13.2 Gentrification and urban renewal in recent films
6 min read•july 30, 2024
Recent films have tackled gentrification and urban renewal, showing how neighborhoods change and people get pushed out. These movies highlight the human side of urban development, exploring cultural clashes, economic disparities, and community resistance.
Contemporary urban cinema dives deep into gentrification's impacts. Films use personal stories, visual contrasts, and diverse perspectives to examine how cities evolve. They spark discussions about affordable housing, cultural preservation, and the complex forces shaping our urban landscapes.
Gentrification in Cinema
Displacement and Cultural Transformation
Top images from around the web for Displacement and Cultural Transformation
The Full Force of Urban Renewal — Strong Towns View original
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The Full Force of Urban Renewal — Strong Towns View original
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Top images from around the web for Displacement and Cultural Transformation
The Full Force of Urban Renewal — Strong Towns View original
Is this image relevant?
The Full Force of Urban Renewal — Strong Towns View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 1
- and community upheaval emerge as central themes portraying long-time residents facing eviction or cultural erasure
- Depicted through personal stories of families forced to relocate (Last Black Man in )
- Showcased via the closure of longstanding local businesses ()
- Cultural clash and loss of neighborhood identity recur as motifs symbolized through changes in local businesses, architecture, and community spaces
- Transformation of ethnic enclaves into trendy districts ()
- Replacement of family-owned shops with upscale boutiques and chain stores ()
- Nostalgia for a pre-gentrified past evoked through flashbacks, archival footage, or characters' reminiscences about their changing neighborhoods
- Use of historical photographs contrasting with present-day scenes ()
- Characters sharing stories of the neighborhood's past glory ()
Economic Disparities and Urban Transformation
- Economic disparity highlighted contrasting the influx of wealthy newcomers with the financial struggles of existing community members
- of luxury condos with run-down public housing (The Florida Project)
- Scenes of long-time residents working multiple jobs to afford rising rents (Blindspotting)
- Transformation of urban landscapes presented as a visual motif typically depicted through before-and-after shots or time-lapse sequences of neighborhood changes
- Time-lapse footage showing rapid construction of high-rise apartments ()
- Contrasting shots of old and new businesses on the same street (The Last Black Man in San Francisco)
- Role of artists and creatives in gentrification explored as a complex theme examining their dual position as both catalysts and victims of urban renewal
- Artists attracted to affordable areas inadvertently sparking gentrification ()
- Creative communities later priced out of neighborhoods they helped revitalize ()
Community Response and Activism
- Resistance and activism against gentrification commonly portrayed showcasing grassroots movements and efforts
- Depiction of tenant associations fighting evictions ()
- Scenes of street protests against luxury development projects (Whose Streets?)
- Intersectionality in gentrification explored showing how race, class, and gender intersect in the process of urban renewal and its impacts
- Portrayal of how gentrification affects different demographic groups within a community (Blindspotting)
- Exploration of how historical racial segregation influences current gentrification patterns (The Last Black Man in San Francisco)
Social Impacts of Gentrification
Community Fragmentation and Cultural Loss
- Social fragmentation depicted through the erosion of long-standing community bonds and the influx of new residents with different lifestyles and values
- Scenes of longtime neighbors becoming strangers as community demographics shift (The Last Black Man in San Francisco)
- Portrayal of cultural misunderstandings between new and old residents (Blindspotting)
- portrayed through the loss of traditional community spaces, ethnic enclaves, and local customs juxtaposed with the emergence of trendy, upscale amenities
- Closure of community centers and local gathering spots (Do the Right Thing)
- Transformation of ethnic markets into high-end grocery stores ()
