Watch A Week in Watts

A Week in Watts is a 2018 documentary directed by Gregory Caruso. The film follows the lives of a few people living in Watts, a neighborhood in South Los Angeles, California, known for being one of the most dangerous and impoverished areas in the city. The movie starts by introducing us to the main characters, including Emada Tingirides, a police officer who grew up in Watts and is now trying to make a change from within the system; John Coughlin, a white police officer who is passionate about serving his community and bridging the gap between police and citizens; and Erik Shear, a former gang member who now works as a reformed gang interventionist.

Throughout the movie, we witness the struggles and triumphs of these individuals as they try to bring hope and progress to their community. Emada Tingirides, for instance, is a member of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP), a program created by the LAPD to build trust between police and citizens in high-crime areas. The program focuses on recruiting officers who reside in these areas, like Emada, who understand and care about the community's needs.

John Coughlin, on the other hand, runs a youth program that brings together teenagers from different backgrounds to promote understanding and diversity. He believes that it's essential to instill positive values in young people and offer them constructive outlets, such as sports and education, to keep them off the streets and away from gangs.

Erik Shear, as a former gang member, enables the audience to understand the realities of gang culture in Watts. He talks about his life as a gangbanger and how he became disillusioned with that lifestyle. He now works with other gang members to steer them away from violence by providing them with education, job training, and emotional support.

The movie also shows us the everyday struggles of people living in Watts, such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and widespread violence. We meet a few residents who have lost their loved ones to gang violence, and we hear their stories of how they are trying to cope with the trauma.

However, the movie is not all about the challenges; it is also about the resilience of the people of Watts. We see how community members come together to support each other during times of crisis, and we witness their determination to make a better future for themselves and their children.

The film's cinematography is raw and intimate, with close-ups of the main characters as they speak candidly about their lives and struggles. The score, composed by John Swihart, is emotional and reflective, adding to the movie's overall tone of hopefulness.

In conclusion, A Week in Watts offers a compelling and compassionate look at a community often overlooked and stereotyped by society. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complex issues of poverty, crime, and police-community relations in urban areas.