Documentary | Production | Massachusetts
Southie 74 (2011)
In 1974, Federal Judge Arthur Garrity made a decision to desegregate the Boston Public School system. In an attempt to racially integrate schools that rested in Boston's segregated neighborhoods, black and white students were bused across the city, meeting protests - and sometimes violence - outside of their schools. Due to their angry and rowdy demonstrations as Roxbury students entered South Boston High School, the Irish community of South Boston gained media attention that painted its residents as racist, uneducated thugs. Fast forward nearly 35 years later as local filmmaker and Southie Boy, Padriac Farma embarks on a journey to discover South Boston's true voice following this dark point in their history. For some, the issues resulting from forced busing have never been closed. There is still anger that permeates through the parents of the students forced to leave their neighborhood and a stigma that continues to follow all residents of South Boston. The purpose of this film is not to prove who was right or wrong, but rather to give a voice to the residents that lived and fought through this period in Boston's history. It is an opportunity for South Boston residents to finally share their story.
Director: Padriac Farma
