"Romeo and Juliet" Gets Real-Life Twist In Documentary "Romeo is Bleeding" Backed By Russell Simmons

A new documentary will chronicle community tensions and violence that haunts many urban neighborhoods, through Shakespeare’s classic “Romeo and Juliet.”

Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons and his All Def Digital brand have partnered with award-winning editor Jason Valdes, to produce the documentary “Romeo is Bleeding.”
The documentary chronicles the efforts of local educator Donte Clark, as he leads a cast of high school students in a remake of “Romeo and Juliet.”
As Donte and the students get the play together, the real-life drama starts to mirror the Shakespearean tragedy.

“This is a powerful and provocative film that could not be more timely, or timeless. It carries a critical message about the power of written – and spoken – word to save and transform individuals and communities” – Russell Simmons.

“As funding for the arts, the youth, and community services continues to get slashed, ‘Romeo Is Bleeding’ and its star show us the importance of the arts in our lives and how one person can make a huge difference in even the most hardened of communities.”
“Romeo is Bleeding” has already won more than 20 awards at high-profile film festivals, and the new deal with Russell will allow the movie to be released in a limited theater run, in addition to being available on VOD and DVD this August.