Tonight marks the premiere of the documentary series Brick City on the Sundance Channel. The show follows the struggle to reduce violent crime in one of the toughest cities in America: Newark, New Jersey.

The first episode is canvased across the backdrop of the summer of 2007, which saw a gross surge of violence that culminated with the execution-style murder of three university students on the playground of a local elementary school. Now, in 2008, the city’s much lauded Mayor Cory Booker and Police Director Garry McCarthy must work vigorously to keep the calm during the upcoming hot (and volatile) summer months.

Acclaimed filmmakers Mark Benjamin and Marc Levin delve right into the heart of the community, traveling with an all-seeing eye with both law enforcement officials as they try to quell the violence, all the while studying the realities of those who live in the trenches day to day.

What makes this series so revelatory is its willingness to dig deeper than the simplified and sometimes exploitative point of view other crime-driven reality shows have taken; here we have a series that is legitimately trying to pursue a more human and nuanced path in bringing forth the struggles that many in our country face in crime-ridden American cities such as Newark.

As Newark’s trademark nickname “Brick City” gives the series its namesake. Likewise, a play on the moniker is garnered by a donation driven program set up by The Sundance Channel called “Donate a Brick.” The program will provide financial assistance to Boy’s & Girl’s clubs nationwide–starting first with the club in Newark, New Jersey–The Sundance Channel will match donations of up to $10,000.00.