Bernard Threatt’s debut project, HAK’s is an astonishing film about the multifaceted underworld of illegal transportation in Baltimore City, Maryland. This gritty street documentary not only exposes the truths and misconceptions about HAKing, but also demonstrates the cultural, sociological and economic factors that spawned and continue to contribute to the phenomenon.

HAK’s details how a parallel system has transpired for those who have been disenfranchised in a variety of ways from the public and/or legal system of transportation. Threatt succeeds in revealing the poverty, racism, drug culture, genuine entrepreneurship, and camaraderie that the system of HAKing relies upon. Through street interviews and documented experiences of HAKing, the viewer comes to understand the development of a black market transportation system in Baltimore City. The negative aspects of HAKing are poignantly juxtaposed against the trust and sense of community that Baltimore truly has, where by and large; people look out for each other while trying to go about their business.

From interviews with addicts on the Baltimore Block to Section 8 success stories, HAK’s is an accurate portrayal of an entire city that refuses to be paralyzed and might inspire you to stick your hand out and HAK.