By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.25
Director: Laura Poitras | Linda Goode Bryant
Country: united_states
Year: 2004
Running time: 86
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0359281/combined
Michael says: “Filmed over four years in Columbus, Ohio, FLAG WARS presents a disturbing look at gentrification and class structure in our country. Linda Goode Bryant and Laura Poitras are both first-time directors, and they present the many views clearly and with impact, only stumbling when they reach beyond their subject and try to extend too far. In the late 90’s and early 00’s, a predominantly African-American neighborhood finds itself faced with a sudden influx of gay and lesbian transplants, who buy homes, then renovate, causing property values, and hence, taxes to rise. Long-term residents find themselves struggling to afford living in their lifelong neighborhoods.
“When presented with subjects were strong opinions run rampant, I often have difficulty, trying to see all the sides to the situation. While I am an opponent of the type of zoning and regulations that prohibit certain colors, or stylistic choices on personal homes (often in historical neighborhoods), I don’t see why a person should be demonized for buying a home and remodeling it. As is so often the case, it seems the ‘system’ is the problem, where taxes go up along with property values, pricing those who can’t afford the new taxes out of their homes and neighborhoods.
“FLAG WARS grows uncomfortable when it pits African-Americans against gays. When two groups who are already marginalized by mainstream America find themselves at odds, it is difficult to point fingers. Clearly there are individuals who I can disagree with, such as the lesbian real estate
broker who complains about families who don’t want to sell their homes, knowing in the end, they will succumb. Things are murkier with the single woman living in a home left to her by her parents, who is now unemployed and in ill-health, who cannot comply with zoning laws, or afford to make the needed repairs to her home. She only wants to live in the home she was raised in, but must cope with constant repeated court dates, as well as her failing health.
“When FLAG WARS brings in the Ku Klux Klan and gay bashing, Bryant and Poitras seem to be overextending themselves. But a comparison between
hanging a pride flag and an African-American hanging a hand-carved sign with his name and address makes a strong point. One man is repeatedly brought to court due to zoning laws that state that his sign must come down. The artist argues (not-so convincingly, but correctly) that the sign complies with zoning regulations, and is no different than hanging a rainbow flag from his door.
“There are no easy answers in FLAG WARS, but I was slightly uncomfortable watching, knowing that people are suffering, yet no individuals are truly to blame. FLAG WARS is definitely worth a watch. 3 ½ cats”
Bruce says: “FLAG WARS is a documentary about the gentrification of a well established black area to the east of downtown Columbus Ohio, called Old Town. Mostly it is gay men who are moving into the area. The black families that prefer to stay rather than sell out meet all sorts of unexpected obstacles in trying to maintain the status quo. While the gay men are not openly mean or hostile, neither are they particularly loving neighbors. Capitalism is more of less the villain in this drama.
“From Nina Masseria, the local lesbian realtor, to the local banker and the many preppy city employees in the various enforcement agencies that
harass the black citizens, little sympathy is shown for the folks who have dwelled in the old Victorian homes for many years. They are now expected to move on so that their homes can be upgraded and preserved. At one gay dinner party, the only evident concern is for saving the houses not helping the people who live in them.
“Members of the black community are hurt and confused. One black man objects that outsiders feel ‘you can take away someone’s history from them because they have something you want.’ Gay flags begin to appear on standards by front doors but an African-American man is told that he can no longer display his home-made art gallery sign that has been over his door since 1979. He claims his sign is just like a gay flag – he can bring it indoors at night.
“Miss Mitchell is a dying woman who is brought into court time after time for one violation or another. She has substance abuse problems and has not done much to her house since her father died and left her on her own. Her daddy’s two vehicles are still where he last parked them although he died in 1992. Grass is sprouting between the bricks on the exterior and her downspouts are broken. She is threatened with a third degree misdemeanor and a sixty day jail sentence. A township official tells her, ‘If you don’t want to maintain your house, don’t live in it.’ Eventually, people in the neighborhood
pitch in to help he fix up the house. Too little, too late. Miss Mitchell dies before the film is completed.
“The real hatred in FLAG WARS comes from two outside forces. When the Ku Klux Klan arrives to harass the blacks and the religious right comes
to attack the gays, it makes you wonder what kind of world we’re living in. However, including these groups as part of the bigger picture causes the film to lose its focus. Directors Bryant and Poitras have difficulty in juggling material that involves so many different perspectives. 3 cats”