On May 13, 1985, the Philadelphia Police Department dropped a satchel containing two pounds of C4 explosive onto a row house occupied by the group known as “MOVE.” The result was an inferno that took the lives of six adults and five children and destroyed over sixty homes in a predominantly black, working class neighborhood in West Philadelphia. Although the Philadelphia Fire Department was on the scene, they did nothing to fight the fire for over an hour.
As disturbing and visceral as this encounter was, it is a largely forgotten story in American history. Many compelling questions remain unanswered:
- Who or what is MOVE? What did they believe and why were they willing to sacrifice their lives – and the lives of their children – for their cause?
- What was the history leading up to the 1985 conflict, including the 1978 altercation that resulted in the death of Philadelphia Police Officer James Ramp?
- Why was the choice made to drop a bomb on a row house with children inside?
- Why did fire fighters delay in fighting the blaze?
- Was there any other way that city leaders could have dealt with a group in open rebellion who are willing to sacrifice everything for their cause?
- What role did race and class play in the incident?
- How does fear affect the exercise of power?
- What are the long-term effects of this incident on the people and the city that experienced them?
LET THE FIRE BURN is the first feature-length documentary that reveals these long-forgotten events and explores the enduring issues that resonate even today. Employing archival motion picture and photographs that have been unearthed for the first time in 25 years coupled with exclusive interviews from those at the scene, and innovative 3D graphics, LET THE FIRE BURN will be a compelling testimonial to this powerful and emotionally charged moment in American history.
