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The film Queensbridge: "The Other Side"
highlights the other side of a misrepresented
and misunderstood community by showing that
most people who live in the projects are hard
working, law abiding families keeping their
children off the streets and in schools and
making a significant contributions to
society. These are communities that are
capable of producing a judge or a junkie, a
politician or a pimp, a hood or a Harvard
Graduate -either of which can be seen walking
through the courtyard wearing a hoodie on a
crisp fall day.
The documentary aims to heighten public
awareness about "The Projects" and to show
that public housing is a positive, viable and
necessary housing alternative. The story of
Queensbridge: The Other Side is told through
the eyes and experiences of those who know it
best, the men, women and children of "the
projects".
As we all know shelter is becoming a critical
challenge for middle class and poor New
Yorkers who cannot afford the luxury housing
that is abundantly available for the wealthy.
One important component of the New Deal was
the creation of public housing stock for the
middle class and poor. These housing
developments were and still are called, "The
Projects". The intent was to provide a
decent, clean, safe and affordable living
environment for its residents. During the
1960's-80's, the conditions in these housing
developments deteriorated as middle or
working class whites migrated out, leaving
behind working class and under employed
minorities. As a result of the influx of
underserved and socio-economic disadvantaged
African-American and other minorities, a
stigma was cast on the inhabitants of "the
projects". Drugs became more prevalent and
crime rose; more people became dependant on
the welfare system; and families were
decimated due to the introduction of
crack-cocaine. As a result, the people who
live in public housing are usually perceived
to be drug- dealers, crack heads, criminals
and dysfunctional people who are a liability
to society. This stereotyping makes it easier
to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the fact
that most project inhabitants are employed
fathers and mothers struggling against all
odds to make ends meet and educate their
children. This stereotyping makes it more
comfortable for those in position to effect
change to focus instead on self empowerment.
Selena Blake, the Producer/ Director/Creator
and Writer of the documentary "Queensbridge:
The Other Side," was born in Kingston,
Jamaica. She grew up in a very strict
household in Old Harbor St. Catherine, the
youngest of 6 daughters of Linneth and
Kenneth Blake. Selena moved to Queensbridge
in 1987. Although not immediately enamored
with "the Bridge", she grew to love her new
home, primarily because of the generosity of
her neighbors. After her son Daniel graduated
from High School in 2004, Selena decided to
broaden her horizons and open a production
company. While filming various productions,
she realized it was the support of her
Queensbridge community that enabled her to
meet the challenges of being a full-time
working mother. Thus the documentary entitled
"Queensbridge: The Other Side" was born.
http://www.QueensBridgeTheOtherSide.com
Tags : Queensbridge documentary independent film social injustice misrepresented community maynov productions new york city |
