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December 15, 2011
The 13 Best Political Films of 2011
Looking back at the movies that moved us most.
AlterNet
by Julianne Escobedo Shepherd
...in 2011, we felt the tremors, and a clutch of political films and documentaries both presaged and inspired the increasing awareness and resolve we’ve seen smattering across the globe. You’ll see some of these in the Oscar nomination lineup, but all of them are must-see.
...13. Battle for Brooklyn (dir. Michael Galinsky, Suki Hawley) Oscar shortlisted
For over six years, residents of downtown Brooklyn battled Bruce Ratner, one of the largest real estate developers in New York, for the heart of the neighborhood. After the state and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, invoking eminent domain, rezoned and seized the area known as Atlantic Yards, Ratner began developing his vision: a huge sports arena for the Brooklyn Nets, several skyscrapers (including mixed-income housing, the “mixed-income” part of which was eventually scrapped), and area for mass retail which some fretted would attract national chains and dilute the community reliance that’s been a part of downtown Brooklyn for decades. But most devastatingly, the land on which the new development was proposed already held apartment buildings and other living units. Set to be razed, its occupants and neighbors, some of whom had lived in the buildings for decades, embarked on a battle for their lives and principles. This compelling documentary chronicles the fight. (Upcoming screenings all across America, available on DVD soon.)
NoLandGrab: Note that Ratner has not "scrapped" plans for "mixed-income" housing. However, when and if any housing gets built is anybody's guess.
Posted by eric at December 15, 2011 11:21 AM