Tent City Documentary 'Destiny’s Bridge' Premiering in Red Bank

Article by Anastasia Millicker, anastasia.millicker@patch.

Filmmaker Jack Ballo became inspired to document Tent City in Lakewood after filming the Dominican Republic's homeless. Ballo will premiere his latest film effort, the documentary "Destiny's Bridge," to a sold-out crowd at Two River Theatre on Wednesday.
Beginning in May 2012, Ballo started following Minister Steve Brigham and the 80 residents of Tent City in their daily attempt to create a self-sufficient shelter in the woods of Lakewood that offers residents community, ownership and rehabilitation.

Ballo said tensions arise in the documentary when police raid the wooded area and take the minister out in handcuffs. Brigham's arrest sets off charges that the town is harassing the same homeless people that they are battling in a heated court case.

"This film is not about hard luck stories. We have heard those over and over again,” he said. “It’s about where they are today. It’s about the tensions they face between the township and the homeless."

While documenting the constant struggle, Ballo learns the meaning of Destiny’s Bridge, which the film is named after. Destiny’s Bridge is the concept that the homeless of Tent City started where they can change the way we housing the homeless.

"In most shelters they arrive at night, they are given a meal, a place to stay, a shower then they put you out in the streets in the morning. Their emotional needs are not taken care of," Ballo said. "With Destiny’s Bridge, it’s a concept giving homeless people community and ownership and fulfilling those emotional needs."

While Ballo did not want to reveal too much about the film, he said the documentary also intertwines the personal stories of those living in Tent City including that of a couple who is fighting to get their child back after being evicted from their home.

The film’s Wednesday premiere is completely sold out. Proceeds from the premiere will go toward the Destiny Bridge Foundation, founded by Bringham, to benefit the homeless living in Tent City.

Other screenings in the area are being scheduled and will be released soon at www.destinysbridge.com.

As for a sequel to the documentary, Ballo said he would not ruled the possibility out.

"The story continues," he said. "From today to a little over a year ago, nothing has changed. Everything is still going on. If you go there today, the same people, same situation is still unfolding… There hasn’t been a solution yet."