Class Divide

Director Marc Levin (SCHMATTA: RAGS TO RICHES TO RAGS, HIFF '09 and HARD TIMES: LOST ON LONG ISLAND, Audience Award HIFF '11) presents CLASS DIVIDE, a look into the modern effects of gentrification in West Chelsea, New York, seen through the eyes of students from both sides of the street—one avenue and worlds apart. On one side of the intersection of 10th Avenue and 26th Street sits Avenues, a world-class private school with a $50,000 per year price tag; on the other side sits the Elliott-Chelsea public housing projects, home to thousands of low-income and underemployed residents. In the face of rising inequality, stagnant class mobility, gentrification and much more, the kids from both sides of the street grapple with their relationship to each other amid the stark transformation. (Hamptons International Film Festival)