SHOEBOX

By David Fortune

Shoebox follows Trey Malloy, a 12-year-old boy who works part-time at his neighborhood barbershop. As Trey sweeps hair and runs delivery errands, he is encouraged by local patrons to use his first paycheck on an array of ideas from the latest Jordans to cryptocurrency investments. As Trey tries to decide how he’s going to spend his money, the film dives into his emotional grief as he copes with the loss of his mother, Latoya Malloy. Rather than purchasing new shoes, stocks, or a suggested bike, Trey decides to buy a flower garden in honor to late mother. Shoebox explores themes of mentorship, responsibilities, and honor through the life of Trey and the teaching he gathers while working at his neighborhood barbershop. As a result, the film examines how communal structures like barbershops can help nurture black boys to be responsible men.