A film made by Watts, not about it
Everything was at stake: Bloods sat with Crips, police with victims, clergy with a mother beaten by the gangs. Within a year, homicides declined by 90%. What happened in that room is our story.
The numbers.
The Community
2.1
sq. mi.
60+
gangs
100
homicides while filming
The Process
17
filmmakers
300+
community contributors
200
hours of footage
The Outcome — in the 12 months that followed:
0
gang-related homicides
90%
reduction in homicides overall
>50%
reduction in all forms of violent crime
What people are saying.
Forbes
“Unlikely collaborators documented their daily lives, and, in the process, reduced homicides by 90%.”
ReadDEADLINE
“One of the most remarkable documentaries of the year… bold, unapologetically real, and socially impactful.”
ReadFOX 11 — GOOD DAY LA
The filmmakers in studio: how a community-made film sparked a peace movement in Watts.
WatchMarquee events.
The King Center, Atlanta
MLK weekend, Jan 19, 2026, with Dr. Bernice A. King, who opens the film.
WatchU.S. Embassy, Islamabad
At the State Department's request, Aug 11, 2026, with peacebuilders from Islamabad and Karachi.
Watts Centennial
A hometown screening for the neighborhood's centennial, Aug 6, 2026, at the Watts Public Library.
Coolidge Corner, Boston
Apr 7, 2026, with Harvard and The Boston Globe.
Audience impact.
- Q:
- Having viewed the film, how has your sense of empathy changed for the following groups in Watts?
- A:
- % of screeners answering very positively or positively
Children71%
Community69%
Parents68%
Police61%
Gang members49%