How to Squash a Squat

About This Movie

How to Squash a Squat is this raw look at late '80s New York, where the tension between community and authority plays out in real time. The film captures the scrappy, chaotic spirit of the East Village post-Tompkins Square Park Riot. You feel the weight of the neighborhood’s history, the struggle against gentrification, and the palpable anger of the squatters. It’s not just about the buildings, but the lives intertwined with them. The pacing is almost documentary-like, giving you time to absorb the atmosphere, the palpable fear, and fierce determination of those fighting to save their homes. The practical effects of real-life clashes add a gripping layer that’s hard to replicate. It's all very much a snapshot of a pivotal moment in urban culture.

Strong themes of community resistanceCandid portrayal of urban lifeUnique historical context for collectors