Shot cinéma vérité, Squeegee follows four young Baltimore locals, Desmond, Leroy, "Peanut", and Ericka, as they navigate the social and financial stress of underprivileged youth. These four see themselves as entrepreneurs, running a business cleaning car windows. The reality of the situation is a bit more complex: There aren’t a lot of options for them, and most require things they simply do not have, such as a reliable ride to work. Many see these kids as nothing more than an annoyance, beggars who will blow a fuse at the slightest provocation. Using a fly-on-the-wall style, Squeegee tries to get at the truth hidden beneath the complicated mess of preconceptions and economic reality.
At its heart, Squeegee is an attempt to examine a part of Baltimore culture often viewed as nothing more than a nuisance: A bunch of kids who panhandle at the city’s crossroads. The documentarians take their attempt to understand the phenomenon to its source, the kids. One thing we see in common between them is a lack of opportunity, a lack of stability, and a desire for anything better. While it doesn’t offer any solutions or deeper analysis, Squeegee does give us the ability to hear about the issues “from the horse’s mouth.”
As is a constant struggle for those using the cinéma vérité style, Squeegee stumbles into a lack of direction, but in this case, it makes a bit of a point, as it is simply following its subjects. These kids are lost. They’ve been promised more than our society can deliver, and they’re trying to do something positive to get out of their repetitive, mundane, and frankly dead-end lives in the lower-class neighborhoods of Baltimore.
These are kids with adult worries, and it shows. It makes them fearful. It makes them angry. It makes them depressed. And for some, it makes them act out and take risks. Squeegee presents an honest case study of several kids who squeegee for a living. It delves into their lives and into their conceptions, granting a bit of clarity into an under-considered and often completely unexplored vector of the issue. It’s certainly not a documentary everyone will be interested in, but for those who enjoy documentaries about race or Baltimore, Squeegee will be informative. Recommended.
How can Squeegee be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Squeegee offers valuable insights into the intersection of youth entrepreneurship, systemic poverty, and urban culture, making it an essential addition to public libraries’ collections. It provides patrons with a unique perspective on Baltimore’s socio-economic dynamics and encourages discussions around underrepresented issues in urban communities. Libraries could use it to support programs on social justice, economic inequality, and local culture.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using Squeegee?
Squeegee would be a relevant resource for courses in Sociology, Urban Studies, African American Studies, Anthropology, and Documentary Filmmaking. It aligns with topics like systemic inequality, race and class in America, and the role of youth in shaping urban economies. Film students could also study its cinéma vérité style for insights into immersive storytelling.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use Squeegee in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation programs could use Squeegee to raise awareness about youth engagement and the challenges faced by underserved communities. It could serve as a conversation starter in workshops about community-building, youth entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for at-risk populations.
What are the Public Performance Rights (PPR) considerations for screening Squeegee?
Screening Squeegee would require obtaining Public Performance Rights to comply with copyright laws. Libraries, schools, and community organizations should confirm PPR availability when purchasing or licensing the film, ensuring legal usage in educational or public events.
How could Squeegee enhance special events on college campuses?
College campuses could screen Squeegee during events focused on urban development, racial justice, or entrepreneurship. Pairing the film with a panel discussion featuring urban studies scholars or local activists could foster meaningful dialogue among students about systemic barriers and potential solutions.
Why is Squeegee a strong candidate for movie licensing?
Squeegee is a compelling documentary that explores timely and important issues like race, class, and youth resilience. Its focus on a real-world case study in Baltimore makes it especially impactful for educational and community-based programming. Its cinéma vérité style offers a raw, unfiltered look at the lives of its subjects, appealing to educators, students, and advocates for social change, thereby increasing its licensing value.