Traffic Stop (HBO)

About Traffic Stop (HBO)

"Traffic Stop" is a powerful 2018 documentary short film broadcast by HBO. Directed by Kate Davis, this 31-minute feature shines a light on the issue of race and law enforcement in America. The film tells the story of Breaion King, a 26-year-old African-American school teacher from Austin, Texas, who was stopped for a routine traffic violation which quickly escalated into a dramatic arrest. By vicariously experiencing her harrowing encounter through dashcam footage, viewers witness the disturbing reality of racial bias in law enforcement.

Making / Production

Produced by HBO Documentaries, "Traffic Stop" was directed and photographed by Kate Davis and co-produced by David Heilbroner. It uses the dashcam footage, interspersed with interviews and scenes from King's life, to portray her terrifying encounter and its traumatic aftermath. Filmmakers Davis and Heilbroner approach this sensitive issue with deftness, ensuring that the real-life incident depicted in the film serves as a mirror to society.

Actors

• Breaion King - Breaion King, playing herself, offers a raw, unflinching portrayal of herself as a person who experiences first hand the racial prejudice in the law enforcement system.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Traffic Stop" brings to light the issue of racial profiling, an issue often overlooked or buried in America's society.
• The dashcam footage featuring Breaion King's arrest became a national news story, sparking discussions and debates on racial prejudices within the police force.
• The incident took place in 2015, but the documentary was released in 2018 after it gained national attention.

Awards

"Traffic Stop" earned significant recognition for its potent message and impactful storytelling. The film received an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Short Subject at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018.

Quotes

• "Why am I being apprehended? You just pulled me over for a routine traffic stop!" - Breaion King
• "Just because I'm African American, that doesn't mean I'm a bad person." - Breaion King

Music, Soundtrack

• The soundtrack of "Traffic Stop" is minimalistic, often relying on the raw audio from the actual incident and the interviews to keep viewers engaged.