On left, Gwendolyn Reese interviews William Graveley on the set of "Razed." On right, director Andrew Lee, right, poses with, from left, cinematographer Anthony Macon, sound recordist Zhudaru and director of photography Moji Wilson. Photos: Roundhouse Creative
Directors Andrew Lee and Tara Segall got the idea for the documentary while working a video booth at a Gas Plant neighborhood reunion in 2021.
They were tasked with filming residents sharing happy memories from the neighborhood, but folks kept pulling them aside, saying, "Let me tell you the real story," Lee said.
What they're saying: "That's when it became clear there's emotion tied to this history," Lee said. "We felt this deep sense of obligation to tell these stories."
"More than one person has said, 'Nobody's ever asked me what happened,'" Segall added.
The big picture: With the help of Reese, who is also president of the African American Heritage Association of St. Petersburg, filmmakers over three years talked to 20 former residents, including Mayor Ken Welch and Courageous 12 member Leon Jackson.
They also drew on historical records, newspaper archives and family photos.
Between the lines: The film doesn't wade much into the Gas Plant and Trop redevelopment project on the horizon — and that's on purpose, Lee and Segall said.
The filmmakers wanted to keep the documentary focused on preserving the history, and "maybe that insight can impact future decision-making," Lee said.
Roundhouse maintained full editorial control, they said; neither the city nor the Rays had influence over the storytelling.
What's next: The film premiers Feb. 22 at the Center for Health Equity in St. Pete. That viewing is sold out, but registration will open soon for a second showing Feb. 23.
