Browse Films

Homeless in Paradise follows the intimate journey of four fascinating people who are homeless. As they survive on the streets, Rick, Donna, Simon, and Faye struggle with addiction and mental illness, while receiving support from a city in crisis. Experiencing homelessness through their eyes, we will come to understand a political and social system that draws controversy from all sides of the political arena. Coming together in a 50 minute documentary, the drama of four people like us, the politics of a region, and the economy of a population are brought into sharp focus. By trying to do the right thing, however, this city may be doing something horribly wrong. In most U.S. cities, residents pay roughly fifteen to thirty cents per person per year on homeless services. In the city of Santa Monica, that amount is closer to one hundred dollars. But how is it spent, and what effect do the programs have on the psyches of the programs recipients? In this city so many people want to do the right thing, but disagree on what exactly that is. What Santa Monica is facing now, is something arising in urban centers across the country. Neither a cry for justice, nor the promotion of a particular agenda, HOMELESS IN PARADISE spotlights a national problem by framing it within the dramatic struggles of real people.

Homeless in Paradise" should be applauded for taking the time to look at a subject and a part of the population that many people would probably rather not think about.
James Endrst
New York Times
full review

How did this happen? and, Why can't we fix it? and, Is it really our problem to fix? But these big questions, ironically, are the least of what is otherwise a very rare and interesting piece of work.
Clara Sturak, Mirror contributing writer.
Santa Monica Mirror
full review

Homeless in Paradise" achieves something by compelling us at least to take a look at the homeless, in much the way a non-mechanical type stares at a stalled car engine. Sure, we know it's broken; the mystery lies in how to fix it.
Brian Lowry
Variety
full review

Must viewing for city government and city planners. A moving and essential film. You have created an unbiased and fascinating look at how one compassionate municipality has dealt with the issue and the problems that result.
Justine Shaffner, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, CO.

Highly recommended. Editor's Choice.
P. Hall
Video Librarian
full review

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