Documentary backdrop image for Razing Liberty Square (2023)

202386 minGdocumentary

Razing Liberty Square

202386 minGdocumentary

Liberty City residents confront displacement and climate gentrification as the Liberty Square public housing complex is demolished in Miami.

Genres

Environment

Director

Katja Esson

Watch later

Synopsis

Liberty City residents confront displacement and climate gentrification as the Liberty Square public housing complex is demolished in Miami.

People

Katja Essondirector

Synopsis

Liberty City, a neighborhood in Miami, faces significant changes as the Liberty Square public housing complex is demolished. Director Katja Esson documents the fight of residents against climate gentrification in 2023. As new developments rise, longtime community members grapple with displacement and the loss of their homes. This film captures their stories and the impacts of environmental change on their lives.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

See the effects of climate gentrification in Liberty City.
Meet residents facing displacement in Miami.
Find out about the struggles of communities of color.

Did You Know

Razing Liberty Square premiered at the Human Rights Watch Film Festival in June 2023.
The film was named 'Best Miami Documentary' by MIAMI NEW TIMES on June 27, 2024.
The documentary has a runtime of 86 minutes.
Cineaste noted that the film covers a wide range of topics related to gentrification.

Perfect For

Gentrification studiesClimate change impactsMiami history

Read full Deep Dive →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the documentary Razing Liberty Square?

Razing Liberty Square was directed by Katja Esson.

What neighborhood is the focus of Razing Liberty Square?

The documentary focuses on Liberty City, a neighborhood in Miami, Florida.

What award did Razing Liberty Square receive from MIAMI NEW TIMES?

MIAMI NEW TIMES named Razing Liberty Square the 'Best Miami Documentary' on June 27, 2024.

Awards & Festivals

Human Rights Watch Film Festival

2023 • Official selection

Awards & Festivals

Comments

What are people saying?

Play More Like This

25m

America's First Climate Change Refugees

2018•25m

Rising sea levels and melting ice are forcing communities in Miami and Alaska to confront the harsh realities of climate change amid political inaction.

America's First Climate Change Refugees

2018

21m

America Is Sinking: Can These Cities Survive?

2026•21m

Rising sea levels and stronger storms are prompting cities like New York and Louisiana to adopt innovative infrastructure strategies for climate resilience.

America Is Sinking: Can These Cities Survive?

2026

1h14m

This Is Why People Are Leaving New York

2026•1h14m

Gentrification in New York City has escalated into a crisis of hyper-gentrification, prompting communities and activists to fight for cultural preservation.

This Is Why People Are Leaving New York

2026

1h8m

Jaffa

2025•1h8m

Property prices in Jaffa have increased nearly tenfold, displacing long-time residents as the city transforms into a sought-after real estate market.

Jaffa

2025

52m

Climate Chaos in the Global South (Environmental Documentary)

2019•52m

Climate change is transforming the lives of millions in the Global South, turning fertile land into desert and displacing communities through rising sea levels and natural disasters.

Climate Chaos in the Global South (Environmental Documentary)

2019

1h23m

Cities of the Future: Inside the World's Slums

2026•1h23m

In cities worldwide, including Mumbai, Rabat, and Marseille, residents of slums create innovative housing solutions that reflect their cultural heritage and resilience.

Cities of the Future: Inside the World's Slums

2026

22m

Gentrification

2025•22m

In Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, luxury condos contribute to urban displacement while the Beat Enforcement Team tackles a significant criminal network.

Gentrification

2025

39m

1987: East Side Story - Contrasting Views of London Docklands

2026•39m

Tensions in the London Docklands arise as affluent newcomers clash with traditional residents, highlighting the stark divide between wealth and community.

1987: East Side Story - Contrasting Views of London Docklands

2026

1h28m

Why Chinatowns Are Being Erased From Cities

2026•1h28m

Chinatown communities across North America, from New York to Vancouver, confront gentrification and anti-Asian racism while striving to preserve their cultural heritage.

Why Chinatowns Are Being Erased From Cities

2026

Explore Razing Liberty Square

Awards Deep Dive FAQ

Browse more like this

1h28m

Why Chinatowns Are Being Erased From Cities

2026•1h28m

Chinatown communities across North America, from New York to Vancouver, confront gentrification and anti-Asian racism while striving to preserve their cultural heritage.

Why Chinatowns Are Being Erased From Cities

2026

No digital watch option in your country

1h23m

Rabble Rousers: Frances Goldin and the Fight for Cooper Square

2022•1h23m•★10.0TMDB

2,400 working-class and immigrant families faced displacement in 1959 due to a New York City slum clearance plan, prompting community resistance led by Frances Goldin.

Rabble Rousers: Frances Goldin and the Fight for Cooper Square

2022

1h19m

The Pruitt-Igoe Myth

2012•1h19m•★6.7TMDB

Thirty-three 11-floor buildings made up the Pruitt-Igoe public housing complex, which was demolished between 1972 and 1976 amid declining economic conditions.

The Pruitt-Igoe Myth

2012

1h32m

Citizen Jane: Battle for the City

2017•1h32m•★6.8TMDB

Over 1,000 residents joined Jane Jacobs in opposing Robert Moses' plans to demolish historic neighborhoods in 1960s New York City.

Citizen Jane: Battle for the City

2017

1h24m

Charlotte's Castle

2023•1h24m•★10.0TMDB

A group of tenants in Toronto's Spadina Gardens fights against renovictions as Dutch developers target their upscale rental building.

Charlotte's Castle

2023

1h7m

74 Square Meters

2012•1h7m•★5.5TMDB

Over seven years, Iselsa and Cathy face construction setbacks and community resistance while trying to secure a home in a middle-class neighborhood in São Paulo.

74 Square Meters

2012