Inspired by a true story, CROSSING THE RIVER is a narrative short film about a modern day hate crime. White teenage brothers Grant and Shawn, estranged from their mother, find the connection they are seeking with a racist older man. Michaela, an innocent 13 year old from a biracial family, is new in town. After tensions in the boys' lives escalate, a cross is burned on Michaela's lawn. The film explores the points of view of both the victim and perpetrators, and seeks to reveal how someone can be influenced to do something morally unspeakable.