The Documentary: A Journey Towards Humanity and Hope
HOMELESS is a powerful documentary that seeks to give a voice to those often silenced by their circumstances: people living without stable housing. The film provides a raw and compassionate look into the lives of five individuals experiencing homelessness, capturing their stories, dreams, and challenges. Created as part of the Let’s Make a Difference project, the documentary’s mission is to raise awareness and funds for solutions to homelessness, making a call for societal change and collective empathy.
Through this cinematic journey, HOMELESS invites viewers to see beyond stereotypes, challenging the ways society often ignores or misunderstands the unhoused. By focusing on personal stories, the film connects us with individuals’ hopes, setbacks, and resilience, reminding us that they are part of our shared community. The National Coalition for the Homeless has praised the film as “impactful, emotional, human,” recognizing its deep commitment to highlighting the humanity of those living without a home.
The Director: Valerio Zanoli’s Vision for Social Change
Behind HOMELESS is director Valerio Zanoli, a graduate of the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts, who has spent his career creating socially impactful films. Zanoli’s works, such as Not to Forget and Hopeful Notes, are well-regarded for raising awareness about societal issues and advocating for underrepresented voices. With HOMELESS, Zanoli’s aim is clear: to bring the world closer to ending homelessness by sparking conversations and raising funds.
The documentary premiered at the United Nations’ World Urban Forum, a testament to its global significance, and is now used by UN-Habitat in their World Urban Campaign to promote housing rights worldwide. Zanoli’s storytelling sheds light on the harsh realities of homelessness while infusing the narrative with a sense of hope and urgency.
Synopsis: Stories from the Streets of Las Vegas
Filmed in Las Vegas, HOMELESS explores the stark contrasts of the city—where opulent casinos and resorts exist side by side with desolate streets occupied by homeless encampments. The documentary takes us into the lives of five unhoused individuals who courageously share their journeys. Through their stories, we see the complex factors that led them to the streets, the daily hardships they face, and the resilience that keeps them going.
The voices of housing advocates, including figures like Donald Whitehead Jr. of the National Coalition for the Homeless, and Catrina Grigsby-Thedford of the Nevada Homeless Alliance, further contextualize the urgent need for policy changes. It also features segments with prominent figures like U.S. President Joe Biden, the mayors of Los Angeles and New York City, the FBI Director, and the HUD Secretary.
Las Vegas serves as a mirror reflecting a crisis faced by cities across the U.S. and beyond. According to UN-Habitat, 1.6 billion people worldwide live in inadequate housing, with over 100 million lacking housing entirely. The U.S. alone sees over half a million people without permanent shelter each night. As inflation and rent prices soar, and economic uncertainties deepen, homelessness continues to grow—a crisis Zanoli hopes to shed light on through this documentary.
Critically Acclaimed
The documentary has received widespread acclaim, described as “a cinematic portrait of everyday life on the streets” by The Flash List, “an exploration of the causes and effects of homelessness” by NY Weekly, and “an honest look at what it’s like to be homeless” by The Good Men Project. Renowned singer Andrea Bocelli expressed his support, stating:
“Home is dignity, it is life, it is the warmth, the comfort, the joy of being able to count on shelter and to offer it to one’s family. […] I believe that each of us has a moral obligation to strive for the well-being of the less fortunate.”
A Call to Action
HOMELESS doesn’t just tell a story—it advocates for change. The film invites viewers to engage with this humanitarian crisis and participate in finding solutions. Through the support of numerous homeless organizations, influential leaders, and advocates like Andrea Bocelli, who affirmed the moral obligation to “strive for the well-being of the less fortunate,” HOMELESS aims to rally communities and policymakers alike.
As audiences worldwide connect with the film’s message, HOMELESS fosters a deeper understanding and a sense of shared responsibility. Together, with compassion and conviction, we can help create a world where everyone has a place to call home.
For more on how you can help, visit National Coalition for the Homeless and Let’s Make a Difference.
