In 2014, California was named the “Best State in America” by The Washington Post. Home to high ranked schools and the rapidly growing tech powerhouses in Silicon Valley, it does not take a genius to see why. However, not all of California is as “golden” as the state reputes. Stockton, California was rated by Forbes as one of the most miserable cities in America in 2012. It ranked among the top 5 for crime and unemployment, and was facing a record breaking number of homicides for the year. The city had also just filed for bankruptcy protection, which made it the largest U.S. city to do so.
“True Son”, directed by Kevin Gordon and produced by sisters Ketaki and Jhanvi Shriram, follows Stockton born and raised Michael Tubbs’ rise to public office. At the age of 21, Tubbs was a senior at Stanford that had overcome all odds in his underprivileged neighborhood. Raised by a teenage mother and an incarcerated father, Tubbs was a star all throughout his education and eventually surpassed all expectations when he was admitted to Stanford. However, when the murder of his cousin joined the increasing number of homicides in 2012, Tubbs had a realization that he had to do something to help his hometown. With that, Tubbs switched his pursuit of management consultation to running a grassroots campaign. Tubbs had great aspirations of improving the conditions of Stockton and carried the charisma to influence others, but at age 21 with little funds or campaign experience, this was going to be a tough triumph.
Gordon follows Tubbs through every part of his laborious campaign to become a City Councilman for District 6, the most impoverished district in Stockton. The documentary is translucent in showing Tubbs grow while simultaneously learning how to have a successful campaign with the help of campaign manager Nicholas Hattan. For instance, Tubbs must surpass his dislike of asking for money and eventually receives a large monetary contribution from Oprah Winfrey towards his campaign.
“True Son” is well written and directed. Gordon successfully depicts Michael Tubbs as the underdog that he was, running against a seasoned opponent. The film really allows viewers to gather their own opinions of Tubbs throughout the campaign and recognize how Tubbs was able to complete such a feat. Michael Tubbs and his true story is one that is inspiring to all. By the end of the film, viewers will see why at 22, Michael Tubbs would become the youngest City Councilmember in Stockton’s history.
-Jasmine Yang
