Shot in the summer of 2004 and premiering in the summer of 2005 "25 Strong" is a feature length documentary that outlines and celebrates the then 25 year history of The Kevin Bushell Bed Stuy Pre Teen Basketball Classic. The "Pre Teen Classic" as it is know has operated for 27 years without sponsorship or funding from corporations or politicians that aid most such tournaments. It is functioned through the dedication and hard work of a small nucleus of concerned adults who decided to use basketball as a deterrent against negative influences that can arise in an inner city area such as Bedford Stuyvesant. NBA players such as Stephon Marbury, Jamaal Tinsley and Rafer "Skip to My Lou" Alston played in the classic as youths and are interviewed in the film.25 Strong has been exhibited on Public Television in New York City.It has also screened at festivals and series in places such as Atlanta, Hartford (CT), Springfield (Mass), Belgium, Australia and India. The film has what is reputed to be the first "Nu Soul" soundtrack on Purpose Records that is reputed to be the first independent soul soundtrack that features artists such as Julie Dexter, Patrice Roberts, Peven Everett, Maya Azucena, Monet, Darien and others. The film is directed and produced by Kevin Harewood and Stephen Booth.
