User Reviews

As a native San Diegan now living in Denver, I've been able to see firsthand how the physical and economic expansion of cities can change their dynamics - inclusive of their ethnic populations - but often at the expense of culture: I love where I'm from, and I'm informed by it every day I'm alive...but did the community that shaped me then get better over time simply because "growth" happened to it? If not, do I love it any less now?

These nuanced themes are at the heart of the wonderful documentary East LA Interchange. The film's specific focus is the Boyle Heights community in Los Angeles. You likely don't know it by name, but don't need to: The abiding love and the keen observations of those still living in the community or are still tied to it will resonate with you in their application to your own experiences. Boyle Heights is in their DNA to stay, just as where you're from is in yours.

The truths shared here by director Betsy Kalin are universal, and the filmmaking itself is as technically excellent as it is emotionally truthful. There are abundant takeaways for the viewer after consuming this one, but like any great film, they're crafted so that they seep into the bloodstream in thoughtful and seamless ways. Educational and informative, yes, but artfully and gracefully so. An understated triumph.

As an LA transplant, this film really opened my eyes. Focusing on Boyle Heights, the film provides an enlightening history of this iconic neighbourhood, and tackles subjects of oppression, gentrification, community activism, and struggle. Boyle Heights seems to have experienced it all.

The film is well directed and paced, and is given some shine from a few local celebrities. Most importantly, I think the film hits the mark. It makes me want to spend some time in Boyle Heights and learn a bit more about the community. Really well done. Check out the film, and then if in LA, check out Boyle Heights.

East LA Interchange is a brilliant documentary shedding light on, how it felt to me, almost every aspect of living in Boyle Heights. We follow the area through the 20th century, taking part in its developments. For me as non-American it really gave a fantastic insight on how the 20 century world wars affected certain communities, and how a multi-racial life made a neighbourhood richer in various aspects, how the American dream and the mobility also created problems (highways etc.) and how the people itself dealt with it.

The various interviewees were very well chosen, and the pacing and direction of the doc made it enjoyable. I recommend watching this film!

I saw "East LA Interchange" at the New Urbanism Film Festival where it won the Best Feature Film Award. "East LA Interchange" explores how the freeways - a symbol of Los Angeles ingrained in America's consciousness - impacted the melding of Boyle Heights' distinct tribes. The freeway systems changed the face of the U.S. and no community was impacted more than Boyle Heights with five major freeways dissecting the neighborhood, including the behemoth "East L.A. Interchange." Filmmaker Betsy Kalin interviews current and former Boyle Heights residents including,will.i.am, Father Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries, and Josefina López of Casa 0101 while actor Danny Trejo narrates.

"East LA Interchange" tells the story of how this one neighborhood found its political voice in its fight against the freeways. It documents the evolution of Boyle Heights as city planners and highway officials made unilateral decisions - that affected the city greatly - with no input from its residents. Over time, this created an atmosphere of political activism where the residents came together to have a say in what was being done to their city in the name of "progress." The film provides a compelling look at what the future of America can be if the people in communities such as Boyle Heights can learn how to work together to secure our nation's pledge of providing justice for all.

So great to see a documentary show us a real community as opposed to the mainstream media's version of it. The emotion in this film is palpable as we see the people of Boyle Heights talk about their love for their community and their fear of gentrification. Highly recommend!

This is a fascinating film that dives deep into many questions regarding inequality, assimilation, and prejudice. Very entertaining as well as educational. It leaves me wanting to visit Boyle Heights and talk with these amazing people living in this ever changing community. This is a must watch for anyone wanting to learn more about the country they live in.

Welcome to LA! This is such a good film. What an eye opener. I can't say enough good things about this film other than go watch it. The story can hit home for cities all across this country as to what challenges they face. It will change your perspective as to how you'll look at things going forward, that's for sure. A definite thumbs up from me.

This doc has a lot of heart. Not only is it full of great historical facts, it also has lots of real individuals that describe the origins of this big city. I highly recommend it. It will make you fall in love with Los Angeles.

I've lived in Los Angeles for 30 years and never realized what a rich history East LA had. This film is beautifully shot, directed, and edited and a must-see for anyone living in Los Angeles. Betsy Kalin has done a beautiful job of bringing out the best in her interviewees, with such depth and clarity. there is so much detail, beautiful graphics and insight and the systemic racism that still runs deep. We need more films like these that show communities trying to come together and the forces, politics, and corruption that tries to pull them apart. A really wonderful watch worth your time.

East LA Interchange is an important documentary about the history and evolution of the Boyle Heights community in Los Angeles. The film sheds light on a lot of history of the area that I was not aware of and I found to be particularly enlightening. This community has dealt with various challenges dating back to many decades ago, with various ethnic groups suffering the brunt of different episodes in its history, and many are dealing with new challenges today. I think this film is valuable for any Los Angelino to watch, but I think the documentary also contains many universal truths that apply to other areas and people as well. I'd highly recommend this doc both for educational and entertainment purposes.

East L.A. Interchange is a very much needed documentary that really shows the real heart of the Boyle Heights neighborhood. It is sad that it has a bad reputation from years ago and has been neglected and this is still a big problem today. This documentary was well made and covers important factors in East Los Angeles. For Boyle Heights this is totally unfair and too much pollution!