About John Benam: Two-time Emmy Award-winning DP John Benam brings extraordinary and important stories to the screen. In January 2020, his latest doc project, "Assassins" had its World Premiere at the Sundance film festival. His passion for diversity and social justice is evident in his critically acclaimed films. “Charm City,” which was shortlisted for the Oscars, earned worldwide theatrical release in 2018, revealing the complex world of community-police relations. That same year at the Sundance Film Festival, “This is Home” chronicled the plight of a Syrian refugee family as they navigate a new life in the United States. About the film: The Body Politic is a harbinger of hope in a country plagued by gun violence. Brandon Scott is a young mayor who grew up during Baltimore’s most troubling years and sets out, with unyielding idealism, to change the course of his battered and beloved city. He is elected mayor amid nationwide unrest following the murder of George Floyd. With unfettered access, cameras follow Brandon throughout his first year in office as he introduces an ambitious plan for violence reduction and police reform that he promises will lower the city’s murder rate. Pundits claim Brandon’s political health and the city’s health are tied to the number 348 – the total murders Baltimore had the previous year, more homicides than NYC, a city 15 times its size. After entering office and barely getting a chance to enact his first safety reforms, violence surges to new highs. As the media and political foes attack his holistic approach, his commitment to his plan and principles puts his political future in jeopardy. Will his holistic approach lead to healing and serve as a blueprint for the rest of the nation?