“Same Fruit, Different Tree:” the Quintessence of What a Howard Student Can Do.
Christian Anne Capers
A screening for “Same Fruit, Different Tree,” was held in the Cathy Hughes School of Communications on Sept. 13. Directed by junior TV & Film major and photography minor Mansur K. Rashid, “Same Fruit, Different Tree” deals with mature themes and source material that resonates with black youth living in the world today. The plot sees the sheltered protagonist Trey living a simple life, when he is suddenly exposed to the chokehold video that caused Eric Garner’s death in the streets at the hands of white police officers. Similar versions of this death haunt Trey constantly, culminating in tragedy.
The story behind “Same Fruit, Different Tree” is relevant today in an era where the likeliness of an unarmed black man to get shot by law enforcement is at an all time high. Rashid, a fellow man of color, has enjoyed many creative accomplishments in his field while also combating the statistic. His lack of knowledge on the issue is actually what inspired the direction of his film.
“I grew up overseas, so I was completely unaware of police brutality even existing … I didn’t even know police brutality was a thing until Trayvon Martin happened,” said Rashid.
Rashid produces, writes and edits his own content under his company M.K. Studios and has made both a positive and passionate impact on the Bison community. His success has proven well-earned, as he remains humble and eager to see where his path takes him in the future. In hopes of impacting his student body and surrounding community, Rashid plans on directing more projects.
“I’m hoping that somebody takes notice. I have some other projects in the tank.”
In addition to inspiring students on campus, the short film has gained much success elsewhere. “Same Fruit, Different Tree,” was featured at the Denton Black Film Festival and the National Black Film Festival, to name a couple. Rashid’s perseverance is proof that anybody, especially students at the Mecca, are able to follow their dreams with the right amount of passion, hard work and support.
