Watch Now We Live on Clifton

Now We Live on Clifton is a documentary film made in 1974 and directed by Alan and Susan Raymond. It captures a tragic moment in the history of Clifton Avenue, a vibrant working-class neighborhood in Cincinnati. The film presents the lives of the residents of the area and their community in the year 1971, just before the state planned to demolish it as part of a citywide urban renewal plan.

The 58-minute-long movie showcases the lives of young and old residents, their struggles, and hopes, as they face the uncertainty of losing their homes, schools, and churches. The film brilliantly depicts the daily lives, economic struggles, and racial tensions experienced by the community members. The community was a mix of Black and white Americans, including working-class white families, hipster musicians, and African American families, who have lived in Clifton Avenue for decades.

The heart of the film is the interviews conducted by the directors with the children of the community, who are candid in sharing their thoughts and feelings about their neighborhood, their families, and their school. The kids express their fear and confusion about the impending destruction of their homes and reveal their deep attachment to the place they call home. They also talk about their aspirations, their dreams, and their hopes for the future. These scenes are some of the most poignant in the documentary.

The film's other strength is its portrayal of the racial divide between the white and Black members of the community. It's clear in the film, even from 50 years ago, that the black residents face ongoing discrimination, inequality, and racism in the community. It's telling how the white residents of the area perceive and treat their black neighbors, and how oblivious they are to the Black residents' experiences, struggles, and worries.

The documentary is also notable for its depiction of the social and economic struggles of the community. The working-class families are dealing with poverty, unemployment, and rising costs of living. The film shows the residents' resilience and their sense of community spirit, as they collaborate to address their daily needs, such as setting up community daycare services.

The film's editing and pacing are excellent, deftly mixing interviews with local residents with visual footage of the community. The directors use a variety of techniques, including jump cuts, music montages, and overlaid sound, to provide a rich texture to the documentary.

One of the most striking scenes in the film is the final sequence in which the residents of Clifton Avenue come together for a parade to celebrate their community's achievements and hope for a brighter future. It's a bittersweet moment, as the parade is taking place after the state has approved the renewal plan, and the residents know that their time in Clifton Avenue is limited.

In conclusion, Now We Live on Clifton is a poignant and moving documentary that captures a moment in history when an entire community faced the loss of their homes and culture. The film is not only a time capsule of a particular neighborhood and its people but also a valuable commentary on the flaws of urban renewal planning and its impact on urban neighborhoods. The film is still relevant today and offers a unique perspective on issues of race, poverty, and community building that continue to be significant in America today.