The Area

America ReFramed
  • Feature Film
  • 2021

The Area is the odyssey of a South Side Chicago neighborhood, where hundreds of Black American families are being expelled from their homes by a multi-billion-dollar freight company. The documentary film follows homeowner-turned-activist Deborah Payne, who vows to be "the last house standing," as she and her neighbors fight the displacement that looms ahead.

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Film Credits

  • David Schalliol Director, Co-Producer
  • Deborah Payne Co-Producer
  • Brian Ashby Co-Producer

Critical Acclaim

It's a stunning film, capturing the atmosphere that keeps remaining residents in the neighborhood despite the population decline around them.

Whet Moser, Chicago Magazine