Secret Mall Apartment is an upcoming documentary that unveils the lives of young individuals who turned a shopping center into their living space. From 2003 to 2007, eight people from Rhode Island took residence inside the newly built Providence Place mall, capturing their experiences on camcorders. This footage has been transformed into a compelling documentary that has garnered praise from critics ahead of its public release. The film was directed by Jeremy Workman and had Jesse Eisenberg as the executive producer.
ScreenRant is thrilled to showcase a poster and promotional video for Secret Mall Apartment. The poster features the young creatives who chose to make the Providence Place Mall their abode, while the promotional video introduces the documentary’s narrative, which The Daily Beast described as a “A kiss-off to gentrification.” The promotional materials were created by Frost Foundry and include cinematography by Jeremy Workman, set design by Grace Bilbao, and a soundtrack by Olivier and Clare Manchon. Secret Mall Apartment is set to screen in select theaters starting March 21.
How Secret Mall Apartment Is Both Nostalgic & More Timely Than Ever
The promotional clip for Secret Mall Apartment instantly transports viewers to an earlier era. Utilizing raw footage recorded by the residents themselves, the documentary offers a glimpse into the world before smartphones, characterized by the use of handheld camcorders and grainy visuals. While the film’s aesthetic is rooted in nostalgia, its themes of capitalism and gentrification are strikingly relevant today, presented in a subtle yet powerful manner.
At its heart, Secret Mall Apartment confronts the issues of capitalism and gentrification, which have escalated dramatically since the original footage was captured. The documentary highlights how eight Rhode Islanders were compelled to move into Providence Place Mall as a direct consequence of their homes being demolished for its construction. Unlike typical narratives on financial disparities, Secret Mall Apartment sheds light on the personal impacts of corporate expansion and greed, issues that are increasingly prevalent in today’s societal discussions.
The most impactful documentaries leave their audience with lasting impressions, and Secret Mall Apartment aims to do just that. It narrates the story of artists and mavericks who crafted a life in an unexpected place, managing to sustain it over several years. While the tale is intriguing and engaging on its own, it also prompts viewers to reflect on the broader implications of housing displacement caused by development and gentrification, and what it signifies for those without a “secret mall apartment” to call their own.
Secret Mall Apartment is scheduled for release in select theaters on March 21.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
