On March 25th, 1990, The Happy Land Social Club in Bronx, NY was filled with people having a good time. Music, dancing and laughter filled the place. At approximately 3:30am a fire would break out in the hallway which led to the only known exit of the unlicensed establishment. That night 87 people would die...but that was just part of the story. After more than 20 years, I would like to tell this story via a powerful, and dramatic documentary!

I am Jeff Warley, and I am the director of Fuego! The Happy Land Tragedy. The film will unravel the dark story of 87 people's American dream turned nightmare. The documentary  will not only piece together the events of the night they perished in a social club in The Bronx, but it takes an in-depth look at how the story began. From the immigration of Cuban refugee Julio Gonzales, who would intentionally set the club on fire, to the tumultuous relationship he started with girlfriend Lydia Feliciano. The relationship would become abusive, and eventually the on again-off again relationship would come to an explosive head! In the film there are interviews with victims, relatives of victims, the attorneys, the detective in charge of the case and more. Explosive dramatic re-enactments, photos and narrative propel you through the fascinating details. Out of the ashes, rises a story that deals with the subjects of domestic abuse, immigration, fire safety, and a culture that was all but invisible. Fuego! is not just a story about a tragic fire, but about the hopes and dreams that died in it; while also giving some identity to the victims who came to this country for a better life only to lose it all, ironically in a place called "Happy Land". 

As an independent film project we have already met and overcome many of the challenges that come with the production of this film. We've interviewed survivors, relatives of victims, attorneys, politicians, police and fire fighters. The next set of hurdles will come in the form of additional production and post production.

This is where YOU come in! This is what your backing will help with:

ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION- We will need to complete some of the shots that we could not get during principal photography for the re-enactments. We also have several additional interviews to complete as well.

POST PRODUCTION- This is not just limited to editing the film, but also includes the following: Color Correction, Animation, Sound Mixing, and licensing of copyrighted materials to help tell the story.

This story touches so many people and affected so many lives, that it needs to be told. If you would like to know more about this project please visit our Fuego! The Happy Land Tragedy Facebook Page and Website! Your support means so much to us, and you get GREAT thank you gifts for your contribution! Remember it's ALL or NOTHING...if we don't meet the full $12,000 goal we get NOTHING. If a project is not successfully funded on Kick Starter, then all of the folks who chose to back the project will receive their contribution back. We believe in this project and we believe in YOU! So together we can make it happen. Give us your support today-and spread the word!

Why this project?

Watch this short vignette with the Director and Executive Producer for the answer!

Read the Articles

Learn more about this true story. There are several informative articles on the Happy Land Social Club Fire. We've listed a few below:

• A River of Tears: Happy Land by Mark Gado
• New York Times: Rufugee Found Guilty of Killing 87 by Evelyn Nieves
• Happy Land Sad Ending by Juan Gonzalez
• Happy Land 5 Years Later by Juan Gonzalez