In the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, a powerful documentary has emerged to shed light on the struggles of residents in Gadsden Green, an 82-year-old affordable housing community that has long been overlooked and underserved. Filmmaker Travis Pearson‘s “Back Da Green” , released in 2024, is more than just a documentary – it’s a raw, unflinching examination of systemic challenges facing low-income communities.
Pearson was initially drawn to the project after being approached by State Representative Wendall Gilliardto document a community meeting. What he discovered was a shocking reality that demanded broader attention. “Every day, residents were dealing with 24 to 25 rats,” Pearson recalls. “I was like, ‘There’s no way people are living like this.’”
The documentary meticulously unpacks the multifaceted challenges facing Gadsden Green residents. Flooding is a persistent nightmare, with water regularly infiltrating homes and creating uninhabitable conditions. Rat infestations have become so severe that residents report seeing multiple rodents daily, posing significant health risks. Bed bugs compound the misery, turning what should be a safe living space into a constant battle for basic human dignity…