Watch Made in Venice

Made in Venice is a documentary about the skateboarding scene in Venice Beach, California. Directed by Jonathan Penson, the film captures the history, culture, and challenges faced by the skaters who have called the iconic Venice Skatepark their home. The movie features interviews with some of the most influential figures in Venice Beach skateboarding, including legendary skateboarder Jay Adams, who sadly passed away soon after the movie premiered. Adams was one of the original Z-Boys, a group of skateboarders who helped revolutionize the sport in the 1970s.

Adams is a central figure in Made in Venice, as he helps to guide the viewer through the changes that have taken place in the skateboarding scene over the past few decades. He reminisces about the early days of Venice Beach skateboarding, when skaters would sneak into empty swimming pools to ride the curves and ramps. The film footage from the time shows the raw, unrefined style of skateboarding that originated in Venice Beach and has since spread around the world.

The movie also focuses on the construction of the current Venice Skatepark, which was built in 2009 after years of struggle and negotiation with the city. As the film makes clear, the skatepark was both a cause for celebration and a source of controversy within the skateboarding community.

On one hand, the skatepark represented a new era of recognition and acceptance for skateboarding as a legitimate sport and art form. On the other hand, the skatepark's design and location led to conflicts between different groups of skaters, who would clash over who had the right to ride particular sections of the park.

Through interviews with skaters, city officials, and other stakeholders, Made in Venice explores the complex issues surrounding the skatepark. The film shows how the skateboarding community came together to build this new space, but also exposes the tensions and rivalries that continue to exist within it.

In addition to exploring the history and culture of Venice Beach skateboarding, the movie also touches on more personal issues. Several of the skaters featured in the film discuss the role that skateboarding played in helping them to overcome addiction or other struggles in their lives. Others speak about the sense of community and belonging that they find in the skatepark, which serves as a kind of refuge from the pressures and difficulties of the outside world.

Overall, Made in Venice is a loving and insightful tribute to the Venice Beach skateboarding scene. It captures the spirit of a subculture that has always been about pushing the boundaries and exploring new possibilities. Whether you're a lifelong skateboarder or just a casual observer, this movie offers a fascinating glimpse into a world of passion, creativity, and perseverance.

Made in Venice is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.