Documentary 'West Side Familia' Explores Gentrification's Impact on Manhattan's Upper West Side Community
The documentary film 'West Side Familia,' directed by Taylor Hosking, chronicles the struggles of a Puerto Rican-led neighborhood outlaw crew and community care group from the 1970s. The film focuses on their efforts to preserve their public traditions and cultural identity in Manhattan's Upper West Side, which has become a 'hyper-gentrified preppy neighborhood.' Through intimate portraits, the documentary illustrates how this tight-knit community grapples with the profound changes brought about by gentrification, highlighting the challenges of maintaining cultural heritage and community bonds amidst significant demographic and economic shifts. The film offers a look into the social and cultural impacts of urban transformation.
