Unmasking Gentrification’s Impact on Communities

Read Time:3 Minute, 39 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Razing Liberty Square
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Katja Esson
Where To Watch: will debut on PBS’s INDEPENDENT LENS on January 29, 2024, at 10 p.m. (check local listings). The film will be available to stream on the PBS app and accessible via PBS’s flagship YouTube channel.

RAVING REVIEW: Come along on this journey in RAZING LIBERTY SQUARE, where we visit the heart of Miami's Liberty City and see the horrible act of gentrification in real-time. At the same time, city planners pretend they do what’s best for the community's citizens. Directed by Katja Esson, this documentary transcends the typical story about urban redevelopment. It anchors itself in the turbulent sea of climate change and economic inequality, showing a narrative that strikes a chord with the Miamians and a global audience.

This documentary is a marker in history as a group of concerned citizens fight for the right to their homes. Through her lens, Esson brings to life the tales and memories of Liberty City's history and its imminent transformation. The film spotlights the city's resilience, featuring interviews that resonate with the viewers. Whether it's activist Valencia Gunder or real estate professional Aaron McKinney, each story adds a layer to the complex mosaic of housing challenges, racial inequalities, and the jarring effects of climate change.

Esson masterfully exposes the rich history of Liberty City, once a sanctuary for influential Black figures, against its present-day realities. Liberty City now stands at a crucial crossroads, grappling with rising sea levels and mounting real estate pressures. This comparison provides a snapshot of urban redevelopment and delves into the multi-layered consequences on the community.

I would have liked to have seen a deeper dive into the personal lives of Liberty Square's residents, which would have added a more personal touch to the narrative. We received a few critical moments of what this community means to its citizens. Still, it would have been an interesting take to have seen the story through the life of one of them specifically instead of top-layer coverage of multiple families. The strategy used doesn’t take away from the film's impact; it's just a personal wish of mine.

Despite these nuanced takes, RAZING LIBERTY SQUARE stands out as a stellar example of how documentaries can illuminate critical societal issues. Its premiere on PBS’s INDEPENDENT LENS underscores its relevance and the urgent need for conversations around urban redevelopment and its impacts. Esson's film is a call to action, prompting viewers to ponder the implications of unchecked urban growth and the need for inclusive city planning.

RAZING LIBERTY SQUARE is an insightful, elegantly crafted documentary that perfectly balances educational and emotional stories. It's a film that not only opens a window into the lives of those in Liberty Square but also acts as a reflective surface for broader societal issues. This documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of empathy, understanding, and collective efforts in forging a fairer, more sustainable future. For those intrigued by the interplay of urban development and human stories, RAZING LIBERTY SQUARE is an essential watch.

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[photo courtesy of INDEPENDENT LENS, ITVS, PBS]

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