He has shown the film at venues around the country, though there are currently only 50 to 60 theaters that will show documentaries. He said he hopes that places like IFI will inspire others to start up more theaters for independent films. In the past, he rented a theater, filled it up two nights, turned away hundreds of eager patrons ready to pay and still could not convince the theater owner to give it a run. Mr. Cohen believes that the story of home-lessness in America is one that needs to be continually told until we find a solution that does not strip people of their dignity. He attempted to touch their humanity, he said.
People try to make the best of their lives wherever they are.
The film, which technically is on Beta SP videotape, documents the political campaign of Ron Taylor, a former truck driver who was forced onto the streets following a major traffic accident which left him seriously injured and unable to work. Also debated was an adoption of a new trash receptacle that would prevent scavengers from collecting bottles, cans and other recyclables. According to Mr. Cohen, the city council was trying to pass ordinances designed to push the homeless out of their city. Mr. Cohen has a growing reputation as a documentarian of important social issues. Whereas Los Angeles has 80,000-100,000 homeless, Santa Monica has as many as 7,000 homeless.