Synopsis

20 years after riots ripped through Los Angeles, Uprising: Hip Hop and the LA Riots documents how hip hop forecasted – and some say ignited – the worst civil unrest of the 20th century. The film revisits the riots in gripping detail and draws from a diverse collection of voices – the rappers, rioters, victims, police officers, journalists, and everyday citizens of South Central Los Angeles. The documentary traces the rise of dissent in Los Angeles in the 80s and 90s and explores why citizens chose to rise up violently against police abuse and perceived injustices.

Director

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  • Mark Ford
  • Mark Ford, a writer and director from L.A., began his video work through CNN and has created many projects through his company Creature Films. He is known for documentaries such as Behind the Music on VH1 and Laguna Beach introduced on MTV. He has also produced documentaries about hip-hop groups NWA, Notorious B.I.G., and Aerosmith, among other musicians.