Tigre Hill facts for kids

Tigre Hill is a filmmaker who makes movies about important and sometimes debated topics. He is well-known for his first documentary, The Shame of a City.

Early Life and Education

Tigre Hill was born in Pittsburgh and grew up in Philadelphia, in a neighborhood called Wynnefield. His father was a highly respected Marine officer, and his mother was a well-known educator.

Hill went to Episcopal Academy in Merion and Archbishop Carroll High School (Radnor, Pennsylvania). He then studied speech and communications at Temple University.

The Shame of a City Film

The Shame of a City is a documentary film that brought Tigre Hill a lot of attention. This movie helped Michael Nutter become the mayor of Philadelphia in 2007.

The film, released in 2006, followed mayoral candidate Sam Katz as he tried to win against the current mayor, John Street, in 2003. That election was big news because an FBI device was found in Mayor Street’s office. Hill’s film showed how some people supporting Street seemed to use tricky ways to get him re-elected.

The movie became a way for local leaders, journalists, and others to talk about problems in Philadelphia. This discussion helped Michael Nutter, who was trying to become mayor. Nutter showed "The Shame of a City" to many people, using it to raise support and money. In May 2007, Nutter won the election and became mayor.

The film got a lot of media attention. Hill was interviewed on MSNBC, and Philadelphia Magazine wrote about the film many times. The Philadelphia Inquirer also gave it good reviews. The movie helped show Hill as a serious filmmaker.

The Barrel of a Gun Film

In 2006, Hill started working on another documentary about a debated event in Philadelphia. This film was about the 1981 killing of police officer Daniel Faulkner and the conviction of Mumia Abu-Jamal. This case caused a lot of discussion around the world. Many people, including celebrities and human rights groups, supported Abu-Jamal. However, supporters of Officer Faulkner believed the truth about his death was being hidden.

The film, called The Barrel of a Gun, showed the facts of the crime as they were presented in court. It also looked at the history that might have led to the event. The movie included interviews with many people involved, such as Officer Faulkner's widow, Maureen Faulkner; Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell; and lawyers for both sides. Celebrities like Ed Asner, Mike Farrell, and Danny Glover were also interviewed.

The film was planned for release in late 2009 but was delayed to add new information. In June 2010, it was announced that the film would premiere in September 2010. The ticket price was set at $46.99, which was Officer Faulkner's badge number.

In 2014, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick shared copies of the film with Senate offices in Washington, D.C. This was part of his effort to oppose a nomination for a government position. The person nominated had helped with an appeal for Abu-Jamal.

Hill also directed a music video for a song called "The Murder Of Daniel Faulkner." The song was written by Extreme and Van Halen singer Gary Cherone. It was filmed where Officer Faulkner was killed in Philadelphia.

New Film Projects

Tigre Hill is always working on new projects.

The Corrupt and the Dead

He is currently making The Corrupt and the Dead, a documentary about the American mafia. He is working with journalist George Anastasia and reporter Dave Schratwieser. This film will look at how the mob has affected the economy.

The Beatles Documentary

Hill was also working with journalist Larry Kane on a documentary about Kane's time traveling with The Beatles in 1964 and 1965. However, director Ron Howard announced he would make a similar film. Hill and Kane decided that Howard's film was a better opportunity for Kane. Hill received a special mention in Howard's film, The Beatles: Eight Days a Week, because some of his footage was used.

Cecil B. Moore Biopic

Hill also announced he is writing a movie script about the life of Cecil B. Moore. Moore was a civil rights activist in Philadelphia who led the fight to integrate Girard College.

72 Seconds In Rittenhouse Square

In 2020, it was reported that Hill was finishing a new documentary called "72 Seconds In Rittenhouse Square." This film is about a debated stabbing death in 2018. A young delivery person claimed he acted in self-defense and was later found not guilty. Hill's film will explore the case, the trial, and how differences in race and wealth made the case very controversial.