‘The School Duel’ explores themes of gun violence and religion

COURTESY OF KYLE DEITZ
Sammy, played by Kue Lawrence, in “The School Duel.”

Originally from Florida, Todd Wiseman Jr., writer, director and producer of “The School Duel,” said it was rewarding seeing the film come together in black and white, and the future presented in the movie is meant to look like the past.

“Everything from the wardrobe to certain aspects of the society were meant to feel antiquated,” Wiseman said.

“The School Duel” had its North American premiere at the Miami Film Festival on April 8 at Silverspot Cinema and April 9 at Coral Gables Art Cinema.

The film is set in future Florida and follows a young boy named Sammy, played by Kue Lawrence. In an effort to quell gun violence and school shootings, the government initiates “The School Duel,” where children fight to the death against one another.

Wiseman said the film can be seen as a warning for a possible future.

“The premise of ‘The School Duel’ is completely ridiculous and insane, and it seems so far-fetched, but it’s all grounded in reality,” Wiseman said. “The concept of ‘The School Duel’ is when we refuse to solve the problem and we keep doubling down on not fixing the problem, this is the answer.”

Wiseman hopes that Americans can come together on the issue of gun violence and school shootings.

“I made this movie because I live in a country, and you live in a country, where kids show up to school every day and have to think about whether they’re going to get murdered in school. It’s absurd. It’s completely unacceptable,” Wiseman said.

Wiseman said “The School Duel” also explores religion and martyrdom.

“It’s not anti-religion or anti-Christianity. In fact, it could even be considered the opposite. What it is, is anti-weaponization of religion,” Wiseman said. “The narrative of Jesus is a peaceful one. How that gets mixed in with guns and AR-15s, I just don’t understand. I don’t get it.”

The film also stars Christina Brucato as Beth Miller, Michael Sean Tighe as Captain Stegmann and Oscar Nuñez as Governor Anthony “The Ram” Ramiro. Wiseman hopes that the film will be released on streaming later this year.

Film was covered at the 42nd Miami Film Festival, presented by Miami Dade College.