"The People's Way" Sibling Filmmakers Illuminate Community Care and Black Liberation

L to R: Mike Tyner, Producer and Will & Ashely Tyner, Co-Directors of The People's Way

In the heart of Minneapolis, at the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, three community organizers are leading a movement for Black liberation. Through the lens of a new documentary, "The People’s Way", filmmakers Ashley and Will Tyner, along with producer Mike Tyner, bring to life the intimate journeys of Jeanelle Austin, Toshira Garraway, and Robin Wonsley. These three women, each deeply embedded in the fabric of their communities, strive to navigate grief, healing, and collective action in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.

For the Tyners, who are siblings, and Mike, who is no relation but shares a deep commitment to the project, this film is both an artistic and personal endeavor to serve the movement, elevate Black voices, and forge a more profound narrative than what’s typically seen in mainstream media.

"We tried to create a film that is meditative," says Will. "There's lots of space, and a lot of times, Black stories don't get space. We have to be loud and we have to be focusing on death and struggle and pain and all of these things that society is used to hearing from us about our stories. We want to show a different depiction of protest films. "

The Tyners are committed to using the documentary to fuel further conversations and actions, working alongside communities to push the movement forward. As they continue to collaborate with activists and organizers in Minneapolis and beyond, their hope is that the film will inspire not only reflection but also action—toward a world where Black liberation and community care are not just aspirations, but lived realities.

From Observation to Action: The Filmmakers’ Journey

The Tyners were no strangers to documentary filmmaking when they arrived in Minneapolis in 2020, but the landscape of the city, transformed by the violent murder of George Floyd and the subsequent uprisings, demanded a new kind of approach. Will, an anthropologist by training, and his big sister Ashley, a writer and editor, initially arrived with the goal of exploring state violence and policing. But their path shifted after meeting Jeanelle, Robin, and Toshira—three women already at the forefront of change.

"We came here initially for another project," Will recalls, "but as we started to meet people, we realized there was something much larger unfolding. We wanted to capture this energy—this powerful moment of transformation."

Ashely says they were particularly drawn to the power of Black feminist thought and abolitionist discourse, concepts that gained mainstream attention after Floyd’s death. But instead of just documenting the protest scenes, the duo sought to make these ideas accessible to a broader audience, filling the gaps of understanding about what it means to defund the police or center Black women in liberation efforts.

"Our goal was to show not just the action but the quieter moments," she explains. "We wanted people to feel that this work, which is often misunderstood or oversimplified, is not just about protest—it’s about community care, healing, and the everyday actions that can bring about real change."

Filmmaking as a Tool for Community Dialogue

The Tyners made a conscious decision to embed themselves in the community. For four months, they worked alongside the organizers, helping to mount exhibitions and canvass neighborhoods. This wasn’t just about getting the story—it was about earning trust and truly understanding the dynamics of the movement.

"We wanted to be more than just filmmakers," Will says. "What does it mean to have an impact as a filmmaker? How do we go deeper than just documenting and output?"

By capturing the everyday moments of struggle, joy, and vulnerability within the community, the filmmakers were able to create a piece that is a reflection of the ongoing, complex work of healing and organizing.

Mike Tyner, the film’s producer, praised the Tyners’ approach, noting that their commitment to the community was evident from early on . “What stood out to me was the care they took in being present, in earning the community’s trust. This isn’t just a documentary; it’s a real collaboration with the people whose stories are being told,” he says.

The Importance of Creating Space

One striking aspect of the film is its meditative pacing. In a world where Black stories are often rushed, sensationalized, or boiled down to trauma, the Tyners wanted to create a space where audiences could reflect on the nuances of Black life and struggle. The film allows room for the audience to pause and think—about the choices people make, the movements they build, and the everyday acts of care that sustain them.

"We really wanna be open to how the film can be used by folks in the community to uplift their goals, their needs, move society forward, the ways that we need to right now," say Will.

Mike echoes this sentiment, pointing out that the film’s message extends far beyond Minneapolis. "Yes, this is a story about Minneapolis, but really it's a global issue," he says. "What I hope people get out of the film is to make those connections. We hope that people can see themselves in this story, wherever they’re fighting, and know they’re not alone."