Decades before Orlando, the Aurora movie theater shooting and Sandy Hook, the largest mass shooting in U.S. history happened on July 18, 1984 when a gunman entered a McDonalds on West San Ysidro Boulevard shooting and killing 23 innocent people and wounding 19.
To tell the stories of the survivors, Texas-based filmmaker Charlie Minn is taking the largest massacre in San Diego history to the big screen on Sept. 23 at the ULTRASTAR Mission Valley Hazard Center.
Minn unveiled the trailer to “77 Minutes” at a Monday press conference at Southwestern College’s Chula Vista campus to mark the 32-year anniversary of the massacre.
“This film was made to honor the victims,” Minn said. “Honor, represent and give them a voice…There are stories about this tragedy that people I don’t think know about. Unknown heroes like people shielding their bodies so others wouldn’t get shot.”
Survivor and Chula Vista resident Wendy Flanagan, who is featured in the film’s trailer was 16 years-old working the cash register when she momentarily stepped away from her post to get ice. That’s when she heard gunfire, and at the persistence of friend, hid in a basement of the restaurant.
Flanagan said although the tragedy happened more than three decades ago, the memories of that tragic day hunt her every time she hears about the next mass shooting.
“I go through it all over again,” she said. “I relieve it every time.”
Minn said he truly wants this film to focus on the victims, because they are the heroes.
He said the name of the gunman, James Huberty, would not be mentioned in the film.
“Unfortunately today, in my humble opinion, the media has gloried killers, all the time, putting all the focus and emphasis on the killers, when they are dirt bags, criminals and cowards and they should be dismissed, and ignored completely… I think if the media kept the killer’s name out of the media there [would be] less murders in our country.
I do firmly believe that because a killer will know going in their name would not be mentioned.
The documentary titled “77 Minutes” because that’s how long the whole ordeal lasted before Huberty was shot and killed by a SWAT sniper. The film will show actual crime scene footage, as well as interviews with survivors and former San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders who coordinated police response to the massacre. It will also focus on new SWAT tactics that have been implored because of this tragedy.
Reflecting the circumstances and the title, the film’s run time will be 77 minutes long. The project is near completion as Minn is wrapping up interviews and editing. Minn said he plans to release the film nationwide after opening in San Diego.
Minn known for his work about innocent people who have been murdered, particularly in Mexico. Minn said “77 Minutes” is still relevant today with all the gun violence that has plagued our nation. Minn said he hopes “77 Minutes brings an end to gun violence.”
“I’m trying everything possible to prevent mass shootings,” he said. “It’s routine today, it’s always happening. Perhaps if people see how bad this truly is rather than being told [they would stop]. What’s worse, for someone to tell you 40 people got shot at the McDonald’s or for me to show it to you? What could have more impact?”
Flanagan said although she participated in the documentary, she has no plans of see it because she wants to rid herself of the nightmare, not remember it.
“I don’t want to relive that day ever again,” she said.
The San Ysidro McDonald’s is the second deadliest shooting rampage in which police as opposed to committing suicide, ranking behind this year’s nightclub shooting in Orlando, killed the gunman.
