"Interrupters" Eddie Bocanegra and Ameena Matthews, Producer Steve James (Courtney Fowler/ Neon Tommy)

Thousands of people are slain around the country on a daily basis; so much so that it’s become a tragic  part of our normalcy.

In nearly every major  city there are areas that are plagued by crime, gang activity and death of countless young people. One of those places is Chicago.

With well over 400 deaths this year, the city is  consistently known as one of the most dangerous places in the country.

In Steve James and best-selling author Alex Kotlowitz’ documentary, “The Interrupters,” we’re taken back to 2009 and introduced to not only some of the faces behind these continually growing numbers, but to the members of Cease Fire (now known as Cure Violence).

The organization is dedicated to educating community youth about the permanent consequences of temporary actions and intervening in crime before it happens.

“We have one goal in mind,” creative director Tio Hardiman said in the film. “Stop killing.”

On Friday, producer James along with two of the interrupters, Ameena Matthews and Eddie Bocanegra, held a screening of the film at USC’s Norris Cinema Center. In addition to the screening itself however, the audience was treated to an introduction by School of Cinematic Arts alumnus and director (Poetic Justice, Boyz N The Hood), John Singleton. Singleton, whose own work is known for its social commentary, was quick to give praise to the film.

(USC SCA alumnus John Singleton)

“Those of you who know my work know how important this subject is to me,” he said. “This film I think is one of the best movies made within the last ten years.”

The documentary is effective in shining light on urban crime and giving voices to the often unheard and unsung heroes of America. Following the journeys of aforementioned two interrupters and their colleague Cobe Williams, the depiction of Chicago throughout the film is dismal, enlightening, saddening, but most importantly, genuine.

The violence is real and James’ uncensored approach of disclosing it to audiences proves how dire the need is for organizations like Cease Fire.

At one point in the film, we’re introduced to Kenneth and Bud Oliver. The two are brothers, yet they’re estranged from their mother and won't have any affiliation with each other because they’re in opposing gangs, a concept that seems insane in theory.

“For the young people they see the violence as their disease,” Williams said in the film. “They expect to die from it.”

From the case of a 13-year-old being shot 22 times to the murder of a 16-year-old boy who’s died in his sister’s arms, the film's great adversities are counteracted with the immediate reminder that there are people fighting to make a difference in the form of the interrupters.

“I’ve just always been struck by the absolute poetry and wisdom that of the people that I’ve been privileged to document over the years,” James said. “And none more so than in this film. 

Overall, the film is gripping, emotional and necessary. It’s a solid reminder that beyond the demographic boundaries that we create, our influence on each other is boundless. 

Reach reporter Courtney here follow her on Twitter here