“I’m not here because I’m the best, I’m here because they tried to break me and they couldn’t.”
Following its acclaimed premiere at SXSW, HoodTrophy Bino’s powerful documentary HoodTrophy Bino: Breaking the Generational Curse has continued to capture hearts and garner widespread recognition across the film festival circuit.
The documentary, directed by GEBAR, dives into the captivating narrative of HoodTrophy Bino – a California hip-hop artist from the projects of South Central and Palmdale, discovered by Soulja Boy in jail, and destined to overcome the generational curse of poverty and incarceration plaguing all of the males in his immediate and extended family. Bino opens up about the trials and triumphs that shaped his life – offering insights into the challenges of growing up in a tough environment. From overcoming adversity to pursuing his dreams, Bino shares poignant stories that resonate with authenticity and resilience.
Since its debut, Breaking the Generational Curse has already taken home an impressive 11 awards. The documentary made its Canadian debut at The International Black Diversity Film Festival in Toronto, Ontario, on May 31st. It will soon travel to the Tylerman International Social Awareness Film Festival in Wheaton, Illinois, on August 10th, followed by a screening at the Black Indie Filmmakers Association Film Festival in Houston, Texas, on October 3rd.
The soundtrack to the documentary is a 6 song EP with the same title that features the latest hit tracks from HoodTrophy Bino, chronicling his dynamic and thrilling life and echoing the message of overcoming generational patterns through music. Breaking the Generational Curse is a powerful listening experience that reenforces the resilience, vigor, and sheer artistry behind HoodTrophy Bino’s vision.
Bino’s documentary run precedes his 11 track full length debut record entitled HoodTrophy, set to drop on June 28th.
With screenings in Philadelphia, Chicago, NYC and more, join us as we explore the powerful narrative of self-discovery, perseverance, and breaking free from the chains of the past. Don’t miss out on this inspiring tale of transformation into a Trophy.
Listen to the Breaking the Generational Curse Soundtrack
Watch the Trailer for HoodTrophy Bino: Breaking the Generational Curse
HoodTrophy Bino:
Performances:
310babii @ the Novo – Los Angeles, June 29
Screenings:
United We Heal Social Justice Film Festival Philadelphia – June 23 @ 4-10pm
Chain NYC Film Festival – August 1 (Midtown)
Tylerman International Social Awareness Film Festival – Chicago, August 10
Tarzana Film Festival – August 23
Albuquerque Film + Music Experience – September 25
Indianapolis Black Documentary Film Festival – August 23 – 25
Awards:
Los Angeles Stars Film Festival – Best Short Documentary Film
London Global Film Awards – Best Short Documentary
Niagara Canada International Film Festival – Best Short Film
International Music Video Underground – Best Documentary/Short Film
Dreamachine International Film Festival – Best Documentary Short
Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival – Excellence in Social
Issues/Youth Issues
The People’s Film Festival – Harlem, NY – Best Documentary Short
Los Angeles International Underground Film Festival – Best Short Documentary
Indie Vegas Film Festival – Audience Award
Selected:
Five Continents International Film Festival
My Name is Climate Film Festival – Social Awareness
MegaFlix Film Awards
San Diego Movie Awards
Crown Point International Film Festival
Boundless Film Festival
United We Heal Film Festival
Burbank International Film Festival
Touchstone Independent Film Festival
Inner City Short Film Festival
CinePulse Film Awards
Ann Arbor Black Film Festival
Afro Civilization Fair
The Impact DOCS Awards
New York True Venture Film Festival
Chain NYC Film Festival
Indianapolis Black Documentary Film Festival
The NewsFest (true stories)
International Black & Diversity Film Festival – Toronto
Cal Film Festival
Tylerman International Social Awareness Film Festival – Chicago
Seattle Film Festival
Finalist:
Mindfield Film Festival – Albuquerque
Oniros Film Awards – New York
Black Indie Filmmakers Awards – Houston
Semi-Finalist:
MMM (Music, Movies, MicDrop) Festival
Dumbo Film Festival
Nominee:
Indie Short Fest
Honorable Mention:
Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival
About GEBAR:
GEBAR (Director/ Editor) is an aspiring film director originally from Eritrea, Africa. Born and raised in Eritrea, he moved to America at age 11 with his family. He pursued his dream of filmmaking while graduating from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cinema. In 2016 he started his own production company called Ordinary Visions. He has directed two short narrative films and a variety of music videos. He started filming music videos in 2016 and has filmed various artists ranging from Blueface, rexxliferaj, Fenix Flexin, Lil Bean, AzChike, Young Slo-be, EBK Young Joc, Rucci, Drakeo the Ruler, and many more. Please see Gebar’s instagram account for more: @g.e.b.a.r.
