Unzipped: An Autopsy of American Inequality
Year
2021
Awards
Newport Beach Film Festival - Audience Award
Credits
Directed and written by: Colin K. Gray
Produced by: The Sibs
Executive produced by Lucy Liu.
Examining the Affordable Housing Crisis
“Unzipped” is a documentary that explores the escalating affordable housing crisis in America, focusing on one of the nation’s most iconic and income-divided zip codes: Venice. Once a vibrant hub for artists, outsiders, and a flourishing Black community, Venice has become the battleground for intense debates over gentrification, housing shortages, and homelessness. Through interviews with politicians, local stakeholders, homeless advocates, and experts, the film uncovers the deep-rooted causes of the housing crisis, highlighting the connections to rising income inequality, racial and class disparities, and the systemic flaws in America’s housing policies.
The documentary also features personal stories of families fighting to stay in their neighborhood and explores the community battles over proposed homeless shelters. “Unzipped” challenges stereotypes and humanizes the experiences of those affected by the housing divide. Interwoven with the history of Venice—from its inception and decline due to oil drilling to its cultural renaissance and current housing struggles—the film provides a snapshot of a widespread issue faced by cities nationwide. “Unzipped” offers a critical perspective on this pressing humanitarian crisis and a powerful call to action for more equitable housing solutions.
