Reviews

"Though he can speak only a few works, Mark Puddington is a celebrity in his New York neighborhood, where since the age of 4 he has walked the streets, shaking hands with everyone he passes. This documentary, part of "New York Voices," follows Mark and his mother, Margaret, as they prepare for his bar mitzvah -- and peers in on the conflicting and often raw emotions that surface as his family and community struggle with the realities of his adulthood."
- Kathryn Shattuck, New York Times

"An extraordinarily compelling and deeply engaging human story."
- Ric Burns, Filmmaker, NEW YORK: A Documentary Film

"The film succeeds with its gentle revelations. Slowly pulling back the curtain, rich and raw scenes expose the subtler issues of dependence, namely the Puddington family's on Mark. In addressing this, it breaks the myth of one-sided reliance."
- We Media

"A remarkable documentary. Through the director's intimate access to his subjects and unflinching lens, viewers are introduced to the most intimate and poignant moments. The pressing political, religious and social issues that emerge are seamlessly woven to create a provocative family drama that will speak to a very broad audience."
- Garrison Botts, Programmer/Series Producer, Reel New York, WNET/Thirteen

"Remember how Ossie Davis's character in DO THE RIGHT THING was called 'Da Mayor' by everybody on his block? Here's a real-life equivalent: Mark Puddington, an Upper West Side teen suffering from multiple disabilities but much beloved by all."
- Time Out New York

"The compelling subject matter melded with the filmmaker's particular sensitivity to the family involved, addresses the complexities of radical 'difference' and the ways in which communities are and are not able to nurture the most challenged among us."
- Macky Alston, Filmmaker, FAMILY NAME & QUESTIONING FAITH

"Important and timely. The audience is very large and the potential good it will do by making policy makers, health experts and fellow citizens think critically about those with mental retardation, is significant."
- Nora Ellen Groce, Author, Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language

"Brilliant. Viewers will gain a greater understanding of community, the variation that exists in communities, and will be motivated to work toward building a society that actively integrates all its members."
- Simi Linton, Author, Claiming Disability: Knowledge and Identity

"Sad and inspiring in equal measure, Mayor of the West Side is a remarkable portrait of an unforgettable character."
- Shlomo Schwartzberg, Critic, Boxoffice Magazine & Director, TJFF

"The difference between this film and others is its total lack of sentimentality. I came away quite moved and aware, possibly for the first time, that someone who canıt do anything for himself, can inspire whatever it is we need to make us believe itıs all really worth it."
- Anne Bernays, Author, Back Then: Two Literary Lives in 1950s New York

"An important documentary that will have broad public acceptance."
- Jack Gorelick, Consulting Producer, Ira Wohl's Best Boy

"An extremely candid film. One that will never be forgotten."
- JewishFilm.com

"There's been great buzz about MAYOR OF THE WEST SIDE."
- Our Town & West Side Spirit

"MAYOR OF THE WEST SIDE represents a very personal type of cinematic engagement."
- Carol Margalith Levy, Writer, Aufbau & Editor

"3 STARS. Captures some wonderfully telling moments. An interesting portrait of family dynamics in the face of disability. Recommended."
- Video Librarian

"Provides insight to parents on how to a disabled teenager. Recommended."
- Educational Media Reviews Online