How to Squash a Squat 1989
"Squat Or Rot"
Dive into the raw, unfiltered pulse of late-'80s New York City with *How to Squash a Squat* (1989), Franck Goldberg's gritty documentary that captures a fleeting moment in time.
Director: Franck Goldberg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *How to Squash a Squat* (1989) about?
This documentary follows New York City's Alphabet City and East Village in 1989, where squatters and activists fight to save their homes from demolition after arson strikes. As police tighten their grip and developers press forward, the film becomes a raw portrait of a community clinging to its identity before gentrification erases their world forever.
Who directed *How to Squash a Squat*?
The film was directed by Franck Goldberg, whose work here focuses on capturing the urgent social and political climate of late-1980s New York.
Who stars in *How to Squash a Squat*?
Director information is not available.
Is *How to Squash a Squat* (1989) worth watching?
While it's an unrated documentary, the film's intense historical context and Goldberg's unflinching portrayal of community resistance make it compelling for fans of urban history and social documentaries. Its brevity doesn't diminish its impact, offering a vivid snapshot of a vanished era.
How long is *How to Squash a Squat*?
The film has a runtime of 45 minutes, delivering a concise yet powerful exploration of its themes.
How to Squash a Squat (1989): The East Village Before the Bulldozers — Full Movie Info
Dive into the raw, unfiltered pulse of late-'80s New York City with *How to Squash a Squat* (1989), Franck Goldberg's gritty documentary that captures a fleeting moment in time. Set against the backdrop of Alphabet City and the East Village, the film plunges viewers into the heart of a community fighting to preserve its identity. A year after the explosive Tompkins Square Park Riot, the documentary follows squatters and their allies as they clash with police and developers over the demolition of their buildings, some ravaged by arson. Goldberg's lens not only documents the struggle but immortalizes the voices, sounds, and spirit of a neighborhood on the brink of irreversible change—a poignant farewell to a East Village that would soon vanish under the weight of gentrification.
As tensions rise and the demolition crews advance, the film becomes a visceral snapshot of resistance, resilience, and cultural loss. Through stark imagery and unfiltered storytelling, *How to Squash a Squat* (1989) transforms historical events into a timeless reflection on the cost of progress. Its 45-minute runtime belies its emotional depth, making it a must-watch for anyone intrigued by urban history, social justice, or the musical and artistic heartbeat of a city that once thrived on the fringes.