Community and Strength in Labor’s Fight

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Fire Department, Inc.
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 17m
Director(s): Colin C. Hughes
Where To Watch: showing at the Oak Park, Illinois Film Festival (OPILFF) on September 14, 2024, and The Phoenixville Film Festival the following weekend. For more information, visit www.firedeptinc.com

RAVING REVIEW: For total transparency, I live in Illinois and was at least partially aware of the fallout from what transpires in this documentary. I also live close to some other stations mentioned in the film and know their histories with the city vs. union aspects. FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. captures the stirring drama of a small town on the brink. This documentary journeys into North Riverside, Illinois, where a once-flourishing village feels the sting of economic downturns and the modernization revolutions. The film presents the transition from a bustling community centered around a lucrative mall to a town grappling with decreased sales tax revenues due to the advent of e-commerce. Amid this financial turmoil, a contentious decision to privatize the local fire department unfolds, setting the stage for a deep dive into community resilience and labor rights.

Colin Hughes directs this film with a nuanced touch, drawing on his connection to firefighting through his grandfather’s legacy. His vision turns a local battle into a broader narrative that questions the future of labor unions nationwide. The firefighters, central to this narrative, are depicted not just as workers but as bastions of the community, challenging a policy that threatens their essence and the safety of the town they protect.

The escalating tensions within North Riverside mirror the national anxiety surrounding public sector unions and their diminishing influence. Hughes’ intimate directorial approach and investigative viewpoint portray these actions' local and national stakes. The documentary is peppered with on-location scenes, compelling interviews, and archival footage that bring the emotional and legal battles to the viewer’s doorstep.

Producer Caley Fox Shannon, armed with a rich history in the festival circuit, ensures that FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC.'s goals and reach match its ambitious storytelling. The film's editing is also crisp, weaving together multiple narrative threads without losing focus. The accompanying score subtly focuses on the film's emotional beats without dominating them, enhancing the viewing experience.

FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. explores the human condition within the struggle of small towns. It delves into the personal sacrifices and emotional weights shouldered by firefighters and their families. This focus shows the film is about the people in the department and the community they protect.

As FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. builds to its conclusion, it highlights the determination of the North Riverside firefighters and challenges the audience to reflect on the broader issues. The documentary underscores the importance of unity and the critical role of labor unions in advocating for fair treatment and safeguarding workers' rights. This film serves as a rallying call, urging a reevaluation of labor laws and union support in today's challenging economic climate.

This debut from Hughes is a compelling blend of personal narrative and political commentary, a cinematic journey that is as thought-provoking as it is heartrending. It's a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking to spark dialogue and inspire change, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in the intersections of labor, community, and resilience.

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[photo courtesy of FDI Film, LAMPLIGHT PICTURES]

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