Film Details

For 20 years, the African-American Sanford family of Washington, DC filmed their daily lives in a dangerous neighborhood located only 17 blocks from the U.S. Capitol. The result is this remarkable document made in conjunction with filmmaker/journalist Davy Rothbart. In it, we meet and follow Emmanuel, a student; his brother Smurf, a drug dealer; his sister Denice, an aspiring cop; and his mother Cheryl, who battles her own demons while her family fights poverty, addiction, and gun violence. Has a 100% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 96 min.

17 Blocks, a Cinematheque streaming exclusive, can be viewed online from 2/19 thru at least 3/11 via the link below. Doing so supports the Cinematheque. Screening fee is $12, and you have 72 hours to watch it.