Filmmaker Kyra Knox has worked on a wide array of projects—ranging from documentaries to commercial—and has also established herself as an award-winning creative, earning accolades for her work as a producer, as well as her social impact efforts.
But her latest project is one that hits close to home—literally.
The new documentary ‘Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia,’ follows the story of three teenagers who navigate through the struggles of gun violence in Philadelphia and find solace through basketball.
The team collaborating on this film was led by Knox, a Philadelphia native and up-and-coming filmmaker, who directed and produced the film. Executive producers Allen Iverson—an NBA Hall of Famer who played for the Philadelphia 76ers from 1996 to 2007— and Grammy award-nominated producer Mark Mims were joined by co-producers Cleon Lockett, Taylor Paul, Niko Brabham, Gabe Johnson, Chris Isidori and Joanna Luehmann to round out the team.
“When I received the call that Allen Iverson was going to be an executive producer I was overwhelmed with emotion and enthusiasm,” said Knox, whose previously work includes a Philadelphia Eagles PSA, ‘Enough Keeping Score,” in which she earned Gold Addy and Mosaic awards.
When asked about her hopes for the impact ‘Bad Things’ would have on Philadelphia’s youth, Knox’s answer was simple: “I just want kids to be able to be kids again.”
Philadelphia’s ongoing gun crisis has become a citywide epidemic. As of Dec. 11, there have been more than 2,000 shooting victims in Philadelphia—10-percent of those are under the age of 18. Knox says the purpose of the film is to spread awareness of the growing rate of gun violence and shed a light on Philadelphians navigating that violence in their daily lives.
According to the filmmaker, ‘Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia’ is meant to inspire communities to make real changes towards making the streets of Philadelphia a safer place. With programs such as Mothers In Charge and Shoot Basketballs Not People — both geared toward helping inner-city youth avoid gun violence — Knox aims to put a spotlight on life-saving resources that can help build communities and inspire individuals to contribute to a safer city for all.
‘Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia’ —slated for an early April release date — is truly a passion project for Knox, and it’s overall message is clear:
“In 2022, we must change the narrative.”
