The Dirty Divide
Project Type
Poster Design
Overview
"Independent filmmaker, Paul Freedman, has explored some of the most egregious human rights crisis of our time, from the genocide in Rwanda, to the mass displacement of populations in Darfur. In The Dirty Divide, he turns his camera on the homeless emergency in Los Angeles, a complicated and controversial calamity…" (thedirtydivide.com)
Skid Row
Skid Row is 4.324 mi². I used a map to trace the city blocks that make up Skid Row for the main silhouetted design.
Concept
Paul Freedman, the creator of the documentary, tells a story about all the things in our homes we take for granted, like running water, lights, air conditioning, and a roof over our heads. This gave me the idea of adding collaged images inside a map of Skid Row to resemble a window. As if the viewer is watching this documentary from the comforts of their own home, looking out of their window into the world of all the people without those same luxuries.
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Official Selection
Silicon Beach Film Festival
Official Selection
Docuworld Film Festival
2023 Winner
TheDirtyDivide.com
"Over the last 4 years, as the number of unhoused people has exploded throughout the city, Paul Freedman has filmed, and even slept, on the sidewalks of the Skid Row neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles, just minutes from his home. In The Dirty Divide, he documents the intimate stories of 6 different residents of Skid Row. These include a “street chef”, an elder gang member, and two brilliant musicians, who come together to inspire a community with their culture and song. Freedman’s experience with these remarkable individuals ultimately transforms his own notions of poverty and privilege while blowing up the myths about folks who end up outside, vulnerable and traumatized."
Untitled, Inc.
"The Dirty Divide is a new, groundbreaking film from Emmy and Peabody award-winning filmmaker Paul Freedman that brings us face-to-face with LA's homeless tragedy. A contender for Best Social Justice Documentary at this year's Santa Barbara International Film Festival, The Dirty Divide shatters the convenient tropes and cliches most of use to feel better about looking away. In fact, the film demands our closest attention, taking us to the other side of L.A.'s downtown divide where we meet resilient and remarkable people struggling to survive in a city determined to throw them away."
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