From director Shawn Batey comes the upcoming feature-length documentary, Changing Face of Harlem, which examines the revitalization of Harlem, told from the POV of the people who have lived there prior to when the area started to really become gentrified, and who continue to live there, witnessing all the changes, first-hand.

Here’s a longer description:

Since the late 1980’s, the image of the Harlem neighborhood has evolved drastically from a crime-ridden ghetto abundant with abandoned buildings to an appealing economic investment with a rising draw of tourism and interest among large commercial business. As a result, the neighborhood has attracted new residents and new commercial corporate entities. Harlem residents have a mixed range of opinions about the future of their community. Some are fearful of what lies ahead and look towards the past for the best of its years. Others foresee a brighter future, happier days for a better Harlem. The main consensus that is prevalent among the community is a concern and necessity for cultural preservation.

So a conflict in ideas and opinions that should make for good drama on screen. Of course this is an issue that we continue to see play out all over the country – whether the rapidly changing face of a once economically-deprived homogenous community is good for that community. Those married to old/traditional ideas, versus those who embrace the change, and want to blend into the larger society, and participate in what it has to offer.

Director Batey has launched an IndieGogo campaign to raise $30,000 in order to cover post-production costs for the film. He states:

These post-production costs cover final sound mix and edit/color correction/costs of archival footage/graphics/music.

To contribute to his campaign, click HERE to head over to the project’s IndieGogo page.

The long-in-production film (Batey says he’s been working on it for 13 years), will debut later this year, likely at a film festival.

  A few clips for you to watch embedded below: