A still from the documentary ‘Snake Hill’ On June 13, the Freedom Film Series, produced by the Freedom Film Society (FFS), will present “Snake Hill,” a New Jersey story told by local filmmakers Sandra Longo, director and executive producer, Holmdel; Debra Higgins, producer, an Allenhurst native; and Anna-Maria Vag, producer, Laurence Harbor.
The series runs on the second Wednesday evening of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Clearview Cinemas, 36 White St. in Red Bank.
The filmmakers and film participants of “Snake Hill” will be present for a question-and-answer session following the screening.
The feature-length documentary tells the story of Snake Hill, a once sprawling institution that served as the last stop for thousands of terminally ill patients, indigents, “lunatics” and prisoners from 1870 to 1962.
Abandoned and forsaken, thousands of unmarked graves lay in deplorable condition for decades alongside the New Jersey Turnpike until one man’s 22-year search for his grandfather’s remains. It took a dramatic turn in 2002 when a turnpike excavation project unearthed human remains at Snake Hill, leading to a court-ordered disinterment/re-interment project that became the largest of its kind in U.S. history.
The Freedom Film Series continues July 11 with the feature film “Kubrador: The Bet Collector.”
Admission to each film is $8 for FFS members and $10 for nonmembers. Tickets are available through the Web site and at the door.
For more information about all Freedom Film Society programs, including the Red Bank International Film Festival, visit www.freedomfilmsociety.org or call (732) 741-8089.