Amidst the backdrop of global upheaval, '612' offers a unique perspective on the collision of American ideals, demographic shifts, and the evolving national landscape. Directed and produced by Diem Van Groth, a multi-racial, Black Vietnamese individual who was adopted and grew up in Minneapolis, the film provides an intimate portrayal of a Midwest town grappling with systemic disparities that affect its minority communities. Diem's personal experiences, including his return to Minneapolis during the George Floyd protests, add a deeply personal and insightful layer to the narrative.
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'612' is a testament to the power of local action in driving national change. The film amplifies the voices of diverse thought leaders and showcases their unsung acts of heroism in the quest for unity and societal renewal. It highlights three grassroots initiatives—the Rondo Land Bridge Project in St. Paul, Minnesota; V3 Sports in North Minneapolis; and the Page Scholars Program led by NFL Hall of Famer and Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page—as prime examples of how local endeavors can have a profound impact on a national scale.
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By chronicling the historic global protests sparked by George Floyd's murder, "612" captures the transformative potential of collective action for justice and equality. The documentary underscores the empowering effect of community solidarity and the rise of the Post-911 Generation, revealing how ordinary individuals can catalyze extraordinary change when united, empowering us all to take action.
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"612" culminates with a poignant message of resilience, illustrating how communities can emerge stronger from adversity to forge lasting systemic change. Offering a beacon of hope and a tangible blueprint for a brighter future, "612" celebrates the indomitable spirit of communities striving for a more just and equitable society.

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Credits:

• Director: Diem Van Groth

• Writer: Diem Van Groth

• Producer: David Massey (Academy Award Nominated Director, Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame)

• Producer: Diem Van Groth

• Executive Producer: Sarah Brokaw (Relational Dynamics Thought Leader. Licensed Therapist. Media Consultant. Daughter of legendary NBC News Anchor Tom Brokaw)

• Executive Producer: Kokayi Ampah (Color Purple. The Soloist. Mystic River. The Shawshank Redemption. Million Dollar Baby)

• Executive Producer: Clint Schaff (LA Times Studios. Edelman. Golin)

• Executive Producer: Diem Van Groth

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Special Thanks:​​

• Story Review: Samuel D. Pollard is an American film director, editor, producer, and screenwriter. His films have garnered numerous awards such as Peabodys, Emmys, and an Academy Award nomination. In 2020, the International Documentary Association gave him a career achievement award.

• Meredith Lavitt (Former Director of Sundance Ignite at Sundance Institute, Former President of Original Thinkers)

• Russell Greene: Editor Resources

• Kristen Nutile : Editor Resources

• Mobolaji Olambiwonnu (Directors Guild of America Student Filmmaker Award. Tribeca film festival award winner (Ferguson Rises))

• Interview Cinematographer: Tannie Tang

• Interview Production Designer and Art Director: Jose Herrera

• Interview Sound: Tersharra Hill

• Inspiration and Guidance: The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers – West

• Production and Cinematography Services: Alejandro Miranda, Bravebird

• Brandon & Lance Kramer, Meridian Hill Pictures (Webby Award Winners. Chesapeake Film Festival and Indie, Capital Awards Winners)

• Assistant Editor: Lucia Fox-Shapiro

• Legal: Sheri Linzell, Linzell Law

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Incredible Contributors:

• Brokaw Family Foundation

• David Whitman

• Bert Cohen

• Jennifer Ramberg

• Joanne Dornan

• Cookie Agnew

• Paula Curtin

• Nan Newton

• Tomme Tobias