Lost in America wants you to know that 4.3 million teenagers are homeless. Spin that however you want, but realize it doesn’t get those kids off the street. The documentary is helmed by former homeless person turned Navy vet Rotimi Rainwater. Using a variety of formerly homeless celebrities to talk about their experiences, Rainwater walks us slowly into the reality of the situation.
Homelessness in America never feels personal enough for people removed from it. I can remember the PSAs, after school specials and even that one episode of Saved By The Bell about the mall girl. Yet, have I ever done anything to help homeless people? I volunteered a few times at a food kitchen and maybe gave money. But, could I put a pin on a date or actual acknowledgement of help? Not really.
That’s not a random writer’s attempt to reconcile subject matter with their personal life. But, it’s an effort to frame an individual against the giant abstract of tragic life events that begat homelessness. Many of the teenagers highlighted in Lost in America are victimized teens who were cast out by family, society and a variety of means in-between. So, how do you fix that?
Documentaries like Lost in America want to show that things can change, but so many questions are left unanswered. Still, it keeps my brain returning to what was nagging me from the start. You can share a massive issue with people, but at what point can change happen? Is it just a matter of awareness?
If you have more questions like I did, I recommend the following. Visit the film’s website: https://www.lostinamericafilm.com/
The Lost in America DVD comes with no special features. However, you’re getting a deep documentary with stunning A/V Quality for such a low-budget production. Check it out!
