National Geographic Channel - Finding access in Compton

Printed on August 27, 2007 National Geographic Channel

Finding access in Compton

July 16, 2008 7:51 AM

	Steve Hoggard
	Hoggard Films - Writer/Director

How to pull this off? At first, we didn’t have a clue.

But then we met Father Stan Bosch, who has lived and ministered to gang kids in Compton and South Central for 20 years now.

Stan was the key to opening up access to kids in the gang banging world who were, at the same time, trying to straddle the ‘real’ world: trying in many instances to get out – or just survive.

Stan and SEA School were just amazing to see…

An oasis of sanity – and a ‘safe zone’ where – as we say in the film, for a few hours a day these kids – many of whom suffer from PTSD just like Iraq Vets – could go to just be kids… On this one playground, there are some 20 – 40 gangs represented from across South Central and Compton… It’s a place where kids from warring gangs can actually make friends with ‘enemies’… Then – at day’s end – the faculty and Father Stan have to map out each student’s route home so they avoid traveling through enemy territory…

Inside LA Gang War premieres Sunday July 20 at 9p

The work you’d see taking place in Father’s Stan’s group session was even more amazing. Ever respectful of the kids, he got their permission for us to film a group discussion that was similar to the group therapy he does at SEA… Witnessing that exchange was something to behold. All of a sudden, these kids – cold and distant and sometimes threatening – transformed into sensitive, thoughtful and vulnerable children… Which is what they are…

We knew from then on that the film we wanted to make would show this tragic dichotomy. To the outside world and on the street, teen gang bangers are frightening, violent, heavily armed and nearly psychotic caricatures… And they do indeed perform truly terrible deeds… They rob and they kill.

Unmasked, with their gang rags off – and in a caring environment – they turn into the children they are…

None of our access to the SEA kids would've been possible without Father Stan... The film wouldn’t have been possible – or a story we’d of wanted to tell.

His trust and help were of inestimable help throughout.

His vision and the love he has for these kids while still seeing them for what they are: while still expecting them to realize their own humanity and take responsibility for themselves – was more than inspiring. These kids are hungry for love. Certainly. But they’re also absolutely desperate for someone to believe in them: for someone to expect something of them. And for many teen gang bangers, Stan is the only guy in their lives who does.

Father Stan has taken a vow of poverty; is beloved in Compton; lives in a small room at a South Central rectory -- and has more friends than anyone I know... I’ve met and interviewed countless people over the years and have been honored to spend time with many of them. But Father Stan is a true savior - and the only father figure most of these kids have.

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