Red Deer Justice Film Festival - 'The Avenue'

More information on location and details related to the Justice Film Festival can be found at

http://www.justicefilmfestival.ca/films.php/loc%7Creddeer

Director: Jaimie Clements
As cities across Canada are faced with the growing epidemic of urban flight, city cores are becoming a place somewhat of a wasteland. Neglected buildings, decreased populations, and increased crime, lay in the wake of urban sprawl and the lure of the suburbs. For years 118th Avenue in Edmonton has been synonymous with drugs, crime and prostitution. But now, that image is changing. The Avenue exposes the heart of the people residing around 118th Avenue as they take back their neighbourhood through grassroots initiatives, leaving their community stronger in their wake. This timely documentary highlights the Community’s struggle to have the infamous Cromdale Hotel demolished, a longstanding magnet for crime, and follows the growing arts emergence that has brought festivals like the increasingly popular Kaleido Family Arts Festival to 118th Avenue, making the area an arts destination. But can they overcome the negative reputation their community is plagued with and revitalize their neighbourhood without falling into the pitfalls of gentrification?

93 minutes

This film viewing qualifies for 1.5 structured learning units.

There are also several other films being shown at the festival relating to social, environmental, and community justice both within a Canadian and international context that may also be of interest.