Watch Under the Bridge: The Criminalization of Homelessness

Under the Bridge: The Criminalization of Homelessness is a documentary film released in 2015, directed by Jeff Reichert and Farihah Zaman. The film takes a deep dive into the troubling phenomenon of homelessness, specifically the ways in which homeless people are often criminally punished simply for existing in public spaces. The film opens with a stark and troubling fact: It is currently illegal to be homeless in many cities across America. Indeed, in many areas, being homeless means being constantly under the threat of arrest and imprisonment. These laws make it exceedingly difficult for homeless people to access basic resources, such as food and shelter, which makes it all the more difficult for them to get back on their feet and rebuild their lives.

Under the Bridge explores this issue through a number of interviews with experts, activists, and everyday citizens who are fighting against this criminalization of homelessness. Don Sawyer, a formerly homeless person who is now an advocate for homeless people, provides the film's emotional anchor: Through Sawyer's own story of homelessness, we come to understand the often-insurmountable challenges that face those who find themselves without housing.

The film examines a number of key questions, including: How do these laws criminalizing homelessness actually work in practice? What are the impacts of these laws on homeless people, and on society at large? And what steps can be taken to push back against this disturbing trend?

One of the most powerful aspects of Under the Bridge is the way in which it hammers home the sheer injustice of these laws. For instance, we see footage of police officers forcibly evicting homeless people from public spaces and destroying their belongings. The reality is that many of these people have nowhere else to go, and are simply trying to survive in a world that has largely left them behind.

The film also makes clear that the criminalization of homelessness often goes hand-in-hand with other forms of discrimination. For instance, homeless people are far more likely to be people of color or members of the LGBTQ community. And in many cases, these groups are specifically targeted by police and other officials who are charged with enforcing these laws.

One of the film's most powerful moments comes when we hear from a formerly homeless woman named Patricia who was arrested for camping in a public park. She describes how she was treated "like an animal" by police, and recounts the humiliation and terror of being arrested and locked up simply for trying to survive on the street. Her story is a reminder of the sheer brutality of these laws, and the brokenness of a system that punishes people for simply trying to survive.

Despite its often-dark subject matter, Under the Bridge is ultimately a film about hope. The film explores the ways in which activists and advocates are fighting back against these laws, and working to create more just and equitable systems of support for homeless people. From advocating for more affordable housing to pushing for changes in the way that police interact with homeless people, there are a myriad of ways in which change is possible.

Overall, Under the Bridge: The Criminalization of Homelessness is a powerful and thought-provoking film that shines a much-needed light on an issue that is all too often ignored. Through powerful cinematography, evocative interviews, and a clear and resonant message, the film makes a compelling case for why we must all work to combat the criminalization of homeless people, and create a more just, equitable society for all.

Under the Bridge: The Criminalization of Homelessness is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.