Washington DC – Steve Kerr wants to clarify that he is listed as executive producer for the Oscar-winning mini-documentary. all empty roomsHe had little to do with the actual production of the film.
"I want to make it clear that executive producer is a great way of saying I have nothing to do with it. Just to be very, very clear," Kerr joked pregame before the Golden State Warriors' Monday matchup with the Washington Wizards. “But I feel incredibly honored to be associated with it.”
all the empty rooms, Winner of the Oscar for Best Documentary Short, the film is a film that covers issues close to Kerr's heart. The 35-minute mini-doc follows broadcast journalist Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they travel across the United States, capturing the untouched, empty bedrooms of children killed in school shootings.
As an outspoken advocate against gun violence and supporter of gun safety laws, Kerr was very happy to have his name attached to the film.
"About a year ago they asked me if I wanted to be an executive producer, and when I read about this project I was immediately ready, because it's such an important film. Once I saw it, I was overwhelmed by the beauty, the sadness, the humanity, done so poignantly."
Steve Kerr's role in the film
For Kerr, the artistry of the film is an important catalyst in tackling this issue.
"I think that's important, especially, you know, given my advocacy for gun violence prevention. It's - you look for ways to touch everybody and avoid political discourse that boils the issue down. And I thought the film threaded that needle perfectly."
While Kerr was not involved in the production of the film, he played a major role in its public relations campaign in the lead-up to the Oscars.
This included writing an opinion article in the Los Angeles Times in which he highlighted the gun-violence epidemic in America and how the issue has had a personal impact on his life. Kerr's father Malcolm was shot dead in Lebanon in 1984. Kerr also hosted some screenings in San Francisco and Los Angeles, conducting a Q&A with director Joshua Seftel.
"My involvement was really putting my name on it and trying to help promote it," Kerr explained. "But it was so beautifully done. "It was so touching. And how sympathetic and kind Steve and Lou were in the movie when they were visiting houses. It was very powerful.”
Steve Kerr wants people to skip the movie
Kerr said he hasn't had the chance to add an Oscar trophy to his NBA championship cabinet. But in Kerr's eyes the achievement is the least important part of the film. Kerr thinks this film can help start a change in the movement. Not only at the political, legislative level, but also at the grassroots level, from power to people.
"I'm trying to recommend everyone to see it," Kerr said. "It's 35 minutes, but you should watch it. It's hard to watch, but it's also unforgettable. And I think this issue...it's the kind of movement that we need to move. Our country, our citizenry, we need to move this issue forward, because it's obviously not happening at a political level. But we know the power of protests and movements, and I'm very hopeful that this film will help that cause."
Kerr said, "This is not a political issue. This is a public health crisis. When you watch the movie, and you see the damage, and you see these innocent people's lives being taken. And then [when] You start to focus on the issue, you realize there are a lot of things we can do to save lives."
"And that can be challenging. A lot of people say to me, it's frustrating. It's not frustrating. We have legislation that has been passed over and over again that is already saving lives. We know that statistically, but it's really the movement that's most important to me. The consensus: We have to do something."
all empty rooms Currently available to stream on Netflix.
