Documentary Film About Gentrification Comes to Seattle Area in 3 Events
On November 5th-8th, three film screenings of the award-winning documentary, Alice Street, will take place. The film has screened in over 30 film festivals across the globe, including the 2021 Thin Line Film Festival where Alice Street won the prestigious “Impact Award.” As part of the 2022 Alice Street National Impact tour, each of the November showings will be followed by panel discussions with artists, academics, and community leaders who will share how the Alice Street story is relevant to current and historical events in the greater Seattle area.
Alice Street centers on two artists who form an unlikely partnership to paint their most ambitious mural to date in Oakland’s downtown, ground zero for gentrification. The mural is dedicated to the diverse cultural artists that intersect on the corner, who are threatened by displacement. As the mural paint dries, a luxury condo is planned that obstructs art and cultural history. The community decides to fight back.
Panelists will discuss Alice Street’s examination of the role of public art and how murals intersect with complex issues of gentrification. These screenings and discussions will center on current-day debates about housing inequity, community development, and the power of grassroots organizing. Artists have an important role to play in our urban fabric and this film explores what it means to create and collaborate with community.
Alice Street was selected as the feature film for the 3rd annual Seattle Hip Hop Film Festival. It will be presented along with several short films from the region and beyond. The Seattle Hip Hop Film Festival will take place at Washington Hall with Support from Urban Art Works. Subsequently, Alice Street will screen at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) followed by a dialogue with the director and lead muralist featured in the film. The third and final screening will take place on November 7th for students, faculty, alumni and staff at the University of Washington’s College of Built Environments. The dialogue will feature prominent UW professors about gentrification in the historic African-American Central District of Seattle.
“Alice Street is a remarkable testament to what happens when art, culture and communities intersect with urban density and capitalism, a trend that is an unfortunate reality that also exists in Seattle and all around the country.” -King Khazm, Seattle Hip Hop Film Festival
“While the film explores Oakland artists and communities, the story is one that I’m sure will resonate with other communities around the country. The film highlights something we are fortunate enough to experience through our mission at Urban ArtWorks; when you engage communities themselves in the creation of public art that honors their voices, you can create powerful connections that positively transform individuals, neighborhoods, and mindsets.” – Amanda Hashagen, Executive Director Urban ArtWorks
Scheduled Events:
Saturday, November 5th (Doors at 5:30pm) – Seattle Hip Hop Film Festival
Washington Hall
SHHFF is presented by 206 Zulu & Propadata Films, w/ support from Urban Artworks.
Post Film Q & A:
Spencer Wilkinson – Alice Street Director
Desi Mundo (Lead Muralist, Community Rejuvenation Project)
Ticket Link: https://www.206zulu.org/programs/seattle-hip-hop-film-festival/
Facebook Event Link
Sunday, November 6th (5:00-7:00pm) – Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Frank Buxtom Auditorium
Post Film Q & A:
Ken Matsudaira (Moderator, Director of Cultural and Community Programs)
Spencer Wilkinson (Director of Alice Street)
Desi Mundo (Lead Muralist, Community Rejuvenation Project) https://www.biartmuseum.org/event/special-screening-alice-street/
Monday, November 7th (5:30pm) – University of Washington College of Built Environments Architecture Hall
Post Film Q & A:
Spencer Wilkinson (Director of Alice Street)
Desi Mundo (Lead Muralist, Community Rejuvenation Project)
Lynne Manzo (Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture, UW)
https://be.uw.edu/news-events/cbe-event-calendar/
Media inquiries can be directed to: alicestreetfilm@gmail.com