- Intergenerational conflicts within families and communities portrayed as younger generations grapple with changing neighborhood dynamics and opportunities
- Tensions between parents wanting to preserve traditions and children adapting to new cultural norms ()
- Differing views on neighborhood changes between older and younger residents (Blindspotting)
Economic Consequences and Psychological Impact
- Economic impacts illustrated through rising property values, increased cost of living, and the closure of local businesses unable to compete with new establishments
- Scenes of small business owners struggling to pay increased rents (The Florida Project)
- Depiction of long-time homeowners facing higher property taxes ()
- Psychological toll of gentrification on long-time residents depicted including stress, anxiety, and a sense of alienation in their changing neighborhoods
- Characters experiencing feelings of displacement in their own homes (The Last Black Man in San Francisco)
- Portrayal of mental health struggles related to housing insecurity (The Florida Project)
- Role of local government and urban planning policies in facilitating or mitigating gentrification examined highlighting the complex interplay between public and private interests
- Depiction of city council meetings debating zoning changes ()
- Exploration of public-private partnerships in urban redevelopment projects (Citizen Jane: Battle for the City)
Film and Urban Redevelopment
Raising Awareness and Shaping Discourse
- Films serve as a medium for raising awareness about gentrification bringing attention to issues overlooked in mainstream media coverage
- Documentaries highlighting lesser-known impacts of urban renewal (The Pruitt-Igoe Myth)
- Fictional narratives personalizing abstract urban planning concepts (Blindspotting)
- Cinematic narratives humanize the abstract concept of gentrification by focusing on personal stories and emotional impacts on individuals and communities
- Character-driven stories showcasing the human cost of displacement (The Florida Project)
- Intimate portrayals of families adapting to neighborhood changes (The Last Black Man in San Francisco)
- Visual power of film allows for compelling before-and-after portrayals of gentrified neighborhoods making abstract changes tangible for viewers
- Use of archival footage contrasted with modern-day scenes (Citizen Jane: Battle for the City)
- Time-lapse sequences showing rapid urban transformation ()
Influencing Policy and Global Perspectives
- Films influence policy debates by highlighting specific aspects of gentrification such as affordable housing shortages or the preservation of cultural heritage
- Documentaries presenting data on housing displacement ()
- Narratives exploring the loss of historical landmarks (The Last Black Man in San Francisco)
- Global reach of cinema enables cross-cultural comparisons of gentrification fostering a broader understanding of urban renewal as a worldwide phenomenon
- Films showcasing gentrification in different cities around the world ()
- Exploration of how global economic forces drive local gentrification (Citizen Jane: Battle for the City)
- Critical reception and audience responses to films about gentrification spark public debates and potentially influence local activism and policy-making
- Social media discussions following film releases (Whose Streets?)
- Community screenings and panel discussions organized around gentrification-themed films (The Pruitt-Igoe Myth)
Film's Depiction of Gentrification
Balancing Entertainment and Social Commentary
- Balance between entertainment value and social commentary assessed considering how films navigate the need for engaging storytelling while addressing complex urban issues
- Use of humor to address serious topics (Blindspotting)
- Integration of social critique into dramatic narratives (The Florida Project)
- Use of cinematic techniques such as visual metaphors, parallel narratives, or non-linear storytelling analyzed for their effectiveness in conveying the multifaceted nature of gentrification
- Split-screen techniques showing past and present neighborhoods (The Last Black Man in San Francisco)
- Montage sequences depicting rapid urban changes (High Maintenance)
- Effectiveness of films in inspiring audience engagement and action beyond passive viewership considered including their potential to motivate community involvement or policy changes
- Films accompanied by action guides or community resources (Whose Streets?)
