Let the Fire Burn

Let the Fire Burn takes viewers on a surreal, complex, and deeply emotional journey through one of the most tragic events in the history of Philadelphia that forever marked the city’s dynamics and its law enforcement entities. Set in 1985, this heart-wrenching and potent documentary from filmmaker Jason Osder, explores the tumultuous events surrounding a long-standing feud between the City of Philadelphia and MOVE, a radical black liberation group, which culminated in a disastrous armed conflict.

The film meticulousulates footage from archival sources, including live television broadcasts, courtroom depositions and home videos, to provide the audience with an objective and through-provoking look into the chilling scenario that unfolded on May 13, 1985. Let the Fire Burn does not rely on a narrative voiceover, rather, it constructs its narrative by editing together these various videos to craft a compelling story that allows viewers to interpret events for themselves.

The protagonists of this historical tragedy are Birdie Africa, the only child survivor, along with Ramona Africa, the only adult survivor from the MOVE community, and Wilson Goode, who was the Mayor of Philadelphia during the 1985 conflict. The film deftly explores the social and political complexities surrounding the MOVE community and how it was perceived by the wider populace and authorities. Their lifestyles and ideals, which opposed technology and propagated a return to nature, strained their relations with neighbors and the city leadership.

The movie opens with the calm before the storm, subtly introducing viewers to MOVE and the vibrancy of their countercultural ethos. It then escalates to the brewing conflict and standoff between MOVE and the city officials, chronicling the deafening countdown to what was one of the most incendiary episodes in America's law enforcement history.

In Let the Fire Burn, viewers are taken on a tragic journey to the very heart of the disastrous conflict between the MOVE group and Philadelphia law enforcement. This violent clash ended in a deadly catastrophe that resulted in the tragic death of eleven people, five of whom were children, and the destruction of 61 homes.

The film does not shy away from showcasing the critical role played by the media during the ordeal. The live broadcast of the whole incident showcased an unbelievable sight of an American neighborhood under siege, with the images of the burning compound seared into the collective memory of the city's residents. The palpable tension during the media briefings and the devastating aftermath of the conflict resurrects raw emotions that reflect the simmering socio-political scenario that instigated such an explosive incident.

What sets Let the Fire Burn apart as a documentary is its minimalist yet riveting style of storytelling. The film allows the chaos, the horror, and the sheer disorientation to unfold naturally, allowing viewers to experience the event as it happened. It amalgamates news footage, home movies from MOVE, and deposition tapes, seamlessly interweaving them to depict the painful unraveling of the event.

Jason Osder, with an eye for detail and precision, showcases his skills as a filmmaker capable of tackling such a significant historical subject. His dedication to maintaining authenticity instead of sensationalism lends further credence to his take on the incident.

The poignant journey of Birdie Africa, who later changed his name to Michael Moses Ward, dodging the bullets and escaping the flames to become the lone child survivor of the inferno, adds another emotional layer to the film. Likewise, Ramona Africa, the sole adult survivor, who defied the odds to tell her story, and Wilson Goode, the then mayor, who has had to live with the sobering regrets of his fateful decision, are depicted with sincerity.

Let the Fire Burn is more than just a documentary. It is a raw, unfiltered look at a moment in history that powerfully resonates with larger themes of social discord, racial tension, and the misuse of power. It is a poignant reminder of the perils of miscommunication and the catastrophic results it can lead to when combined with prejudice and fear. The film encourages viewers to not just passively watch, but to question, understand, and learn from history.

In conclusion, Let the Fire Burn beautifully captures a chapter from the book of American history that continues to provoke thought, encouraging dialogue about societal divisions, law enforcement practices, and political accountability. It chronicles an unforgettable piece of American history that has become even more relevant today, ensuring it will not fade away into oblivion.