Riot: From Rebellion to Redemption
"Riot" is documentary film that chronicles the city of Newark, New Jersey and the many ways it was affected by the civil disturbance that took place there in the summer of 1967. Today, it's hard to be…
Riot: From Rebellion to Redemption
"Riot" is documentary film that chronicles the city of Newark, New Jersey and the many ways it was affected by the civil disturbance that took place there in the summer of 1967. Today, it's hard to believe that an event that few people remember or know anything about could have had such a huge impact on millions of people. That's the story that this film attempts to tell. While the rioting killed 26 people, and certainly had a major effect on the families of those people, countless others were affected in many ways. Hundreds of family businesses were destroyed. Many thousands of people were displaced, and the white flight that was already underway was accelerated exponentially. While similar conflicts erupt around the world today, this film can be a crystal ball for cities like Ferguson and Baltimore, where they can see the painful future that awaits them by learning the story of Newark, another city that long ago allowed its tensions to boil over. With narration by Emmy-winner Andre Braugher, the film begins with first-hand accounts of the disturbance from people who were there. Previous attempts to tell this story left huge gaps in the narrative, leaving police and fire officials out entirely. This film strives to include all sides of the story in as balanced a view as possible. People who lost loved ones in the riots, historians, police and firefighters, as well as members of the community that called for a powerful protest against the city's corruption are seen side by side, all providing their own point of view. This Rashomon-like method underscores the primary problem behind the riots: everyone had their own perspective and couldn't appreciate the mindset of the people opposing them. Viewers are left to make up their own minds about who is right and who is wrong. The only viewpoint the film takes is that the events amounted to a tragedy brought on by numerous factors. The story is told through many interviews and a wealth of historical news footage and stills from newspapers and magazines. The film includes interviews with former Governor and Essex County Prosecutor Brendan Byrne, former Newark Mayor and current US Senator Cory Booker, as well as commentary from every Newark Mayor elected since the riots. Renowned singer-songwriter Garland Jeffries makes an appearance, singing his caustic comment on race relations, "Don't Call Me Buckwheat." Throughout this story, the real strength of this film is its inclusion of numerous personal stories. A host of people from all walks of life are featured, telling in their own words, how the events of '67 affected their lives, often tragically. Horror stories never-before heard by the public are recounted by the people involved. In the end, this is the story of a city struggling to survive, and the residents who strive to move on after a tragedy. It's a lesson in perseverance, as well as a cautionary tale for anyone who might think that a full-scale revolt against authority is advisable.
Riot: From Rebellion to Redemption
Biography,Documentary,History
Film Details
"Riot" is documentary film that chronicles the city of Newark, New Jersey and the many ways it was affected by the civil disturbance that took place there in the summer of 1967. Today, it's hard to believe that an event that few people remember or know anything about could have had such a huge impact on millions of people. That's the story that this film attempts to tell.
While the rioting killed 26 people, and certainly had a major effect on the families of those people, countless others were affected in many ways. Hundreds of family businesses were destroyed. Many thousands of people were displaced, and the white flight that was already underway was accelerated exponentially.
While similar conflicts erupt around the world today, this film can be a crystal ball for cities like Ferguson and Baltimore, where they can see the painful future that awaits them by learning the story of Newark, another city that long ago allowed its tensions to boil over. With narration by Emmy-winner Andre Braugher, the film begins with first-hand accounts of the disturbance from people who were there. Previous attempts to tell this story left huge gaps in the narrative, leaving police and fire officials out entirely.
This film strives to include all sides of the story in as balanced a view as possible. People who lost loved ones in the riots, historians, police and firefighters, as well as members of the community that called for a powerful protest against the city's corruption are seen side by side, all providing their own point of view. This Rashomon-like method underscores the primary problem behind the riots: everyone had their own perspective and couldn't appreciate the mindset of the people opposing them.
Viewers are left to make up their own minds about who is right and who is wrong. The only viewpoint the film takes is that the events amounted to a tragedy brought on by numerous factors. The story is told through many interviews and a wealth of historical news footage and stills from newspapers and magazines.
The film includes interviews with former Governor and Essex County Prosecutor Brendan Byrne, former Newark Mayor and current US Senator Cory Booker, as well as commentary from every Newark Mayor elected since the riots. Renowned singer-songwriter Garland Jeffries makes an appearance, singing his caustic comment on race relations, "Don't Call Me Buckwheat." Throughout this story, the real strength of this film is its inclusion of numerous personal stories. A host of people from all walks of life are featured, telling in their own words, how the events of '67 affected their lives, often tragically.
Horror stories never-before heard by the public are recounted by the people involved. In the end, this is the story of a city struggling to survive, and the residents who strive to move on after a tragedy. It's a lesson in perseverance, as well as a cautionary tale for anyone who might think that a full-scale revolt against authority is advisable..