Dogtown Redemption Screening

CIIS's Anthropology and Social Change Department and Incite/Insight Film present a one-night only screening event of the documentary film Dogtown Redemption. The film is directed by Amir Soltani and Chihiro Wimbush, and follows three east bay recyclers: Jason Witt, the titan of recycling; Landon Goodwin, a former minister, and addict who struggles with his own fall from grace; and Miss Hayok Kay, the ultimate outsider, formerly a Polkacide drummer from a prominent Korean-American Family, now at the mercy of the elements and predators. Through them, we are introduced to the art, science, economics and politics of recycling: what it offers, how it touches the poor and why it matters to us.

Shot over eight years, DOGTOWN REDEMPTION is not only the intimate story of recyclers in West Oakland but a journey through a landscape of love and loss, devotion and addiction, prejudice and poverty.A surprising number of Americans make their living off a vast river of trash. DOGTOWN REDEMPTION follows this river, and its inhabitants in a lively, bustling yet invisible corner of California. Every year, Californians buy about 22 billion carbonated and non-carbonated drinks in aluminum, glass, and plastic containers-a river of trash. Under California law beverage containers can be redeemed for a few cents per container. As a result of this legal innovation, trash can be turned into cash-a lifeline for a subculture of marginalized recyclers: the unemployed and underemployed, the elderly, the mentally and physically disabled, former criminals, drug addicts and prostitutes can reclaim the pride and joy that comes with having a job. 

Producer Biographies:

Amir Soltani is the Producer and Co-­‐Director of DOGTOWN REDEMPTION. Amir is an Iranian-­‐American human rights activist.  He has worked in journalism, philanthropy and business. He is the author of Zahra's Paradise, a New York Times Bestselling graphic novel on Iran's 2009 protests. Amir studied history at Tufts and Harvard. DOGTOWN REDEMPTION is his first documentary film. 

Chihiro Wimbush is a Hapa Oakland-­‐based filmmaker.  Most recently he served as Editor of the award-­‐winning Changing Season: on the Masumoto Family Farm. With his wife Meena Srinivasan, he creates mindful media and education content via their nonprofit organization, A Lens Inside. Between chasing shopping carts and other stories, Chihiro writes and tries to lure his musical muse out of hiding.

Please join us for an evening of film and discussion, and bring beverages to share if you can. FREE ADMISSION!

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