America's Hidden Gem: Northwest Aurora

Meet a Mauritanian Refugee, a 1st generation Vietnamese-American chef, an African American veteran, a Mexican nonprofit leader, and a Korean-American artist. Although they have vastly different cultural backgrounds, they all share a love for their community and a passion for their work. Through their stories, we discover the unique history of the neighborhood, steeped in over 100 years of American Military presence. Today, there are over 160 languages spoken in the public schools, award-winning restaurants boasting cuisine from hundreds of countries, and a robust arts scene. However, challenges exist as the community faces poverty, a large transient population, as well as crime and blight. Development is encroaching, and housing prices are on the rise. How will revitalization happen without gentrifying the rich cultural fabric that exists? The community’s efforts to survive and thrive are highlighted in this inspirational and uplifting documentary film. This is a story of a community making good on the promise of the American dream.

Aurora, Colorado, is one of the top 10 most diverse cities in America, and Northwest Aurora, or “Original Aurora”, is its heart center. It used to be affordable, but urban development threatens to dismantle the cultural fabric that makes this place special. Several strategies, including micro-economic development that supports small businesses, co-ops, nonprofit coalitions, and an official City Department of International & Immigrant Affairs, are all addressing the issue. If this community can keep the diversity and cultural fabric intact through conscious revitalization, it will become a model for other cities facing gentrification.

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