THE OTHER BARRIO

Film Info
Director:Dante Betteo
Running Time:91
Country:USA
Year of Release:2015
Premiere:World Premiere

Description

Centerpiece Screening!

This San Francisco noir follows Roberto “Bob” Morales, a San Francisco housing inspector, as he investigates a fatal fire at a residential hotel in the Mission District. Raised in the Mission, Morales resents the urban development eating away at the old flavor and character of The City, where evictions drive out many longtime residents of the barrio and expensive condos are being erected to house the tech industry workers inundating the neighborhood. Morales suspects arson in the hotel fire but is under pressure from his boss to report fire hazards as the cause. As he investigates further, he is drawn into a web of bribery, murder, and corruption that points to powerful real estate interests and City Hall. Along the way, he encounters the mysterious and beautiful Sofia Nido, a long lost love from his past who is also the lawyer for her aunt, a powerful figure with ties to developers and politicians. Morales suspects Sofia and her aunt may be involved with the fire, but as he pursues his investigation, his attraction for Sofia grows at the same time a key witness turns up dead. Can he trust Sofia? Who is really behind this fire and others? Will he be silenced by the forces behind the fires before he can discover the truth?

With the dramatic cityscape as a backdrop and a nod to San Francisco film noirs of the past, The Other Barrio takes viewers deep into neighborhoods seldom seen on film while addressing timely issues of gentrification and the displacement of low-income communities. Adapted from a story by San Francisco Poet Laureate Alejandro Murguia, this is SF Noir at its best: a tale of greed, murder, corruption, and justice. - Jeff Ross

Stick around after the film for drinks and a live set by Dr. Loco and the Other Barrio Band!