Jay grapples with the aftermath of gun violence in Kansas City, MO — his hometown. With the help of his closest homies, he sets out to photograph more than 1000 locations around the city where people were killed by guns between 2019 - 2024. The further the project goes, the closer Jay comes to reaching out to a friend awaiting trial for murder.

The concept trailer for Aftermath.

At a glance

Project scope: 60-120 minute documentary film and photo exhibition
Target premiere date: TBD
Current phase: This project is currently on hold.

Synopsis of the film: Aftermath

A documentarian grapples with the aftermath of gun violence in Kansas City, MO — his hometown. With the help of his closest homies, Jay sets out to photograph more than 1000 locations around the city where people were killed by guns between 2019 - 2024. They’re working on an exhibit. The further the project goes, the closer Jay comes to reaching out to a friend awaiting trial for murder.

Despite Jay’s intimate knowledge of the city and news reports listing out KC’s murders, it turns out that it’s not that easy to find where things went down. In addition to that, they must put boundaries on what types of gun violence they could include in the project.

Jay interviews survivors, witnesses, first responders, funeral home directors, lawyers, spiritual leaders, and people who pulled the trigger, leading him to form a nuanced comprehension of gun violence; a view that does not make things simpler, but may make things clearer.

It ultimately becomes apparent that Jay is not just an artist with a vision. He’s navigating his own way through the aftermath of gun violence. And the further the project goes, the closer Jay comes to reaching out to a friend awaiting trial for murder.

Aftermath is about more than gun violence in one Midwestern city. It is a project that asks, Is restoration possible in the aftermath of gun violence? Even if it is, is it even worth it to try?

A memorial where a personal dispute on a basketball court led to gun violence.

*Aftermath* is a fiscally sponsored project of SIMA STUDIOS, a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Characters & creators of Aftermath

Main characters

**buhito**

A documentarian and son of Kansas City grappling with the consequences of gun violence.

That’s me. This is the first time I’ve been my own protagonist (in a film, anyways).

As someone forever living in the aftermath of gun violence, I felt a responsibility to show myself on screen as I attempt to heal. My attempt involves — and possibly requires — creative expression.

I’m an artist, not an investigative journalist. And I approach my journey in this way. My hope is that my journey is useful to others grappling with the aftermath of violence in their own lives.

Other notable features

Casondra Foster

A licensed counselor.

**Don Carter**

A former police officer, and a mentor of Jay’s.

Key creatives

Cody Boston

Producer & Director of Photography

Cody’s an award-winning documentary filmmaker based in Kansas City, MO.

Learn more about Cody here.

**Mark Serrano**

*Asst. Photographer & Data Manager*
Mark is a photographer and technologist based in Boston, MA.
Learn more about Mark here.

**buhito**

*Director & Writer*
I’m a documentarian currently creating out of Kansas City, Missouri.

A note from buhito

This is not only a film about the possibility of restoration — it is an honest attempt at it.

After I filmed the concept trailer, I understood how important it would be that every person involved with the creation of this film to have had experience with gun violence. That required some adjustments, but it is proving to be the best decision. Everyone working on this project has been invited to this exploration of restoration, and they’ve accepted.

This is the most difficult project I’ve ever taken on.

Emotionally, spiritually, creatively, thematically, and logistically, it’s just complicated. Sometimes it does not feel worth the toll, but we feel a deeply compelling sense of responsibility to finish this thing.

We must continue. I know that one day we will feel fulfilled that we dealt with our fear, doubt, and the hurt of healing as this turns into an invitation to others to continue through whatever aftermath they are wading through.

Thanks to all the people who have supported this project already. If you would like to know how you can contribute to the project, please contact me here.

An update: Dec 1, 2025

I have not been able to figure this project out yet. Hitting pause while I re-evaluate.

Aftermath