Film Lens
Class Divide is a documentary by Marc Levin that examines the effects of gentrification in Chelsea, particularly after the creation of the High Line park. The film focuses on the stark contrasts between the lives of families from the Avenues private school and those living in the Chelsea-Elliott housing project. It shows the impact of rising real estate prices on low-income residents and the establishment of a for-profit school directly across from their homes.
The documentary follows children and young adults from both sides of 10th Avenue, showcasing their differing living situations, expectations, and opportunities. It provides insight into how these young people perceive their circumstances and each other, emphasizing the social divide created by economic disparities in the neighborhood.
Why Watch
- •Meet families from Avenues school and Chelsea-Elliott Houses.
- •Find out how gentrification affects local residents.
- •See the impact of the High Line park on Chelsea's real estate.
Did You Know
•Tuition at Avenues school ranges from $40,000 to $50,000 per year.
•The average income in the Chelsea-Elliott housing project is $21,000 per year.
•The unemployment rate in the Chelsea-Elliott housing project is about 58%.
•The documentary premiered at DOC NYC in 2015.
Perfect For
Urban developmentSocial inequalityGentrification studies