Festival Season:
September 2025
BOB & HAZEL: BOUND BY LOVE, DIVIDED BY COLOR
Directors:
Writers:
Lara Firestone
Producers:
Wendi Levy Kaaya, Lara Firestone
Run Time:
0:56:15
Awarded for the following Category(s):
Awarded Category(s)
"Bob & Hazel” is a powerful documentary about a 60-year interracial love story that defied the racial boundaries of 1960s America, overcoming relentless challenges of bigotry, war, and societal rejection.
What do Atlantic City, New Jersey; Fort Hood, Texas; and Vietnam have in common? Each of these iconic places—steeped in history and struggle—challenged Bob and Hazel Levy in their journey together. But their love was unbreakable.
This powerful documentary explores the 60-year interracial relationship between Bob Levy, Sr. (white) and Hazel Washington Levy (black), whose love defied the racial boundaries of 1960s America. From societal rejection and family estrangement to the perils of war, Bob and Hazel’s love endured relentless challenges.
At just 17, in Atlantic City NJ, Bob was disowned by his parents and faced systemic racism both at home and in the military—all because he chose to love Hazel. Meanwhile, Hazel, left to care for two biracial children, endured the trials of raising a family alone while her husband fought in a war from which he might never return.
Together, they navigated the isolation and obstacles that threatened their personal and professional lives, yet their bond only grew stronger.
Through the reflections of their two biracial children and close family friends, “Bob & Hazel: Bound by Love, Divided by Color” offers an intimate portrait of how this couple’s love and courage shaped their family’s identity during a time of extreme racial turmoil in America.
Their story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and defiance in the face of a society divided by color. Proven guilty in a court of law.
Submitter Statement
Lara Firestone is a documentary and keepsake film producer, director, and video editor and the founder of seeLIFE Pictures. With more than a decade of industry experience, Lara’s portfolio comprises projects for high-profile families, including artists, athletes, and entertainment industry professionals. Her documentary work has been featured at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival.
Lara’s passion for personalized storytelling ignited her idea of producing cinematic keepsake films for families. What had started as a love for making beautiful video heirlooms for her own family soon led to the launch of her production company, serving a broad list of clientele.
At seeLIFE, Lara thrives on the opportunity to work closely with clients to capture the unique and special moments and sentiments that can only be fully brought to life on film. Her goal is to use the camera lens to allow a person to see themselves through the eyes of the family and friends who love them, so they can feel their true value. She believes that this is the most meaningful gift a person can give and receive, which makes her work an absolute joy.
Key Cast
Other Credits