A More Civil War

In the midst of the economic meltdown, 'Gaining Ground' explores the innovative, grassroots organizing efforts of the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI) in Boston. Over the course of two years, we watch a new generation of leaders working to prevent foreclosures and bring jobs and opportunities for young people to one of the city's most diverse and economically challenged neighborhoods. DSNI was created 25 years ago when the community had been devastated by bank redlining, arson-for-profit, and illegal dumping, and has become one of the preeminent models for community-based change.

In 1989 the skateboarders of Charleston, SC began talking with city officials about building a skateboard park. Though the city seemed cooperative, the process is taking VERY long. This is the beginning of the next DIY spot in Charleston, which will have to suffice while local skaters continue to talk with city and county officials.

The events taking place on Yemen's soil resembles a war, but in reality it is a long continuous battle being carried on for three years. It is as though the battlefield of this bloody encounter has not experienced dusk or a dawn as of late.

The Lurker tells the story of Mohannad, who decided to lurk inside the thugs and pro-Mubarak groups to know their plans to attack the revolutionary demonstrations against the military regime using hidden cameras.

Hometown Glory is the true story of a small town Fire Department in the 70's. The town was expanding and the need for increased fire service led to a revolutionary idea - have teenage boys as young as 14 become the protectors of the city. With training from the slightly older firefighters after-school, weekend training sessions at a Fire Academy as well as Memphis Fire Department's training center, the high schoolers were trained as professional firefighters putting their lives on the line in service to the community. It is the story about the Fire Chief who was a mentor and a father figure to these boys, the horrific things they saw and the maturing of not only a city, but the young men that protected it. Before they were men, they were already heroes.