Falaka Fattah and The House of Umoja

Film phase:Production

SYNOPSIS

In 1969, when gangs were forming throughout the United States as an act of resistance and protection from police brutality, Queen Mother Falaka Fattah and her husband David Fattah opened up their home to warring gangs in the Philadelphia area out of concern for the safety of her son. In the ensuing years the Fattahs worked with over 105 gangs, convincing them to a sign a pledge of peace, and eradicating almost all of the gangs violence in Philadelphia. As gun violence spurs in Philadelphia, Queen Mother Falakah Fattah urges today’s leaders to uphold the House of Umoja movement.

Falaka Fattah and The House of Umoja is a participant of the 2019 Nest Knight Fellowship, a pilot initiative generously supported by Knight Foundation.

ABOUT THE DIRECTORS

Jos Duncan looking at the camera, smiling. They are wearing a black and white vertical stripe blouse and hoop earrings, and are standing next to a stone wall. Black and white portrait, with the background out of focus.Jos Duncan is a multimedia producer, filmmaker, and social entrepreneur. She is the founder of Love Now Media, a social enterprise with a mission to build empathy through impact strategy, participatory design, and storytelling.

 

 

Jason Pollard looking at the camera, wearing a dark jacket with the collar upturned. Black and white portrait, with the background of out of focus.

Jason Pollard’s introduction to film began at an early age through his parents. His mother, Glenda’s love for film exposed Jason to a variety of genres such as American and French classics, blaxploitation, and independent cinema. Jason would often accompany his father, acclaimed film producer/editor Sam Pollard, to the editing room and watch as his father magically turned strips of celluloid into complex and wonderful stories.