Professor Jason Osder's documentary, Let the Fire Burn, entered theaters on October 2nd. The film has received rave reviews from the New York Times and Variety critics, and was the subject of a recent Times feature titled, "Documentary Keeps It Completely Real."
Earlier this year, it won the award for "Best Editing in a Documentary" and also earned a Special Jury Mention for "Best New Documentary Director" at the Tribeca Film Festival, where it was purchased for national distribution by Zeitgeist Films.
Osder claims the project exceeded his original expectations some time ago. "I feel like I'm playing on house money. It's like I've already won, and now I'm letting it ride and seeing how far it can go."
The film's story has not always been so smooth. After six years of independent work, Osder still lacked the resources and access to archival footage that he needed. "For years I was floundering," Osder said.
But in 2007, he joined GW's School of Media and Public Affairs as full-time faculty and the film reached a turning point. The university helped provide the necessary access and tools, and Osder was finally able to finish his masterpiece.
Let the Fire Burn tells the story of a tragic conflict between the city of Philadelphia -- Osder's hometown -- and the radical urban organization MOVE on May 13, 1985. The local police were ordered to bomb a residential row house in an attempt to evict members of the largely African-American group, killing 11 people and destroying 61 homes. Firemen were instructed to standby on the sidelines for nearly an hour before taking action.
"They made the decision to let the fire burn," Osder explained to GW Today.
The film depicts the events leading up to the fire using entirely found-footage, such as depositions, city hearings, news reports and tapes of Michael Moses Ward, a.k.a. "Birdie Africa," who was the only surviving child.
As a result of the Let the Fire Burn's success, he was recently named one of the 25 New Faces of Independent Film in Filmmaker Magazine, and has been traveling around the country to conduct special screenings. He is glad that his work is helping the often-forgotten atrocity attain recognition and encourages others to pursue their goals.
“I often get the chance to speak to students, and I try to show them that beyond the undergraduate experience, universities are where people at all levels come together to execute their biggest goals,” Osder said. “I stress that, because that was the opportunity I was given.”
Watch an interview with Osder on HuffPost Live to learn more about the film.
Let the Fire Burn will open in D.C.'s Landmark E Street Cinema on December 6th. Osder will introduce his film and hold a Q&A at the 7:15 pm showing on December 10th.
Prof. Osder is pictured second from left with SMPA colleagues and students at a recent screening of his documentary for the GW community.
This article was updated on December 4, 2013.