Trama

Diego Echeverria's documentary portrays Los Sures, a poor neighborhood in New York City, highlighting its challenges, culture, and determination to overcome racial tension and inadequate resources.

In the late 70s and early 80s, Los Sures was one of the poorest neighborhoods in New York City. In fact, it had been called the worst ghetto in America. Diego Echeverria's film skillfully represents the challenges of its time: drugs, gang violence, crime, abandoned real estate, racial tension, single-parent homes, and inadequate local resources. The complex portrait also celebrates the vitality of this largely Puerto Rican and Dominican community, showing the strength of their culture, their creativity, and their determination to overcome a desperate situation. Beautifully restored just in time for the 30th anniversary of the premiere at the New York Festival, this documentary is a priceless piece of New York City history.

Los Sures introduces itself as "a portrait of a neighborhood from the personal experiences of a few people who live here." Shot in 1984 by Diego Echeverría, the film offers an intimate, mosaic-like study of the South Williamsburg neighbourhood and its predominantly Puerto Rican and Dominican residents.

Los Sures is at once a rich snapshot of pre-gentrification Brooklyn and a testament to the importance of community. Separated into a series of individual and family profiles -punctuated by observational glimpses of the neighbourhood's street life- the film's scope is deceptively vast. While the interviews and testimonials are focused and personal, Echeverría emphasizes the importance of place and space throughout, revealing the deep imbrication between these individuals' identity and their environment.

In the late 70's and early 80's, Los Sures was one of the poorest neighborhoods in New York City. In fact, it had been called the worst ghetto in America. Diego Echeverria's film skillfully represents the challenges of its time: drugs, gang violence, crime, abandoned real estate, racial tension, single-parent homes, and inadequate local resources. The complex portrait also celebrates the vitality of this largely Puerto Rican and Dominican community, showing the strength of their culture, their creativity, and their determination to overcome a desperate situation. Beautifully restored just in time for the 30th anniversary of the premiere at the New York Festival, this documentary is a priceless piece of New York City history.