‘West Side Familia’: Taylor Hosking On Crafting A New West Side Story With Her Feature Debut About Puerto Rican Biker Gang

The BlackStar Film Festival will inaugurate its 15th edition with the debut documentary feature "West Side Familia," marking a significant milestone for New York City filmmaker Taylor Hosking. This 75-minute film, which Hosking wrote, directed, and produced, offers an intimate exploration of a little-known Puerto Rican biker gang and community collective situated in Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Hosking’s film traces the shifting social and cultural landscape of New York City through the lives and histories of members of La West Side Familia. The group, often overlooked in broader narratives about the city’s Puerto Rican communities, emerges as a custodian of neighborhood traditions and identity. The documentary intertwines personal stories with broader historical themes, shedding light on complex urban transformations across the 20th and 21st centuries.

The inspiration for "West Side Familia" originated from a casual observation by Hosking, herself of Puerto Rican descent, who noticed members of the gang displaying the Puerto Rican flag on a local street corner. This simple encounter sparked a deeper investigation into the group’s role in preserving cultural heritage amid waves of gentrification. A spontaneous interview with one of the central figures, known as Chino, unveiled a rich tapestry of activism and community resilience.

Chino, a pivotal character in the film, is portrayed as a charismatic elder with a profound history in political and social movements. His past involvement with the Black Panthers and the Young Lords highlights the intersections of racial justice and Puerto Rican liberation struggles. The documentary includes references to notable events such as the 1977 Puerto Rican flag-raising on the Statue of Liberty, an act of protest that continues to resonate culturally and was recently acknowledged in popular music videos.

The narrative structure of "West Side Familia" combines candid interviews primarily led by Chino with Hosking’s own reflective narration. This dual perspective contrasts the filmmaker’s experience growing up in the same neighborhood amid changing demographics and socio-economic realities. Hosking’s voiceover replaces the conventional academic commentary often found in documentaries, providing a personal context that deepens the film’s emotional impact.

Hosking’s transition from a staff writer at Vice during a period marked by reactive online commentary to a documentary filmmaker reflects her desire to foster meaningful engagement with stories. Her background in podcast production influenced her approach to creating immersive and community-focused storytelling experiences. The film’s production involved collaboration with producers Morgan B. Powell and Tayler Haynes, and benefited from executive producer support including notable figures such as Jamel Shabazz.

Financial backing for the documentary was partially provided by the New York City Mayor’s Office and PBS through Latino Public Broadcasting. While Latino Public Broadcasting holds a domestic distribution agreement, Hosking remains open to expanding the film’s reach, particularly through international platforms. Streaming services like Hulu and HBO, known for acquiring culturally significant documentaries, are among the potential avenues for broader exposure.

Following its premiere at the BlackStar Film Festival in Philadelphia on August 6, the team behind "West Side Familia" plans to embark on a "diasporic tour." This initiative aims to screen the film in various North American communities with substantial Puerto Rican populations, ultimately culminating in a presentation on Puerto Rico itself. The tour is designed to reconnect audiences with their heritage and highlight the profound contributions of Puerto Rican culture to American society.

In addition to her documentary work, Hosking is developing a feature fiction screenplay titled "TBT," which centers on a group of young Black girls navigating their experiences in a Manhattan prep school during the early 2000s. She has also expressed interest in creating a sequel to the film "Little Manhattan," reimagined to reflect contemporary perspectives and featuring a young Black female protagonist.

As "West Side Familia" opens the BlackStar Film Festival, it not only introduces audiences to a neglected chapter of New York’s cultural history but also underscores the evolving identity of urban communities grappling with change. Through Hosking’s lens, the film provides a nuanced portrait of activism, heritage, and the enduring spirit of a Puerto Rican neighborhood in the face of transformation.