Next week marks 40 years since the Philadelphia Police Department intentionally exploded and set fire to a West Philadelphia residence, killing five children and six adults, destroying 61 homes, and displacing 250 Philadelphians. Although in the ensuing years, the story of MOVE became the story of Philadelphia, as the years go on, the complicated, tragic story bears retelling. On May 6, 2025, The Philadelphia Citizen did just that by hosting a screening of the documentary, Philly on Fire, by Ross Hockrow and Gary Cohen.
More than 80 guests joined Cohen and longtime Philly journalist and MOVE expert Linn Washington at the Fitler Club to watch the Library of Congress / Ken Burns award-winning film — which, almost unbelievably, has yet to be sold. Philly on Fire was not the first feature-length film to document the tragedy, but it may be the most complete retelling. It relies on first-person accounts from survivor Ramona Africa, then-Mayor Wilson Goode, Adino Ward (father of child survivor Michael Ward, formerly known as Birdie Africa), former Osage Avenue neighbor Clifford Bond, and former PPD officers Jim Berghaier (who rescued Michael Ward) and Frank Powell (who dropped the bomb), as well as Washington.
The film is, in the words of one guest, “emotionally draining and devastating.” But it is also essential watching, especially in a moment where Black history is being erased and racism is being denied.
A discussion of Philly on Fire
A post-screening conversation with Washington, Cohen and Citizen Co-founder Larry Platt focused on the aftermath: the developer hired to rebuild who embezzled funds and rebuilt uninhabitable homes; the District Attorney (Ed Rendell, who would go on to become Mayor, then Governor) who refused to convene to a grand jury to hear the case; the residents who went uncompensated for their lost property and hardships; the wish of the remaining MOVE members for Mumia Abdul Jamal’s release from prison; the all-around lack of accountability and justice — no charges filed for reckless endangerment or risking a catastrophe; and the rare, beautiful and life-damaging bravery of a Philly cop who dared care about a Black kid.
“When you live in the world of documentaries,” said Cohen, the essential question is, “Is this a story that needs to be told? From where I’m sitting: Yes, this needs to be told.”
Watch the trailer:
Watch the Q&A:
Check out photos from the event:
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