About 3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bulullets

"3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets" is a gripping documentary film that revolves around a brutal incident of racial violence at a Florida gas station and the subsequent trial. This film is directed by Marc Silver.

On Black Friday 2012, two cars parked next to each other at a Florida gas station. A white middle-aged male and a black teenager exchanged words over the volume of the music in the boy’s car. A gun entered the exchange, and one of them was left dead.

Making/Production

The film was produced by The Filmmaker Fund, Motto Pictures, Lakehouse Films and Actual Films. It involved a detailed examination of the trial of Michael Dunn, the man who shot and killed 17-year-old Jordan Davis.

Actors

• Michael David Dunn - Played himself, and his courtroom performance provides a shocking insight into his mindset.
• Lucia McBath - As Jordan Davis's mother, she offers a heartfelt and emotional view of the tragedy.
• Ron Davis - Playing himself, Jordan's father brought a stoic strength and determination for justice to the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title "3.5 Minutes" refers to the time it took for the confrontation and shooting to occur.
• The director Marc Silver blend the courtroom footage with powerful testimonies from friends, family, and intimate phone conversations between Dunn and his fiancee, bringing light to this horrifying event from different angles.

Awards

The film won the Special Jury Award for Social Impact at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and was shortlisted for Best Documentary Feature for the 88th Academy Awards.

Quotes

• "They pumped him full of bullets. They didn't try to save my son. They tried to protect themselves." - Ron Davis
• "I had no choice. They’re gonna kill me.” - Michael Dunn

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's music was composed by Todd Boekelheide. He used minimal but impactful tones to subtly enhance the film’s emotional journey.