Watch San Francisco 2.0

San Francisco 2.0 is a 2015 documentary directed and narrated by Alexandra Pelosi that explores the urban transformation of San Francisco during the tech boom. The film depicts the impact of the thriving tech industry on the cultural and social landscape of the city, including the displacement of long-time residents and changes to the city's economic and political dynamics. The film also features interviews with tech industry insiders and activists, as well as with regular San Franciscans who have been affected by the tech boom.

San Francisco 2.0 begins with an overview of San Francisco's history and identity as a liberal and countercultural city. Pelosi highlights the importance of the city's unique cultural and artistic heritage, including its famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. However, Pelosi emphasizes that the city is undergoing a rapid transformation due to the influx of tech companies and their highly paid employees.

The film explores the ways in which the tech industry has contributed to the city's economic growth and innovation. Pelosi interviews several entrepreneurs and venture capitalists who explain their motivations for moving to San Francisco and the opportunities they see in the city's tech scene. However, the film also reveals the negative side effects of the rapid economic growth, including skyrocketing housing costs and gentrification.

Pelosi speaks with members of the city's working class and shrinking middle class, and they point out that the tech industry has had a negative impact on housing affordability, leading to evictions and displacement of community members. In addition, the film explores the divisions that have arisen between tech workers and the less fortunate, including the homeless population. The documentary shows the skyrocketing rent and series of evictions taking place in the city, which has forced long-term residents to leave the Bay Area.

San Francisco 2.0 also highlights the impact of the tech industry on city politics. Pelosi interviews local politicians and activists who express concerns about the close ties between tech companies and city government. Some politicians argue that the tech industry's donations to political campaigns and lobbying has resulted in preferential treatment towards these companies, leading to unequal treatment of different areas in the city.

The film also features interviews with activists who have been fighting to preserve San Francisco's cultural heritage and promote affordability and inclusion in the city. These activists are working to ensure that the rapid economic growth brought about by the tech industry also includes the city's longtime residents and not just the new tech workers.

Overall, San Francisco 2.0 is an insightful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the complex impact of the tech industry on San Francisco's cultural, economic, and political landscape. The film provides a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by the tech boom and raises important questions about what kind of city we want to live in. It is a must-see for anyone interested in urban development, tech industry, inequality and the future of work.

San Francisco 2.0 is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.