For many young people, summer in the suburbs is its own little universe. During this precious chunk of time off from school, adults are often out of sight, even further out of mind, and friends become the most important people on the planet. As you skate, swim, or chill through the days, there’s the opportunity of getting to know your pals — and yourself — better than ever.
That’s the journey Summer ’17, a new short film series by Illegal Civilization and The FADER, captures. Shot on location in North Hollywood and Burbank, California, Summer ’17 follows Jeffery, played by Ryder McLaughlin, as he tries to win over a summer crush.
Produced by Malcolm Washington, directed by Illegal Civ’s Mikey Alfred, and shot by Ayinde Anderson, the film had a lot of young, black creatives who worked behind the lens to bring this film to life.
Featuring cameos from Civ friends like Tyler, the Creator, and Aminé, every scene takes place across the IRL teen hangouts of Alfred’s youth. It’s the skate brand and film crew’s biggest production to date. It beautifully captures the simultaneous “WTF” internal turmoil and heart-fluttering magic of growing up and figuring your shit out.