DOWN FOR LIFE (USA)

                Coachella Valley Premiere – One Time Screening

Watts, Los Angeles.  One day in the life of a 15-year-old Latina gang leader. She discovers that leaving the gang is more difficult than joining it.  Made in cinéma vérité style, the film stars many local teens, with veteran actors such as Danny Glover & Kate del Castillo in supporting roles.

DOWN FOR LIFE focuses on the gritty reality of gang life and the racial tension surrounding it.

Writers:  Alan Jacobs, Trina Calderón
Director:  Alan Jacobs
Genre:  Documentary/Drama
Runtime:  92 min.
Country:  USA
Language:  English
Rated R for violence, pervasive language, some sexual content and drug use

FESTIVALS:  Toronto Film Festival, Canada; Los Angeles Latina International Film Festival, CA; USA Film Festival, Dallas, TX, Boston Film Festival, MA; Museum of Tolerance Int’l Film Festival, Los Angeles, CA. 

“Down for Life” has good bona fides where authenticity is concerned: It’s based on a New York Times magazine piece, much of the cast was plucked from the South Central Los Angeles streets where it is set, and during the festival Q&A its star confirmed that it was true to her experiences. That’s better than many films that flash a “based on a true” story credit …” Boston Film Festival