouTube.com/kqedarts on February 10, 2022.

CONTENT ADVISORY: If you are inviting someone to watch When the Waters Get Deep, make sure they know in advance that the film addresses very sensitive topics including the death of children, death by gun violence, talk of suicide, and neonatal loss. These subjects may trigger feelings of grief, anger, and other emotions. It is important for participants to have agency on how they want to participate. Consider providing a form in advance for people to express their needs to participate.