Documentary Push Directed by Fredrik Gertten Opens

PUSH is my journey to understand why life in our cities is getting so unaffordable. For two years I filmed with Leilani Farha, we had daily Whatsapp chats discussing the issue. Early on it was clear that we were lacking a language to describe the ongoing development. Words like gentrification are not sharp enough at describing the issue. It’s a global disease when homes are turned into assets in a financial game. The gentrification talk creates a divide. Blaming a hip coffee shop or an art gallery for pushing out the poor is just silly. There are other – much stronger forces in action. If citizens and politicians want to push back the invasion of speculative money from hedge funds and criminals. we need a deeper understanding.

My hope is that PUSH will form a platform for better conversation. That people in countries around the world realize that the development in their town is not unique. There’s a global pattern, a business model repeated over and over again. A new kind of landlord, a hedge fund whose customers are not the tenants but the investors. PUSH is now out on a global journey, at cinemas and festivals. Everywhere, I meet people who through the film now feel less lonely. Just more angry. 

– FREDRIK GERTTEN

PUSH also includes interviews and participation of thought leaders:
LEILANI FARHA, SASKIA SASSEN, JOSEPH STIGLITZ and ROBERT SAVIAN

THEATER LIST NOW: