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Set in the heart of Detroit and pulsing with raw emotion, To Live and Die and Live is more than a film, it’s a deeply personal exploration of grief, legacy, and emotional transformation. Directed, written, and produced by filmmaker Qasim Basir and creative force Samantha Basir Tanner (producer), the story follows Muhammad, a successful Hollywood director who returns to his hometown after the death of his stepfather. But this homecoming becomes a mirror, reflecting the unfinished business, both literal and emotional, he must face.
The film unfolds as Muhammad attempts to carry out his stepfather’s work while battling his own internal struggles: addiction, depression, and the mounting expectations of being the “responsible one.” As he navigates this emotional landscape, viewers are brought into a story that is as visually captivating as it is reflective.
“Movies are like therapy for me,” Qasim shared. “This was no different. My stepfather passed in 2017, and I didn’t really process it. I just kept moving. There’s a lot in Muhammad that reflects that numbness I once carried.”
The film doesn’t rely on tropes or dramatized stereotypes. Instead, it offers a nuanced look at addiction and emotional conflict through a grounded lens. “Most addicts are functioning,” Qasim explained. “They go to work, raise families, but they’re battling privately. I wanted Muhammad to reflect that quiet complexity.”
Detroit, where the story takes place, is a character in its own right. “It’s the city where my stepfather lived and worked until he passed,” said Qasim. “It’s a place often portrayed in a very singular way, but I saw something different. I wanted to show its beauty, its layers.”
Samantha Basir Tanner’s contribution behind the scenes was equally profound. Her dual role as producer and actor required presence, patience, and emotional commitment. “Indie filmmaking is about filling in the gaps. We didn’t have a huge crew. What we had was heart, and everyone came together to bring this vision to life.”
The film also highlights the dynamics of human connection through the characters of Muhammad and Asia, played by Skye P. Marshall. Their evolving relationship shows how unspoken experiences and personal pain can build both walls and bridges.
Ultimately, To Live and Die and Live is a visual reflection of life’s turning points. It challenges viewers to consider how we manage grief, legacy, and responsibility, and how we learn to live again after deep emotional shifts.
Catch it in Select Theaters
In theaters May 30th in Chicago. Tickets on sale now at AMC Ford City 14 theatre! Visit the website tolivethefilm.com to learn more about the film and sign up to be notified for more upcoming showtimes.