- Documentaries that lead to local policy discussions or initiatives (The Pruitt-Igoe Myth)
Representation and Complexity
- Representation of diverse perspectives including gentrifiers, long-time residents, and policymakers evaluated for its comprehensiveness and fairness
- Inclusion of multiple viewpoints within a single narrative (Show Me a Hero)
- Balanced portrayal of different stakeholders in urban redevelopment (Citizen Jane: Battle for the City)
- Accuracy and nuance in portraying the economic forces driving gentrification including global capital flows and real estate speculation critically examined
- Exploration of international investment in local real estate markets (Push)
- Depiction of the role of tech industry growth in urban gentrification (The Last Black Man in San Francisco)
- Films' ability to avoid oversimplification and present the gray areas of gentrification such as potential benefits alongside negative impacts evaluated
- Nuanced portrayal of neighborhood improvements alongside displacement (Blindspotting)
- Exploration of conflicting interests within communities undergoing change (The Florida Project)
Key Terms to Review (31)
99 Homes: 99 Homes is a drama film that explores the impact of the housing crisis in the United States, focusing on themes of gentrification, economic hardship, and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a collapsing real estate market. The film portrays the struggles of a man who, after losing his home to foreclosure, becomes entangled in a morally questionable real estate scheme. This narrative reflects broader issues of urban renewal and gentrification, highlighting how economic forces can displace families and transform neighborhoods.
Aerial Shots: Aerial shots are high-angle shots taken from an elevated perspective, often using drones or helicopters, to showcase a large area of the city or landscape below. These shots provide a unique view that can highlight the relationship between the urban environment and the characters within it, serving as a powerful tool for storytelling in film.
Anti-gentrification protests: Anti-gentrification protests are grassroots movements that oppose the displacement of long-time residents and the cultural erasure that often accompany gentrification in urban neighborhoods. These protests are typically organized by local communities, activists, and organizations aiming to preserve affordable housing and protect the social fabric of their neighborhoods against rising property values and rents, often driven by new, wealthier residents and developers.
Blindspotting: Blindspotting refers to the inability to see or acknowledge certain social issues, particularly those related to race and class, which can lead to a lack of understanding and empathy in urban environments. This term highlights how the perspectives of marginalized communities can be overlooked in conversations about gentrification and urban renewal, often resulting in policies that fail to address their needs and realities. Understanding blindspotting is crucial when examining the dynamics of changing neighborhoods, as it illustrates the conflict between new developments and the original residents.
Brooklyn: Brooklyn is one of the five boroughs of New York City, known for its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and rich history. It has become a focal point in discussions about gentrification and urban renewal, especially in recent films that highlight the transformation of its neighborhoods, reflecting broader socio-economic changes in urban settings.
Citizen Jane: Battle for the City: 'Citizen Jane: Battle for the City' is a documentary film that highlights the life and activism of Jane Jacobs, an urbanist and writer who became a leading figure in the fight against urban renewal and gentrification in the mid-20th century. The film connects Jacobs' philosophy of preserving local neighborhoods and advocating for community-driven planning with the ongoing struggles against gentrification, emphasizing her impact on urban activism and city planning.
Community organizing: Community organizing is a process through which individuals and groups come together to identify common goals, build relationships, and take collective action to address social issues and improve their communities. This approach empowers people by engaging them in decision-making processes, fostering leadership, and promoting social justice, which often intersects with urban challenges like gentrification and urban renewal.
Crazy Rich Asians: Crazy Rich Asians is a romantic comedy film released in 2018, based on Kevin Kwan's novel of the same name. It showcases the lives of extremely wealthy Asian families in Singapore, focusing on themes of class disparity, cultural identity, and the impact of wealth on personal relationships. The film also highlights issues surrounding gentrification and urban renewal in contemporary settings, reflecting how affluence shapes urban environments and influences local culture.
Critical Urban Theory: Critical urban theory is an analytical framework that examines the social, political, and economic forces shaping urban environments, emphasizing issues of power, inequality, and social justice. It seeks to understand the complexities of urban life, including the impact of gentrification and urban renewal, by critiquing existing urban policies and practices while advocating for more equitable development solutions.
Cultural Displacement: Cultural displacement refers to the loss of cultural identity and social cohesion that occurs when a community is uprooted from its familiar environment, often due to factors such as gentrification or urban renewal. This phenomenon leads to a disconnection from traditions, practices, and local relationships, resulting in feelings of alienation among those affected. The concept highlights the struggles that communities face in maintaining their cultural integrity when faced with external pressures that reshape their neighborhoods.
