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Documentary captures story of Windermere residents

February 15, 2011

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Protesters stand near a backhoe on Monday to prevent it from being used to begin demolition of the Windermere Court Apartments. (Photo by Daniel Brown, Wide Eyed Pictures)

The story of the Windermere Court residents and their fight to get back into their building has touched a nerve with many of us. It has gone from a story about saving pets and belongings to a story about justice and the struggle of regular people against a large bureaucratic machine.

There are no street demonstrations today, but the rally is continuing. The demolition was put on hold until tomorrow, but residents have still not been granted permission to enter. Maybe now is a good time for reflection as we wait for more news. Filmmaker Daniel Brown and his production company Wide Eyed Pictures has produced a wonderful documentary on the experience of Windermere Court residents. Please pass this around as it does a great job in helping people understand what is at stake here.

Here’s what Daniel wrote:

I’m so worried about the animals in there. Of course I’m worried about  peoples personal possessions – photo albums, home videos, etc. But to  know that there are living, breathing pets in there who have their own  feelings and emotions – it just kills me. That’s the drive for me to shoot this.

When I go back Wednesday I plan to focus more on the undamaged areas.  I feel the first video shows a lot of the damaged top, and I want people to understand how much of the building is still intact.

What you can do to help:
Write or call the Mayor’s office and register your complaint about the scheduled demolition. The city is reportedly the driving force behind the building being torn down so quickly.

Here is the contact info:
michael.nutter@phila.gov and phone number is 215-686-2181.

Here is Daniel’s piece:

5 Comments For This Post

  1. Robin Gresham-Chin Says:

    Thanks for doing this! I was there but I learned more from your film than from the protest. I hope your film will help improve the rights of victims of similar situations in the future.

  2. Mike Lyons Says:

    Thanks Robin. But we’re just the messenger here. All thanks goes to Daniel Brown and the fine work of Wide Eyed Pictures who produced this. http://www.wideeyedpictures.com/

    Mike

  3. Daniel Brown Says:

    Yes, thank you Robin. I appreciate the feedback and I too hope this helps people understand the situation. As I said, I’ll return on Wednesday more prepared. I really had no idea the extent of what I was asked to come out and shoot. Next time I’ll have questions, and I’ll have better microphones to pick up interviews more clearly. I’ll also have a better idea of the situation, as I met some of the wonderful people who live there, who were out there with signs.

    This video was literally put together as soon as I returned home, and uploaded it that night. I wanted to get the message out ASAP. I’ll work hard to do the same for whatever I can shoot Wednesday.

    Again, thank you for the kind words and support.

  4. cindy miller Says:

    Excellent, just excellent Daniel. I, too, was there–but this clip illustrates/illuminates many of the deeper issues…
    Thank you very much. Good work!

  5. Daniel Brown Says:

    Hello,

    Unfortunately I had to re-edit the video and upload it a second time. The link has now changed:

    NEW LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bejyd84iQYc

    I apologize for any inconvenience.

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