Jamaica Plain Spoken
(Small town America in the 21st Century?)

a documentary film-in-progress by
Todd Drogy & Rick Berlin 

We endeavor to capture the soul of an alternative American community. Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts could be described as one of the "bluest" towns in the country. But what does that mean? What are the values, beliefs, lifestyles, concerns, hopes, fears, tensions, sufferings and joys that permeate this place? Contrary to the stereotype, this defiantly progressive town, this ultra-blue section of Boston, survives because of its diversity, its embrace of otherness, its willingness to include rather than exclude.

By conducting interviews with 60 plus residents of various backgrounds--Irish, African American, Latino, Christian, Pagan, Jewish, straight, gay, affluent, poor, student, professional, white collar, blue collar, young, old, middle-aged, democratic, republican, anarchist, independent--a portrait of the soul of this place begins to emerge, a portrait as complicated and multi-faceted as the people who live here. In a country bitterly divided across lines of religion, race, and culture, can Jamaica Plain represent a new America where community exists because of rather than in spite of difference? Could this community provide a blue print for a more durable, more democratic, more courageous America? Or is it the valueless, Godless, spaced-out, irresponsible, self-indulgent place that the right wing would like you believe? Decide for yourself as everyday citizens of Jamaica Plain speak plainly and openly about their version of America and the values they hold dear.