Displacement: Displacement refers to the process in which individuals or communities are forced to leave their homes or neighborhoods, often due to external pressures such as gentrification, urban development, or economic forces. This phenomenon can significantly impact social dynamics, cultural identity, and community cohesion, as long-time residents may be pushed out by rising costs and new developments that cater to wealthier populations.
Do the Right Thing: Do the Right Thing is a film by Spike Lee that addresses racial tensions and social injustices in urban environments, particularly in Brooklyn. It represents a call for moral integrity and ethical decision-making amidst conflict, reflecting broader societal issues within cities, including urban decay, gentrification, and the complexities of community relationships. The film serves as a critique of systemic racism and advocates for self-reflection and responsibility in the face of social unrest.
Gimme the loot: The phrase 'gimme the loot' is often used to express a demand for money or valuables, particularly in a forceful or aggressive manner. This term connects to discussions around urban spaces where gentrification and urban renewal lead to conflicts over resources, displacement of communities, and socio-economic shifts. In recent films, this phrase symbolizes the tension between long-time residents and newcomers who seek to exploit the changing urban landscape for profit.
High maintenance: In the context of urban environments, 'high maintenance' refers to the social and economic demands placed on neighborhoods undergoing gentrification and urban renewal. This term often implies that these areas require significant investment and attention to meet the needs of both existing residents and incoming populations, which can lead to tensions and conflicts over resources and identity.
Juxtaposition: Juxtaposition refers to the technique of placing two or more contrasting elements side by side in order to highlight their differences and create a deeper meaning. This method is often used in film to enhance storytelling by revealing contradictions or unexpected connections between characters, settings, or themes. By using juxtaposition, filmmakers can evoke emotions, provoke thought, and emphasize the complexities of urban life.
Postcolonial theory: Postcolonial theory is an academic framework that examines the cultural, political, and social impacts of colonialism and imperialism, particularly focusing on the experiences of colonized peoples and their struggles for identity and representation. This theory challenges traditional narratives and seeks to highlight the voices and experiences of those marginalized by colonial powers, emphasizing the ongoing effects of colonization in contemporary society.
Push: In the context of urban studies, 'push' refers to the factors that drive residents out of their neighborhoods or communities, often due to adverse conditions. This can include issues like rising crime rates, lack of job opportunities, and inadequate housing or public services. Understanding these push factors is crucial when analyzing the dynamics of gentrification and urban renewal in films, as they often highlight the struggles faced by original residents in gentrifying areas.
Pushed out: the displacement crisis: The displacement crisis refers to the phenomenon where long-time residents of urban neighborhoods are forced to leave their homes due to gentrification, rising property values, and urban renewal initiatives. This situation often results in the loss of community, culture, and affordable housing as wealthier individuals move in, transforming the area and pushing out those who can no longer afford to live there. It highlights the struggle between development and preserving local identities.
Redlining: Redlining refers to the discriminatory practice where banks, insurers, and other financial institutions deny or limit services to residents of certain neighborhoods based on racial or ethnic composition. This practice not only contributes to economic disparities but also plays a significant role in shaping urban environments, influencing patterns of gentrification and urban renewal, often leading to the displacement of long-standing communities as wealthier individuals move into these areas.
Richard Florida: Richard Florida is an urban studies theorist best known for his concept of the 'creative class' and its impact on economic development and urban revitalization. His work emphasizes the role of creativity and innovation in driving economic growth, suggesting that cities which attract talented individuals can experience gentrification and urban renewal as a result. Florida's ideas have also contributed to the evolving representations of smart cities and eco-urbanism, framing urban spaces as hubs for creative industries and sustainable living.
San Francisco: San Francisco is a major city in California, known for its iconic landmarks, diverse culture, and significant history of gentrification and urban renewal. The city has seen rapid changes in its neighborhoods, often driven by economic development, technology industries, and rising real estate prices, which have led to the displacement of long-time residents and changes in the social fabric of the community.
