Joined By Divisions

Producer: Ted Passon

In his documentary, filmmaker Ted Passon struggles to understand the complex and arduous history of the relationship between the police and the communities of Philadelphia. Perhaps the most iconic image of the rift between the Philadelphia community and the police was the MOVE bombing on Osage Avenue in 1985 which killed 11 men, women, and children and destroyed more than 61 homes in the process. The incident famously occurred under the watch of Philadelphia’s first African-American mayor, Wilson Goode. The film brings the story into the present day by following the shooting death of the former mayor’s nephew, Timothy “Tee” Goode, at the hands of the police. Taking place on one summer day in 2008, the film follows the unlikely alliance of MOVE member Pam Africa and Timothy’s mother Pamela Goode as they confront the 39th police district over the shooting. The complex intertwining pasts of the people and places coming together on that one day form inroads into many stories and discussions on the complicated history of the police and community relationship in Philadelphia. Similarly, the film weaves discussions with a wide range of personalities throughout; all offering perspectives and stories; all looking for answers and accountability. The film includes interviews with former police officers Ray Carnation and De Lacy Davis, journalist Linn Washington, Pam Africa, district attorney Seth Williams, Joey Vento of Geno's Steaks, former mayor W. Wilson Goode and others.

Named an “Upcoming Artist to Watch” by the Philadelphia Weekly, Ted Passon is an award-winning short film and music video director whose works have screened internationally at a wide range of venues including film festivals, art galleries, television channels, and even as in-flight movies on Continental Airlines. His film “Robot Boy” has won over six awards at film festivals including three awards for “Best Short Film.” His work has been featured in galleries such as: The Institute of Contemporary Art of Philadelphia, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts SF, Gallery Revisited in LA, and he recently completed a live music and video performance project with Tender Forever for the Whitney Museum and the French Institute Alliance Francais in NY. He has directed music videos for artists such as: Kimya Dawson (whose music comprised the #1 Billboard soundtrack for the movie Juno), Plastic Little, and Sweatheart. His music video for Plastic Little’s track “Dopeness” was named “One of the Best Music Videos of 2007” by both GBH.tv and “The Reel” UK industry magazine. He is a member of Space 1026 and the Small Change Film screening series and a DVD Collection of his work is available from K-Records.