The Florida Project

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Florida Project is set in Kissimmee, Florida, showcasing the stark contrast between the lavish world of Disney and the struggles faced by families living in nearby motels.
2. The film's title refers to the original name for Walt Disney World, emphasizing the theme park's presence as a backdrop to the characters' lives.
3. Cinematically, the film uses vibrant colors and a documentary-like style to capture both the joy and hardships of childhood within a socio-economically challenged environment.
4. The performances of the child actors, particularly Brooklynn Prince as Moonee, received widespread acclaim for their authenticity and emotional depth.
5. The Florida Project raises awareness about poverty and housing insecurity, reflecting broader societal issues related to gentrification and the often invisible struggles of those living on the margins.

Review Questions

• How does The Florida Project illustrate the effects of gentrification on low-income families?
  • The Florida Project vividly portrays gentrification by showing how families like Moonee and Halley struggle to maintain their living situations amidst rising costs and changing neighborhoods. The budget motel serves as both a home and a reminder of their precarious economic position, contrasting sharply with the wealth represented by nearby Disney World. This juxtaposition highlights how gentrification often pushes vulnerable communities further into hardship while showcasing their resilience and spirit.
• Discuss the role of setting in The Florida Project and its significance in understanding urban renewal processes.
  • The setting of The Florida Project is crucial for understanding urban renewal processes as it emphasizes the stark divide between affluence and poverty. The film's location near Disney World symbolizes both opportunity and disparity. While the theme park represents dreams and escapism, the nearby motels reveal the harsh realities faced by residents who are often overlooked in discussions about urban development. This contrast illustrates how urban renewal can benefit some while marginalizing others, making it a poignant commentary on socio-economic disparities.
• Evaluate how The Florida Project contributes to discussions about social realism in film and its portrayal of marginalized communities.
  • The Florida Project contributes significantly to discussions about social realism by authentically depicting the lives of marginalized communities through its narrative and visual style. By focusing on a child's perspective amidst economic hardship, it captures both innocence and adversity without romanticizing poverty. The film challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable realities about homelessness and economic disparity while celebrating resilience. This approach not only sheds light on underrepresented voices but also prompts critical reflection on societal issues surrounding gentrification and urban renewal.

Related terms

Gentrification: A process where urban neighborhoods undergo transformation due to an influx of higher-income residents, often displacing lower-income families and changing the cultural landscape.

Urban Renewal: The redevelopment of urban areas aimed at improving infrastructure, housing, and services, which can lead to both positive outcomes and negative consequences for existing communities.

Social Realism: An artistic movement that focuses on depicting everyday life and social issues, often highlighting the struggles of marginalized communities.