3½ Minutes, Ten Bullets
3½ Minutes, Ten Bullets recounts the tragic events of November 23, 2012, when 17-year-old Jordan Davis was fatally shot at a gas station in Jacksonville, Florida. The incident occurred during a dispute over loud music, leading to a confrontation between Davis, who was in a vehicle with friends, and Michael Dunn, a 45-year-old white man.
The documentary follows the subsequent trial of Michael Dunn, who fired ten bullets into the vehicle containing Davis and his friends. Three of those bullets struck Davis, resulting in his death. Dunn fled the scene but was arrested the following day, claiming he had acted in self-defense. This case brought national attention to Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law and ignited discussions about racial profiling and gun violence in America.
Through courtroom footage, police interrogations, and jailhouse phone recordings, the film provides a comprehensive look at the legal proceedings. It captures key moments of the high-profile trial, including testimonies from witnesses, arguments from both prosecution and defense, and the jury’s deliberations. It also features interviews with Davis’s parents, Ron Davis and Lucy McBath, offering insight into their grief and their fight for justice for their son.
The documentary contextualizes the shooting within broader societal issues, particularly the racial tensions prevalent in America. It highlights how the case paralleled other high-profile incidents involving the deaths of young Black men, contributing to the growing Black Lives Matter movement. It also addresses the perception of threat and the role of racial bias in split-second decisions.
3½ Minutes, Ten Bullets presents a nuanced portrayal of all parties involved. It includes perspectives from Davis’s friends who were present during the shooting, providing their account of the events that transpired. It also incorporates Dunn’s own words through recorded phone conversations, offering viewers a glimpse into his mindset and rationale for his actions.
The film concludes by following the aftermath of the trial, including the impact on Davis’s family and friends, as well as the broader implications for similar cases across the country. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in America, while also paying tribute to the memory of Jordan Davis.