Mike Block, father of filmmaker Doug Block and the subject of his personal film, 51 BIRCH STREET, died this morning at the age of 89. Doug made the announcement on his blog:
"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 acknowlege -- how proud I've been to have him for a father."
Speaking to the Washington Post at the time of the film's release, Mike Block reflected on being caught in his son's lens:
"Mike Block admitted that the film "was difficult to watch the first few times, but
I got used to it." Most important, he said, is that it shows audiences
the importance of asking questions of their children and parents, and
then being willing to hear the answers. "I recognize now, it's an
educational film," he said, "a call for more exchange, for more
conversation to go on. Rather than burying [conflict] and walking away
from it, it's advantageous to go after it and see if it can be settled
in some meaningful way."
Our condolences to Doug and his family.
We had Mike and his lovely wife at a screening of the film in Sarasota, FL. He was a lovely man, a gentleman, and was very sweet to all of us. My deepest condolences to Doug and his family for their loss and may he rest in peace.
Posted by: Tom Hall | August 21, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Doug,
So glad you posted this - it's quite extraordinary how you took an "ordinary" family story and made it universal. Yes, your Dad was amazing and he inspired warmth - he was lovable. Now his legacy, as you say, with 51 Birch Street and your new film, will live on...
Posted by: Janet Luongo | August 22, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Doug you have honored your father and I know he was proud of you in so may ways. Thank you for sharing him with us and the world. I have been honored to have had Mike Block as my Father In Law. He will live on in my memory and heart as a warm, intelligent, man that loved his family and friends. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing him are filled with sorrow, but we will celebrate his life though your films.
He loved many but was loved by many more who will miss him dearly.
Posted by: Alexandra Duffy | August 23, 2009 at 07:11 PM
Words can not express our sorry for your lossd - Mike was an extraordinary man - intelligent, warm and caring. We've enjoyed many hours with him and Carol and will miss him greatly. We have thr disc of 51 Birch and ewill keep it forever.
Again - our deeprst sympathy to all.
Posted by: Ja ck & Bertie Kierdorf | August 25, 2009 at 06:43 AM
51 Birch St was just shown here tonight on "free to air" TV in Melbourne, Australia.....I was mesmorized and found this film to be so sad, and yet so uplifting....
Thank you Doug for making such a remarkable documentary.....I was born and raised in the 50's....and my parents' marriage mirrored that of Mike and Mina in so many ways....
Condolences to you and all your family on Mikes passing, I am so glad he followed his heart and found love with Kitty in his later years .....
Posted by: Barbara from Melbourne, Australia | September 08, 2009 at 07:21 AM