With his powerful artistic vision, GEBAR seamlessly captures the intersection of music and storytelling, consistently delivering compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. HoodTrophy Bino: Breaking the Generational Curse is a testament to his dedication and passion for his craft, shedding light on important social issues through the lens of an extraordinary artist’s journey.
About HoodTrophy Bino:
Los Angeles based rapper HoodTrophy Bino (Tadashi Sayres) creates empowering music about overcoming hardships and leveling up in life. Raised by a single mother in a house with fourteen brothers and sisters under one roof in Palmdale, California and later the crime ridden projects of South Central LA, HoodTrophy Bino (“Bino”) succumbed to the gang life that surrounded him. Finding an important outlet in music when violence surrounded him, Bino began rapping himself – first being exposed to freestyle through his older brother.
Due to gang involvement and a father serving a life-sentence in San Quentin, Bino began repeating a doomed path that found him circulating in and out of jail. During one of his short stints, he met Soulja Boy who was also serving time. The two developed a friendship after Bino wrote him a letter and gave him a bag of Hot Cheetos. Shortly after his release from jail, Big Draco reached out and signed Bino to his S.O.D.M.G. (Stacks on Deck Money Gang) label having been impressed by his determination and musical talent. Venturing into the studio soon after, they recorded their first song “Racing In Traffic” in 2021.
Bino’s music discusses his life and what he’s been through. His debut album On The Run (2024) offers introspective tracks about his upbringing in South Central LA projects along with euphoric party anthems. Bino’s most recent single “I Want Her (Remix) ft. Kalan.FrFr” is about being caught between imagination and reality. Alongside powerful hip-hop force Kalan.FrFr, the two rappers get lost in a sensual daydream that ruminates over two different women.
The respect and love Bino has received from music has given him hope and encouraged him to show a better life to his young children. By reducing his sentence from 13 years to a 7 year joint suspension for good behavior, recently taken off parole and now officially out of the system he was in since age 13, HoodTrophy Bino is a standout example of someone who has overcome insurmountable obstacles, escaped gang life, and created a better future for himself and his family. Today, he is an advocate for gang members who grow up in the hood and witness death every other day with seemingly no way out. Developing his own PTSD, anxiety, and depression, Bino knows many young people are overlooked without an outlet for therapy or a way to express themselves.
At SXSW, Bino premiered the documentary “HoodTrophy Bino: Breaking the Generational Curse” Directed by the talented GEBAR, “HoodTrophy Bino: Breaking the Generational Curse” offers an intimate look into the life story of acclaimed rapper HoodTrophy Bino and his journey growing up in the South Central LA projects. The documentary explores the artist’s determination to break free from the cycle of generational curses and overcome the challenges faced in his environment.
HoodTrophy Bino has opened for Soulja Boy, Tee Grizzley, Bow Wow, Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, Omarion, Flo Malcom, Skinnyfromthe9, YN Jay, and Ohgeesy. His upcoming album HoodTrophy, which features artists Mozzy, 03Greedo, Jehki and RadioBase. HoodTrophy Bino is a prolific rapper and motivator for his generation. “I’m not here because I’m the best, I’m here because they tried to break me and they couldn’t.”