In memory of Mike Block (51 BIRCH STREET)

• by Raphaela Neihausen, August 25, 2009

The very first film ever shown at STF was 51 BIRCH STREET (Fall 2005) and it is with great sadness we report the passing of Doug Block’s father Mike Block (for those of you who may not know Doug - he directed 51 BIRCH STREET and is also the co-founder of D-Word.com).  The film is a true tribute to Mike’s life and we know that his legacy will live on for many years to come.  The following is from Doug Block’s blog:

My dad died this morning at the age of 89.  He’d been having a lot of health problems this past year and was really suffering, so in many ways it’s a vast relief.  But the reality is still always shocking.

For those of you who have seen 51 Birch Street, you know what an amazing person this seemingly ordinary father of mine was.  He was amused and somewhat befuddled that audiences always responded so warmly to him.  He honestly didn’t care what people thought of him, at least those outside his immediate circle of family and friends.  But he was hugely proud of me, both of my work and of the life I’ve carved out for myself.

He’ll be a big part of the next film, too, so I’m glad his legacy will live on far after his death.  What I hope shines through this time is something that took me a long time to recognize and acknowledge—how proud I’ve been to have him for a father.

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