Films

Films offer an engaging way to broaden your understanding of homelessness and can be a great tool for advocacy. The films below reveal the vast and varied complexities of homelessness by giving stage to the people who experience it and those whose lives have been impacted by it. Watch them and learn yourself, or host a viewing party to help raise awareness. For information about how to host a screening, contact Catherine Hinrichsen.

American Refugees In four short, visually-stunning animated films, American Refugees offers a glimpse into the lesser-known experience of families who are homeless by telling the stories of four unique families. Find them here.

Inocente This Academy-Award winning documentary peers into the life of the vibrant 15-year-old artist Inocente, who, with her mother and younger brother are undocumented immigrants and have been homeless for 9 years. Inocente’s journey to overcoming poverty is told entirely in her own words, making for an intensely personal and inspiring story. Available on iTunes.

Kicking It It’s soccer for social change. Kicking It takes a look at global homelessness as it follows seven athletes from around the globe as they prepare to compete in the Homeless World Cup.  Watch it on SnagFilms.

 Streetwise Filmed in 1984 by famed photographer, Mary Ellen Mark, Streetwise takes a look at the lives of the homeless teenage population in Seattle. The film focuses on 14-year-old Erin Blackwell, nicknamed “Tiny”, as she navigates life on the streets. Buy the movie here.

Homeless: The Motel Kids of Orange County The film explores the lives of children and their families living in discount motels, just minutes from Disneyland in one of the wealthiest areas in America. Their parents struggle to make enough money to live in more permanent housing, living week-to-week in motels – an experience that takes a toll on their children. Available on HBO.