'Gimme Five': History of a Handshake is an independently produced video documentary examining the history and origin of the handshake a.k.a. daps, pounds, grips and soul shakes. 'Gimme Five' will look at how the traditional handshake has evolved to its present state among different ethnic groups, with a major emphasis on urban culture.

To date we have interviewed: Cornel West, Black Scholar and Professor of Religious Studies at Princeton University, Dr. William Chaplin from the University of Alabama, Psychologist department, Humberto Brown, International Secretary of the Black Radical Congress, Choreographer Jawole Zollar from Urban Bush Women, Bobbito, DJ and Urban Consultant and Abiodun Oyewole of The Last Poets.

These are some of the questions that we are looking to answer during the course of the documentary. What is lacking in society today that makes a group of people feel the need to create something unique and to themselves? Is there something in the genetic make-up or ancient cultural background of human beings that predisposes them to interact in tribal and/or non-conformist ways? Is the handshake a form of spiritual connection in a world where many people feel disconnected and disassociated from one another? Is it possible, in changing the handshake, it is a way of expressing the changes that have or are occurring in society?

Michael Britto's work ranges from narratives to a series of experimental videos. "Sidewalk Messiah" on street artist James De La Vega debuted in Season 5 of Reel NY WNET, Channel 13 and "The Art View" at Rush Arts Gallery in New York City. "Niggafied!" a comment on the racist experiences of black folk in the United States of America, currently at the Studio Museum of Harlem’s Veni Vidi Video II installation, it was screened at a New York University media lecture, and the New York International Latino Festival.

Michael Britto is working with children and young adults as a media coordinator at the Boys Club of New York City and Downtown Community Television Center's (DCTV) Pro-TV youth program. He has worked at the Children's Arts Carnival in Harlem teaching basic video production and at the "Visual Knowledge Program" at the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City, creating lesson plans on race narrative.

Michael Britto's goal is to use his art to give voice to marginalized communities and foster understanding in mainstream society.