Through a project initiated by Temple University social worker Harold Haskins came this dramatized documentary created by inner city high school students in Northern Philadelphia. With the students creating everything from the credits to the soundtrack, this short is an early example of modern, independent African American filmmaking. With its raw, avant-garde feel, it shows a unique view into street life through the lens of gang members themselves. The Jungle was named to the National Film Registry in 2009. —Jillian Borders
35mm, b/w, 22 min. Director: Charlie “Brown” Davis, Jimmy “Country” Robinson, David “Bat” Williams. Production: 12th-Oxford. Project Director: Harold Haskins. Editors: Phil Galligan, William Loomer.
Restored from 16mm composite prints. Laboratory services by FotoKem, Audio Mechanics, Simon Daniel Sound.
