Burning Sands

Burning Sands is an intense and thought-provoking 2017 drama film directed by Gerard McMurray. The story unravels in the backdrop of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) culture in America. Gerard McMurray, who penned the script with Christine Berg, uses the societal phenomenon of hazing to provide an insightful and deep dive into the pressures and tribulations associated with fraternity pledging.

In the lead role, we find Trevor Jackson, known for his roles on television hits like American Crime and Grown-ish. He plays Zurich, an ambitious college freshman who yearns for the respect and prominence that comes from being part of the prestigious and infamous Lambda Lambda Phi fraternity. His embracing of Lambda's infamous “Hell Week,” a week of harsh pledging and initiation traditions, provides the narrative’s beating heart.

Burning Sands explores the struggles and decisions Zurich must undergo during the harsh testing period. He’s caught in the crossfire between upholding traditions and maintaining his moral compass, along with the pressure from his peers, mentors, and a concerned university professor, played by the brilliant Alfre Woodard.

Tosin Cole, DeRon Horton, and other co-stars added depth to Zurich's story through their portrayals of his college peers, drawing into focus the magnitude of the distressful decision Zurich must make. Tosin Cole, of star wars and Doctor Who fame, particularly shines through his portrayal of Frank, a young man who succumbs to the pressure of the fraternity initiation.

The film reveals the disruptive cycle of fraternity hazing that permeates in various American universities, a tradition often glorified and swept under the rug simultaneously. The brutal yet honest portrayal of physical, psychological, and emotional torment experienced by the pledges is a focal point of the film.

One thing the film handles exceptionally well is the balanced presentation, neither glorifying nor demonizing HBCUs or fraternities. Rather, it paints a realistic and often brutal picture of young Black men, trying to navigate the complexities of institutional traditions and maintain their identities in the process.

The cinematography of Burning Sands also deserves a mention. The film is exceptionally well shot, offering a stark portrayal of this darker side of university life. Cinematographer Isiah Donte Lee vividly paints the forbidding and harsh culture of Lambda Lambda Phi against the background of an idyllic university campus, creating a stark contrast and a striking tone for the narrative.

Burning Sands thus exhibits the dangerous acts of initiation or hazing rituals prevalent in many universities and fraternities worldwide. As viewers, we go through Zurich's struggles and trials with him, hoping for his escape from the tormenting traditions that threaten to consume him.

Trevor Jackson's versatile range and tenacity bring Zurich's character to life, creating a compelling and relatable protagonist. His performance reflects every nuance of a young college student burdened by societal expectations and peer pressure, while at the same time trying to cope with the harsh realities of fraternity life.

However, as grim as the film may seem, there are lighter moments, which remind us of the bonds, friendships, and brotherhoods formed during college years. The film does not shy away from showcasing the allure of fraternities for many young college students – the longing for lifelong brotherhood, the prestige, the parties, and the women.

Burning Sands is not a film that merely recounts fraternity hazing but sheds light on a deeper, more significant societal issue. It's a critical narrative about the intertwined fate of societal traditions, personal journeys, and institutional obligations. The film, in its entirety, beckons audiences to question the destructive traditions that exist in our society in the name of rituals and rites of passage.

In conclusion, among the themes of brotherhood, violence, tradition, and moral conscience, Burning Sands echoes an underbelly of university tradition, prompting one to question the paradox of suffering in the pursuit of brotherhood. Whether you're familiar with the culture of HBCUs and their fraternities or entirely alien to their existence, Burning Sands offers a gripping narrative, engaging performances, and a thought-provoking commentary on rites of passage in modern society.