In the heart of the South Side of Chicago, an 85-acre area abutting a railyard means different things to different people. For more than 400 African American families, it is home. For Norfolk Southern railroad company, it is space to expand its train-to-truck intermodal depot. Predictably, Chicago city officials frame a narrative of economic revitalization and “urban blight.” The Area begins in 2012, when the railroad company has already bought out over half the area’s residents and is picking off the holdouts. Middle-aged homeowner Deborah Payne puts off her plans to move; instead, she digs in and becomes an ad hoc community organizer. As her neighbors jump ship and houses are pulled down, property values implode. Valiant and stubborn, Payne fights for fair-value buyouts and respect for those who remain. Aided by an exquisite, pitch-perfect score from electronic-music artist Phoelix, director David Schalliol brings a sensitive ear and a fine documentary aesthetic to this all-too-typical urban tale.  MM

Q&A following screening