Flag Wars

Providing a firsthand look at some of the issues surrounding the gentrification of America's older low-income neighborhoods, Linda Goode Bryant and Laura Poitras' PBS P.O.V.-aired Flag Wars explores one conflict taking place in Olde Towne, a section of Columbus, Ohio. On one side, residents of a long-established black neighborhood see changes happening virtually overnight that threaten the character and culture of their community; on the other, gay white professionals are moving in and buying up the old rundown homes and restoring them, creating a beautifully historic but pricey neighborhood. Made over a four-year period, this outstanding documentary does an exemplary, compelling job of presenting the arguments and concerns of both groups, clearly illustrating that the problems produced by urban change invite no easy solutions. A thought-provoking film--touching on a wide range of social, cultural, economic, and political issues--Flag Wars is an outstanding documentary that will also prove to be a bona fide discussion starter. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (L. Stevens)