| Stony Island | |
|---|---|
&sq=Sri Lanka&lang=en&file=File:Stony_island_film.jpg) Original theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | Andrew Davis |
| Written by | Tamar Simon Hoffs Andrew Davis |
| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Tak Fujimoto |
| Edited by | Dov Hoenig |
| Music by | David Matthews |
| Distributed by | World Northal |
Release date |
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Running time | 97 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $380,000 |
Stony Island is a 1978 American musical drama film and Andrew Davis directorial debut. Co-written by Davis and Tamar Simon Hoffs, it stars Richard Davis, the director's brother, and Edward "Stoney" Robinson. The co-stars include Dennis Franz, Rae Dawn Chong, Gene Barge, and Susanna Hoffs.
The film is about an up-and-coming rhythm and blues band in Chicago. Set in various places in Chicago, including gritty Stony Island Avenue.
Director Andrew Davis drew inspiration for Stony Island from his brother’s experience growing up in a changing South Side Chicago neighborhood and forming a band with local kids. Made on a modest budget of under $380,000, it was distributed by World Northal to art-house and urban cinemas, recovering two-thirds of its budget and sparking Davis’ career as a sought-after director for urban-themed films.
Stony Island has been praised as a vibrant, heartfelt debut that captures the essence of Chicago's late-’70s culture and music scene. Critics commend its authentic portrayal of the city’s neighborhoods and its blend of urban grit with a soulful, semi-documentary feel. The film’s story of a biracial band forming against a backdrop of changing neighborhoods resonates with themes of integration and ambition. Featuring natural performances by real musicians and a jazzy, energetic soundtrack, the movie balances personal moments, raw emotion, and cultural commentary with charm and sincerity, solidifying its legacy as a vivid portrait of its time and place.