In a rapidly gentrifying city, the construction of a luxury condominium threatens a local mural, forcing the artists and neighborhood to rally to protect its history, voice, and land.

Interview with Director/Writer/Producer/Editor Spencer Wilkinson

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Gentrification is changing our city, Oakland, California. Artists and activists are using their culture and art forms to remain strong in the face of displacement. Also, I live in Oakland and the story took place right down the street from my home.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

This film looks at critical issues affecting all of us - rising costs of living and cultural shifts in our cities. Alice Street is a vibrant and exciting story about two muralists who consult with the community to create the largest piece they've ever created. As the paint dries, a condominium is proposed in the same lot where the mural was painted. The community decides to fight back.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

It's a character-driven film that follows two artists through their process. But the story widens to include the larger community fighting to practice their culture and art in the face of gentrification.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

It's been wonderful! The film was selected by over 35 film festivals. It has been on impact tours throughout the state and nation. It's won many awards and has been written about extensively. It's being used in educational institutes as well.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback surprised me! It was humbling to hear how different communities and diverse people are receiving the story and relating it to their own worlds.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

It's always great to get the film out on as many channels as possible.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

We're looking for distributors in new markets which Alice Street has not reached yet. We're always excited and humbled to be invited to film festivals and other events.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Alice Street had a successful impact campaign in 2021 throughout California communities affected by displacement and gentrification. In 2022, that tour expanded nationally to include cities across the United States. It has been used to spark dialogue about crucial housing issues and has actually supported lasting policy changes in several communities.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Can cities have development without displacement?

Would you like to add anything else?

There's a next chapter to the story currently in post-production!

Interview: May 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Alice Street

In a rapidly gentrifying city, the construction of a luxury condominium threatens a local mural, forcing the artists and neighborhood to rally to protect its history, voice, and land.

Length: 1:07:00

Director: Spencer Wilkinson

Producer: Endangered Ideas

Writer: Spencer Wilkinson

About the writer, director and producer:

After a decade working with gang-involved and homeless youth, SPENCER WILKINSON founded Endangered Ideas in Oakland. In 2021, Spencer directed the short film, Oakland Boogaloo in which he was awarded a regional Emmy and Excellence in Journalism award from the Society of Professional Journalists. Spencer directed and produced the award-winning documentary, Alice Street (2020). The film garnered several awards and over 100 screenings at a festival, theatrical showings and successful statewide and national impact campaigns.

Endangered Ideas is the production company that produced Alice Street.

Looking for: journalists, film festival directors and distributors

Facebook: Alice Street Film

Instagram: @alicestreetfilm

Hashtags used: #alicestreetimpact, #alicestreet

Website: www.alicestreetfilm.com

Funders: California Humanities for the Arts, Berkeley Film Foundation, Oakland Cultural Funding Program, California Arts Council, San Francisco Foundation, Elizabeth Louise Smith Foundation

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Hip Hop Cinefest - Italy - May 1st-13th Streaming film festival