A searing expose of the growing affordable housing crisis in America, this intimate documentary focuses on one of the country's most iconic and income divided zip codes. Once a mecca for artists, outsiders, and a thriving Black community, Venice is now the frontline for America's heated battles over gentrification, lack of affordable housing, and homelessness. Featuring interviews with leading politicians, local stakeholders, homeless advocates, and experts on all sides of these issues, the film digs into the myriad root causes of the affordable housing crisis and its intersection with rising income inequality, racial and class disparities, and the structural inequities of America's housing policies. With personal profiles of several families who struggle to remain in their neighborhood, to bitterly contested community fights over a proposed homeless shelter, UNZIPPED subverts stereotypes and humanizes the lived experiences of people caught in the crossfire of America's growing housing divide. Also woven throughout the film is the history of Venice, from its founding, past decline thanks to oil derricks, eventual cultural cachet, and present day housing inequalities. A moving snapshot of a community that offers a representative example of a phenomenon being experienced in cities across the country and around the world, UNZIPPED offers a topical lens on this alarming humanitarian issue, and serves as an urgent call to action for more equitable housing solutions for every community.--Publisher's website.
|
