California Dreaming (2010)

• 77%
• 2010
• Documentary
• Bregtje van der Haak

California Dreaming follows several Southern Californians in their journey through tough times following the financial crisis of 2007-2008. An Anglo couple with young children struggle to keep their heads up while living in a van. A Latino man contends with the consequences of years spent in prison for petty theft. A team of residents including a displaced college professor glean fruit from trees planted along sidewalks and medians. Friends and neighbors facing rising rent and food prices work together to build a modern communal living environment, complete with communal gardens. Along the way, we learn how these individuals conceive of the origin of the situations they face, and what help is - and is not - available to them, while they do the very concrete work of coping.