Sociology Professor Vince Parrillo Films New Documentary

Paterson and Its People, a new documentary by University sociology professor Vincent Parrillo, explores the city’s changing demographics from its pre-history as the locale of the Lenape Indians to its present-day diversity. The documentary, screened on campus on September 30, also aired on NJTV.

In spanning the centuries, the documentary features the diversity of ethnic and racial groups that have populated Paterson, beginning thousands of years ago when native Lenape Indians populated the area and continuing on through early English and French immigrants to more recent Hispanic, Arab, and Muslim populations. The film highlights some of Paterson’s famous residents and visitors, but focuses mainly on the ordinary people who lived and worked in the city and contributed to its social fabric. Through interviews, historic photos, and on-location footage throughout the city, the story of Paterson’s evolution through demographic changes comes alive.

Parrillo served as author, narrator, and coproducer; Jaroslaw Ziaja, with whom Parrillo produced Gaetano Federici: The Sculptor Laureate of Paterson (2013), served as co-producer and editor. Rhoderick Holliday, video production coordinator, Instruction and Research Technology, at William Paterson, served as associate producer. Edward Smyk, the Passaic County historian, was a consultant. The documentary was produced with support from the William Paterson University Alumni Association.