Flowers On A One Way Street chronicle's residents of the York Ville area in the 1960's. The film watches young Toronto activists trying to convince City Hall to ban cars from one of the areas streets. More info here
A most wonderful film on so many levels: fear of change, council dysfunction, aimless youth, police rigidity, and such a glaring absence of diversity. I expected a movie about a simple traffic management issue, but came away with a fascinating look into Toronto culture, and poiltics of the 1960s. I will never consider Lamport stadium or Allen Road in the same way (these are the names of two politicians featured in the film). Priceless moment for me - the 20 minute discussion on whether or not a deputation's hand written notes should be photocopied ("mimeographed") before the deputant should be allowed to speak. It took longer to debate than it would have to just run to the photocopier! A true must-see movie for any student of urban issues or municipal governance in Canada.
Having been fortunate enough to see this film in its entirety, I sincerely wish it were available on video, because I know so many people who would love it and embrace it and regularly screen it at fundraisers.
I suspect, however, that the NFB has been reluctant to shell out for the rights to the Beatles music in the film, which is really a shame. The movie is a gem and, with the resurgence of urban activism in Toronto and elsewhere, is very much ripe for rediscovery.
Comments
Loved It
by Michael Went
Sat, 04/24/2010 - 03:54
A most wonderful film on so many levels: fear of change, council dysfunction, aimless youth, police rigidity, and such a glaring absence of diversity. I expected a movie about a simple traffic management issue, but came away with a fascinating look into Toronto culture, and poiltics of the 1960s. I will never consider Lamport stadium or Allen Road in the same way (these are the names of two politicians featured in the film). Priceless moment for me - the 20 minute discussion on whether or not a deputation's hand written notes should be photocopied ("mimeographed") before the deputant should be allowed to speak. It took longer to debate than it would have to just run to the photocopier! A true must-see movie for any student of urban issues or municipal governance in Canada.
Having been fortunate enough
by Jonathan Goldsbie
Tue, 05/13/2008 - 01:13
Having been fortunate enough to see this film in its entirety, I sincerely wish it were available on video, because I know so many people who would love it and embrace it and regularly screen it at fundraisers.
I suspect, however, that the NFB has been reluctant to shell out for the rights to the Beatles music in the film, which is really a shame. The movie is a gem and, with the resurgence of urban activism in Toronto and elsewhere, is very much ripe for rediscovery.
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