Boyle Heights is in the spotlight in a new web series which takes on gentrification. The audience will recognize Boyle Avenue and other neighborhood spots in Boyle Heights as “Gente-Fied” explores how change affects Latinos living on the Eastside.
“Gente-Fied,” is a play on the Spanish word ‘gente’ meaning ‘people’ and the English word “gentrification.” The bilingual web series, executive produced by America Ferrera, is a comedic take on the neighborhood’s resistance to outside influence as well as its empowerment of local residents.
The web series features an all Latino cast, and follows seven characters as they celebrate Chicano identity and deal with an influx of outsiders in the community.
Development in Boyle Heights has been the center of attention recently as residents claim rising rent prices and Los Angeles’ housing crisis is driving out long term residents. Some also blame a booming art gallery scene for changing the character of the neighborhood.
Gente-Fied is directed by Marvin Lemus and produced by Macro Ventures. So far no release date has been set.
