Let the Fire Burn
World Premiere

Let the Fire Burn

World Documentary Competition
| USA | 95 MINUTES | English | English subtitles
Documentary
Jason Osder makes an impressive feature film debut through his unbiased and thorough account of the incidents leading up to and during the 1985 standoff between the extremist African-American MOVE organization and Philadelphia authorities. “Let the fire burn” were the fateful words that may or may not have been spoken by one Philadelphia authority on an intense and confusing day that destroyed a community. Documenting the personal stories of neighborhood residents, MOVE members and officials through extensive archival footage of court hearings, news broadcasts, home movies and interviews, Osder leaves no stone unturned, save the first one cast.

The structure of the film follows the same crescendo as the dramatic clash that claimed eleven lives and literally and figuratively devastated an entire community, taking viewers on the same tumultuous ride as those directly involved. The angst of the MOVE organization, the fear of the community and the confusion of authorities all reach a boiling point as emotions overpower reason. A real-life Wild West story without the luxury of identifying its heroes by the color of their hats, the film admirably demonstrates that sometimes no amount of known fact can help us understand the complexities of our psyche.

—Ashley Havey

Cast & Credits
Directed by
Jason Osder
JASON OSDER is a graduate of the University of Florida’s Documentary Institute, assistant professor of media and public affairs at The George Washington University and partner at Amigo Media. He co-authored Final Cut Pro Workflows: The Independent Studio Handbook with Robbie Carman and creates educational online courses for Lynda.com.
Director
Jason Osder
Producer
Jason Osder
Editor
Nels Bangerter
Associate Producer
John Aldrich
Composer
Chris Mangum
Executive Producer
Andrew Herwitz

Contacts
Print Source
Jason Osder
The George Washington University
Arlington, 22201
Phone: 202 276 5481
jasonosder@gmail.com
Press Contact
Jason Ishikawa
Cinetic Media
New York, NY 10004
Phone: 212 204 7979
jason@cineticmedia.com
US Sales Contact
Andrew Herwitz
The Film Sales Company
New York, NY 10028
Phone: 212 481 5020
andrew.herwitz@filmsalescorp.com
International Sales Contact
Andrew Herwitz
The Film Sales Company
New York, NY 10028
Phone: 212 481 5020
andrew.herwitz@filmsalescorp.com
* Rush Tickets available at venue except for
Beacon Theatre
Rush will be offered when advanced tickets for a screening or event are no longer available at venues other than Beacon Theatre.
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.

Co-hosted by:

Stranger Than Fiction

Newsletter

Subscribe for festival news, exclusive offers, programming updates, and more!
Get Festival Updates

Tribeca Festival Partners

Presenting Partner
Signature Partners
Presenting Partner
Signature Partners
Presenting Partner
Signature Partners
Presenting Partner
Supporters
Presenting Partner
Friends of the Festival
Presenting Partner
Media Friends of the Festival
Presenting Partner
Media Friends of the Festival
Presenting Partner
Industry Partners
See all partners