Watch Dogtown Redemption

Dogtown Redemption is a 2015 documentary film directed and produced by Amir Soltani and Chihiro Wimbush. The film focuses on the lives of people living in Oakland, California, and their fight for survival in a rapidly gentrifying community. The story follows the lives of two people, Landon Goodwin and Hayok Kay, who are both recycling collectors working in Dogtown, a 12-block area of West Oakland that used to be the home of a thriving African-American community. Today, the area is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city and is plagued by crime and drug addiction.

Landon and Hayok are part of a group of recycling collectors who survive by collecting discarded items and selling them for cash. They are part of a community that provides a vital service to the local residents, while also clearing the streets of trash and recyclables. Despite their hard work, the collectors are constantly under threat from the city's waste disposal companies who view them as competition. The collectors must work long hours and often face harsh conditions to make a living.

The film also follows the story of Jason Witt, a former drug addict who has turned his life around and now runs a recycling center in the community. Jason is committed to helping the collectors and providing them with a safe place to work. He is also a key figure in the fight against the city's waste disposal companies, who are trying to take over the recycling business in Oakland.

As the story unfolds, the film reveals the complex social and economic issues that are at the heart of the community's struggle. Gentrification, poverty, addiction, and racism are just some of the issues that are explored in the film. The filmmakers also highlight the ways in which the community is fighting back against these pressures by organizing and speaking out against the forces that are threatening their way of life.

Overall, Dogtown Redemption is a powerful and poignant film that provides a rare insight into a community that is often overlooked and marginalized. It showcases some of the strengths and challenges that come with being a part of a tight-knit community, and how people can come together to fight for their survival and dignity. The film also highlights the importance of recycling as a way to promote sustainable living and to support local communities. Through the lives of Landon, Hayok, and Jason, the film celebrates the resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit of the people of Oakland.