In America, black people are four times more likely than white people to be killed by police when unarmed and not threatening. When questioned why they pulled the trigger, police often say, “I thought they had a gun,” when—in reality—the victims are often armed with nothing more than a candy bar. We created “Not a Gun” to bring awareness to and spark change around this issue.

Our film shows the sad absurdity that a candy bar in a white person’s hand can suddenly turn into a gun when placed in the hand of a black person. It illustrates how the unconscious bias of an officer can end someone’s life for no reason.

The film sends people to NotAGun.org, where citizens can sign a petition that calls for more de-escalation and unconscious-bias training for police departments.

An issue like this can be solved only at the city level, so we were strategic in where we launched. Due to racial issues and a lack of de-escalation policies in it’s police department, we decided to start in Austin, Texas. 

Awards are fine, but we actually want to effect change. So please visit NotAGun.org to help.