The critically acclaimed documentary Razing Liberty Square, directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Katja Esson, has been honored with a nomination for the 2025 Emmy Awards. This powerful film delves into the pressing issues of climate gentrification, housing inequality, and systemic racism by chronicling the transformation of Miami’s historically Black Liberty City neighborhood. As rising sea levels make inland, higher-elevation areas more desirable, long-standing residents face displacement under the guise of revitalization. Through intimate storytelling and compelling visuals, Razing Liberty Square sheds light on the human impact of environmental and social injustices, making it a standout contender in this year’s Emmy race.Letterboxd • Your life in film+8Home | Women Make Movies+8Home | Women Make Movies+8hiff.org+11Home | Women Make Movies+11razinglibertysquare.org+11Home | Women Make Movies+2PBS: Public Broadcasting Service+2PBS: Public Broadcasting Service+2

Razing Liberty Square has garnered significant acclaim on the film festival circuit, earning several prestigious awards that underscore its powerful storytelling and timely subject matter. Notably, the documentary received the World of HA Change Maker Award at the 2023 Woodstock Film Festival, recognizing its impactful exploration of climate gentrification and housing inequality. Additionally, the film was honored at the Jackson Wild Media Awards, further cementing its status as a compelling and socially relevant work.

A few of the Reviews:

• Ms. Magazine: “Esson’s film offers an incisive reflection on the price of gentrification and the impacts of climate change on communities of color.” razinglibertysquare.org+1Wikipedia+1

• Chicago Tribune: “The film does such a good job connecting viewers to its central characters that the ending feels like saying goodbye to friends — a rare achievement in documentaries about climate change and housing policy.”razinglibertysquare.org+2Home | Women Make Movies+2Home | Women Make Movies+2

• Rotten Tomatoes: Holds a 100% rating based on critic reviews, with praise for its heartfelt and illuminating portrayal of a community’s struggle against climate-induced displacement. PBS: Public Broadcasting Service+9Rotten Tomatoes+9Letterboxd • Your life in film+9

For more information and to watch the documentary, visit the official PBS page.