What You Gonna Do When the Worlds on Fire?

What You Gonna Do When the Worlds on Fire? is a powerful 2018 documentary film that offers a deep dive into the socio-political dynamics of the African-American community in the South of the United States, specifically in the state of Louisiana. This unique perspective artfully articulated by Italian director Roberto Minervini underscores the racial tensions that pervade the broader American society. Starring Judy Hill, Dorothy Hill, and Michael Nelson as the protagonists, the film intertwines the narratives of people who are involved in the struggle for black rights in various ways.

The poignant tale offers an intimate look into black lives during the summer of 2017. It revolves around the lives of Judy Hill, a New Orleans bar owner; the younger brothers Ronaldo and Titus, two teenagers navigating life in a marginalized neighborhood; Kevin Goodman, a member of the New Black Panther Party for Self Defense in Mississippi; and Ashlei King, a young Mardi Gras Indian Chief preparing for his annual performance. Each protagonist reveals the personal perspectives into a complex and multi-faceted community. They portray the unvarnished realities of poverty, police violence, and social inequality, emphasizing that these issues are a lived reality for many Americans.

The strength and resilience of these individuals are well encapsulated by the character of Judy Hill. As a black businesswoman fighting to hold onto her bar, she represents a community that’s striving to maintain its identity and dignity amidst pressures from gentrification, economic instability, and racial prejudice. Judy's resourcefulness and sense of community act as a beacon of hope, offering solace and support to a neighborhood ravaged by the lasting impacts of Hurricane Katrina's landfall.

Meanwhile, Dorothy Hill (Judy's mother), is a staunch representative of an older generation that has persevered through the struggle for civil rights. Her audacity and strength forge an unyielding testament to decades of endurance and resistance against systemic racial prejudice.

The narrative of Ronaldo and Titus brings forth an alternate, yet equally powerful reality of growing up black in America. These two amiable brothers find their loyalties tested by the pull of gang-related activities in their neighborhoods - a struggle that many young men in marginalized communities can relate to.

On a completely different front, Michael Nelson's Kevin Goodman operates. As a militant leader in the New Black Panther Party, Goodman seeks justice for the racially profiled and underprotected black community through political activism, rallies, and strikes. His quest for fairness and equity reinforces the need for vocal dissent and collective action in the face of widespread racial discrimination and injustice.

Layering these stories one over the other, What You Gonna Do When the Worlds on Fire? equips the audience with multiple vantage points to understand the gravity of systemic racism in America. Director Roberto Minervini, known for his candid storytelling, allows individuals to use their own voices to share their journey, instead of resorting to voiceovers or commentaries. This free-flowing style of storytelling enhances the personal nature of the narratives, fostering a sense of realism and immediacy in the audience's experience.

The film's evocative black and white cinematography by Diego Romero Suarez-Llanos gives the documentary an elemental feel. It strips away distractions, focusing the viewer on the raw emotions, facial expressions, and experiences of those being documented. Its lack of color seems metaphorical, making a poignant comment on the black and white issue of racism.

With its interweaving narratives, "What You Gonna Do When The World's On Fire?" is an artistic and emotional journey that confronts viewers with the harsh realities and regenerative spirit of an oppressed community. The film effectively underlines the resilience and fortitude of the individuals caught in these circumstances, prompting one to question and reflect on the societal order.

In all, the movie is an unflinching portrayal of a community's struggle for its rights, an intimate chronicle of their fears, hopes, and resilience, and a profound vision of the struggle for racial justice in modern America. Its raw and authentic storytelling magnifies the voices that often go unheard, offering a poignant and much-needed commentary on racial inequality. As such, it’s a must-watch - a cinematic embodiment of a historic civil rights chant, made relevant to our current times.