Show Me a Hero: 'Show Me a Hero' is a phrase often used to call for genuine leadership, accountability, and the willingness to take action for the common good, especially in the context of urban environments undergoing significant change. This term encapsulates the struggle faced by individuals and communities during periods of gentrification and urban renewal, where moral dilemmas arise, and personal sacrifices may be required to advocate for justice and equity within their neighborhoods. The heroes in these narratives often challenge societal norms and confront systemic issues that impact marginalized populations during urban transformations.
Spike Lee: Spike Lee is an influential American filmmaker, director, producer, and actor known for his work that often explores themes of race, class, and social issues in urban settings. His films frequently highlight the struggles of African Americans and examine urban inequality, racial tensions, and the impact of gentrification on communities. Through his unique storytelling style and provocative visuals, Lee has reshaped how cities are portrayed in film and sparked important conversations about societal issues.
The Farewell: The Farewell refers to a poignant moment in film narratives where characters confront the imminent loss of a loved one or community, often evoking themes of nostalgia, grief, and acceptance. This concept highlights the emotional weight of farewells in the context of urban environments undergoing change, reflecting on how gentrification and urban renewal can displace individuals and alter community dynamics, leading to bittersweet goodbyes to familiar places and relationships.
The Florida Project: The Florida Project is a 2017 film directed by Sean Baker that tells the story of a precocious six-year-old girl named Moonee and her young mother, Halley, living in a budget motel near Disney World. The film highlights the struggles of low-income families and the impact of gentrification and urban renewal on their lives, portraying a vibrant yet harsh reality in contrast to the fantasy of the nearby theme park.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco: The Last Black Man in San Francisco is a film that tells the poignant story of a young African American man named Jimmie Fails, who struggles to reclaim his family's home in a rapidly gentrifying San Francisco. This narrative dives deep into themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of gentrification on marginalized communities, illustrating how urban renewal can lead to cultural displacement and loss of heritage. The film serves as a powerful commentary on the transformation of cities and the implications for their original inhabitants.
The Pruitt-Igoe Myth: The Pruitt-Igoe Myth refers to the narrative surrounding the Pruitt-Igoe housing project in St. Louis, which was built in the 1950s and demolished by the mid-1970s. This myth encapsulates the idea that urban renewal projects, particularly large public housing initiatives, are inherently doomed to fail due to social issues, neglect, and mismanagement, while often overlooking systemic factors such as economic disinvestment and racial segregation. The story of Pruitt-Igoe has become a symbol of the failure of modernist urban planning and the complexities of gentrification and urban renewal efforts.
Urban decay: Urban decay refers to the process where a previously functional city or part of a city falls into disrepair and neglect, often characterized by deteriorating buildings, abandoned properties, and declining infrastructure. This phenomenon is often linked to social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to the decline of urban areas, impacting the narrative and visual representation of cities in various forms of media.
Urban Revitalization: Urban revitalization refers to the process of improving and renewing deteriorated urban areas through various forms of development, investment, and community engagement. This term is closely linked to strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of life in cities, often involving economic, social, and physical improvements. Urban revitalization typically seeks to balance development goals with the preservation of local culture and community identity, addressing issues such as vacant properties, infrastructure decay, and socio-economic challenges.
Urbanized: Urbanized refers to the process by which rural areas transform into urban areas, often characterized by increased population density, infrastructure development, and changes in land use. This phenomenon can involve the movement of people from countryside to cities, resulting in significant social, economic, and cultural shifts within a community, especially evident through themes of gentrification and urban renewal in recent films.
Whose Streets?: 'Whose Streets?' is a powerful documentary that captures the grassroots response to the 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. It focuses on the voices and experiences of the community, highlighting how urban spaces can become battlegrounds for civil rights and social justice. The film explores themes of community empowerment, resistance against gentrification, and the struggle for identity in the face of urban renewal efforts that often overlook the needs and history of local residents.