Brotherhood - Life in the FDNY, Directed by Lilibet Foster, 2004
Brotherhood focuses on Squad 252, in "Borough of Fire" Brooklyn, and the prestigious Rescue Company 1, of Manhattan, and Rescue Company 4, of Queens.
From an insider's point of view, the film vividly captures their pecking order, extroverted personalities, uncompromised respect for fires, teamwork, commitment to training and enviable camaraderie.
Through the use of a hidden "firefighter cam" the filmmaker even brings the audience into the middle of their work - involving them in the dramatic rescue of an entire family from a burning brownstone.
As the film reveals, they are committed to carrying on the expertise, loyalty and traditions that have been passed down for generations, but are still struggling to rebuild their companies. And, while their basic mission - to protect citizens and property - is the backbone of the profession, their job is in the midst of radical change.
Experienced fire fighters are retiring in massive numbers leaving behind a younger, greener department and in budget cuts, the city threatens to close Squad 252 and 6 other fire houses, further thinning out their ranks and morale.
Shot on Super 16mm film with unprecedented access and the boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens as the backdrop, Brotherhood is ultimately a personal, poignant, moving and unavoidable humorous journey into the lives of what has become the world's most recognized fire department, still responding in New York City, at the point of one of the greatest changes in US history.
Brotherhood was produced and directed by Lilibet Foster, who was nominated for an Oscar for producing 1999's Speaking in Strings.
84 minutes, fully narrated, DVD only, DB8799 / $19.99
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