As Rents Skyrocketed, They Fought Back: Award-Winning Doc ‘Slumlord Millionaire’ Acquired By PBS Series ‘VOCES’

deadline.com:

EXCLUSIVE: The PBS series VOCES has acquired U.S. broadcast and streaming rights to Slumlord Millionaire, the David vs.

Goliath story of people fighting back against the skyrocketing cost of rent in New York City. The film – winner of the Audience Award at DOC NYC in November — will open in theaters next spring, before the VOCES streaming and broadcast launch on PBS in summer 2025.

Steph Ching and Ellen Martinez directed the feature documentary, with Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Stanley Nelson and Emmy nominee Marcia Smith and VOCES‘ Sandie Viquez Pedlow serving as executive producers. “Slumlord Millionaire is an intimate portrait of the people profoundly impacted by the rapid gentrification sweeping across New York City,” notes a description of the film. “As these neighborhoods undergo transformation, the film highlights the struggle of a group of fearless residents, activists, and nonprofit attorneys across the city waging the fight for the fundamental right to retain their homes against corrupt landlords and developers who prioritize profits above all.” Ching and Martinez said in a statement, “We are thrilled and honored to partner with VOCES and bring Slumlord Millionaire to PBS viewers.

Even though the film is based in New York, the housing crisis and how people are affected is a nationwide issue. We hope viewers gain a new perspective on gentrification’s human cost.” Sandie Viquez Pedlow, executive producer of VOCES, said, “Slumlord Millionaire puts a human face on a very complex issue, introducing viewers to people on the front lines of the campaign for fair and affordable housing.