$17.74 centers on Hamzah, a man serving a life sentence in a California prison. The film unravels the layers
of Hamzah's past and the larger context of mass incarceration and institutional racism in America. Central to Hamzah's narrative is the tragic incident that altered the course of his life forever: the accidental shooting and death of his own 16-year-old uncle when Hamzah was just 17. This event and its aftermath sends Hamzah on a road of self discovery eventually arriving at him converting to Islam after reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X.
Hamzah’s story takes an unexpected turn in 2023 after the Israeli siege on Gaza. Appalled by Israel’s actions of cutting off Gaza from essential resources and knowing personally the trauma caused by violence, Hamzah is compelled to take action. Despite his incarceration, he decides to donate his entire month’s paycheck of $17.74 – towards aid efforts in Gaza.
The film highlights the interconnectedness of human experiences and the universal quest for hope and redemption.
Producer/Director:
Justin Mashouf is a 4 time LA Emmy winning filmmaker based in Los Angeles. A finalist for the Pillars Fund x Riz Ahmed inaugural Artist Fellowship, Justin’s career spans over 10 countries and includes feature films, commercials, TV specials and documentaries.
Producer/Cinematographer:
Carlos Cortes is a Chicago-born Director of Photography. He is currently a Director of Photography for CBS National News. He has 4 Emmys and has been featured by Sony Cameras and is a brand ambassador for Litepanels. Carlos Cortes remains a driving force in the world of cinematography, blending technical expertise with a deep passion for storytelling to create visuals that resonate with audiences worldwide.