Los Angeles: Displacement in Utopia

An exploration of the history of housing discrimination and segregation in Los Angeles and its impact on African Americans. Using interviews, video footage, and photographs, the documentary examines African American migration and settlement as well as the triumphs and hardships experienced as they sought to overcome systemic/institutional racist exclusionary practices in the new “Utopia.” Throughout the film, the audience will witness African Americans' creative use of legal strategies to fight restrictive covenants, enlistment of proxy buyers, and establishment of real estate institutions to support their efforts to purchase real property and land. The film also connects the historical battle for housing to gentrification in contemporary Los Angeles and its impact on African Americans living in the inner city. Los Angeles: Displacement in Utopia features Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, attorney Loren Miller, actress Hattie McDaniel, singer Nat “King” Cole and others who were significant in the battle for fair and equal housing in L.A. (Pan African Film Festival)