Skip to Content
Film

Watts Waits: Documentary Film on the Jordan Downs Housing Project

Watts Waits is a short documentary film by Drew Bachrach that explores the changes coming to South Central L.A.'s Jordan Downs, the best known and housing project in the Western United States. The trailer was released last month, and you can watch it above.

After surviving two riots and the crack wars of the 80's and 90's, the 700 low-income housing units that make up this development are being torn down. What will happen next? Who will be welcome in the remade South Los Angeles?

This film serves as the last look at this cultural icon that was immortalized on-screen in Menace II Society and has played a central role in the tumult of South Central Los Angeles since it was built after World War II.

Screen Shot 2015-07-14 at 8.41.28 PM

Directed By: Drew Bachrach - DrewBachrach.com
Cinematography: Sayer - SayerDanforth.com
Music by: Kyle Johnston - KyleRobertJohnston.com

Starring:
Michael Cummings, Carnisha Coleman, Willie Freeman, Jeremy Hayes, Rodney Williamson and Albert Russell

Produced by:
John King, Michael Cummings, Willie Freeman and Albert Russell

In conjunction with:
Project Fatherhood and People Living Safe

AWARDS AND HONORS:
Official Selection - 2015 Newport Beach International Film Festival
Audience Choice Award - 2015 New Film Makers "On Location" Program
Official Selection - 2015 LA Harbor International Film Festival

Shot with RED finished in Adobe CC 2015
2015 - Bachrach Inc.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Are These Birria Soup Dumplings Worth the Hype or Just Another Stunt Dish Made For Instagram?

You only have until the end of May to get the dish that blew our editor's mind.

May 14, 2026

Investigations Newsletter: Dr. Oz In MacArthur Park

The physician argued that Los Angeles is “farming homelessness” in MacArthur Park.

May 14, 2026

How Three Young Adults In L.A. Are Protecting Their Undocumented Parents During Trump’s Presidency

Hobbies and aspirations are put on hold as families reconfigure their lives to avoid deportation and familial separation, deeply aware of how ICE targets working class immigrants.

May 13, 2026

7 Tattoo Artists in L.A. Resisting ICE Through Flash Sheets

There's never been a better time to get a sick tattoo that says "F8CK ICE" in Los Angeles than right now.

May 12, 2026

Daily Memo: South L.A. Chef Known for Mentoring Youth Detained by ICE

In South L.A., ICE agents drew their weapons on chef Carlos Lool of La Granja Rotisserie, a local figure known for his years of mentoring young L.A. chefs.

May 12, 2026
See all posts