Burning Bridges video at Pennridge HS 6/23

The international Institute for Restorative Practices has produced a documentary, "Burning Bridges," about the arson of historic Mood's covered bridge, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA, and a restorative conference we facilitated. The six young men who burned down the bridge met with representatives from the community affected by the crime. This arson was a major news event in southeastern Pennsylvania, where covered bridges are beloved landmarks.

Community members and the men's families were able to communicate their feelings and how they had been affected, the men to apologize and express remorse. The group then discussed how the men could repair the harm they had caused.

Attendance at the conference was voluntary. However, the judge in the case viewed a tape of the conference and took what he saw into consideration when sentencing the young men, saying that he had seen "genuine concern in apologies as well as understanding of the impact of what they had done and the hurt it had caused." He also ordered that the tape be shown in the community.

The documentary is being shown to the community, who can ask questions and comment, as another step in the healing process and to inform them about restorative conferencing, a constructive way to address conflict. Everyone is welcome to attend.

IIRP president Ted Wachtel will be present, as will the co-facilitators of the conference, IIRP director of training Bob Costello and IIRP training coordinator John Bailie.

Screening details:
Thursday, June 23, 2005, 7 p.m.
Pennridge High School Lower House Auditorium
1400 North Fifth Street, Perkasie, Pennsylvania
Free admission
Executive Producer: Ted Wachtel
Producer/Director: Laura Mirsky
Cinematographer/Editor: Steve Grieger