Local journalist Jason Miller is excited to see his documentary ‘Some Sort of Judas’ premier on TVO on July 26. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
A local reporter’s passion for storytelling and desire to break into the film industry has become a reality as his first documentary gets set to hit TV screens next week.
On Wednesday July 26 at 9 p.m., TVO will broadcast the premiere of “Some Sort of Judas” produced by reporter Jason Miller who has been nominated for newspaper awards both nationally and provincially for his work at the Belleville Intelligencer.
The documentary directed by Richmond Obeng and co-produced by Kyle Bodanis and Roxana Spicer, is about murder, betrayal, and the affect of violence on Toronto’s roughest neighborhoods. Kevin Williams and Mark Moore grew up in “The Jungle”, the violent neighborhood of Lawrence Heights, sandwiched between the Allen Expressway and Yorkdale Mall. Growing up they knew one truth – talking to the cops can get you killed.
Miller explained how the story follows Williams, known to many as Toronto underground rapper Mayhem Morearty who was well on his way to rap’s mainstream.
Then in the fall of 2010, Williams witnessed Moore gun down Courthney Facey and Mike James, two innocent teenagers.
In 2015, Williams became the star witness in the crown’s case against former friend, collaborator, and musical cohort. Moore would go on to be convicted for the brutal deaths of four innocent men. From exile in an unnamed location, Williams unspools a complex story of betrayal; betrayal between friends, community and by the institutions that are supposed to keep the peace.
Miller, a well-known local crime reporter said tragically the journey to tell this story began with the murder of his own brother Tony and a yearning to solve the case. When that didn’t pan out Miller said he started looking at other stories that he could make in Canada that were related to gun crime. It would be the Toronto Star’s crime reporter and author Betsy Powell, that would turn Miller and Obeng toward Willams’ story.
“It kind of drew me because I’ve always wanted to make a documentary,” Miller explained. “It has always been a passion of mine to get into the film business.”
They immediately began developing the concept and in 2014, TVO expressed interest in the film. As the premier date draws near Miller said it’s been quite a quest. “It was a hard story to tell,” Miller admitted. “Fortunately we’ve worked with some great people and I’ve forged some great friendships throughout the process.”
The film will also be available to stream on TVO’s website starting July 27. Repeat broadcasts are on July 27 at 10 p.m. and July 30 at 9 p.m.
