“No Free Walls” is a short documentary directed by Rafael Moses for Complex. It highlights the accomplishments of Joe Ficalora, founder of The Bushwick Collective, and his ongoing struggle as both a Bushwick native and someone people see as a harbinger of gentrification.
In its 30 minutes, the doc deals with Ficalora’s personal history while also asking the question: Who owns Bushwick’s walls?
The documentary works hard to create an optimistic portrait of gentrification, meaning that most people (including Ficalora and other longtime residents of Bushwick) might be able to see how increased interest in this community has both made it pretty, and pretty safe. Furthermore, Councilmember Antonio Reynoso suggests an increased presence of residents with money might bring better services (like schools) to those who are able to stick around.




