NYWIFT Blog

By Katie Chambers

In 2024, the cost and inequities in housing in the U.S. is at top of mind for so many. The documentary Slumlord Millionaire, directed by Steph Ching and Ellen Martinez, exposes housing injustice in NYC, following the David-and-Goliath battles between ordinary renters and powerful developers. Through stories from neighborhoods across the boroughs, the film reveals the harsh realities of unsafe housing, unethical landlords, and an overwhelmed housing court system. It also uncovers a troubling pattern of desirably located properties being seized for luxury developments in low-income neighborhoods, often with the system’s complicity.

Slumlord Millionaire just made its world premiere at DOC NYC 2024. Brooklyn-based NYWIFT Member Francesca Kustra edited the film. Francesca began her career over a decade ago as an Assistant Editor on documentaries that have premiered at festivals such as Tribeca, Sundance, and Cannes. As someone who enjoys the challenge of combing through documentary footage to serve important stories, she was excited to do the same in the narrative world as the Editor for Steven Soderbergh’s series, Command Z. She was also an Additional Editor on the 2022 Academy Shortlisted doc short directed by Titus Kaphar, Shut Up and Paint and an Editor on Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, and most recently Slumlord Millionaire.

She spoke to us about her latest project.

 

 

Congratulations! What does inclusion in DOC NYC mean to you?

Thank you so much! Slumlord Millionaire focuses on renters and landlords of NYC – so this festival has been the perfect home for the film to World Premiere. Crew and participants are primarily based here so it was a moment to reflect and share together, while lighting the path forward. 

 

How did this Slumlord Millionaire come to you? And what interested you in working on this specifically?

Co-Director, Steph Ching, is a good friend of mine. We came up the ranks at the same time as Assistant Editors on docs. I was presented with the opportunity to join her team when they had an existing cut that they needed a set of fresh eyes on before upcoming deadlines. After watching what they had, I saw the potential of what I could bring to the table, but was also moved by the resilience of the characters portrayed on screen. When things get hard, it’s easy to let the current take you away, but when you stand up and fight – for yourself – and others, that’s truly inspiring. That’s what this team was in the process of, and I wanted in. 

 

What was your biggest challenge in editing the film?

So many stories! So many characters! Trying to find how all the voices could intersect and work with each other in the cut to strengthen the movie overall was the most challenging. 

 

And favorite moment?

Each one of our characters have different arcs, but, in every case, no matter what housing adversities are thrown into their path, they keep challenging the systems and fighting for their rights. What that means for each person is different, but it’s an energizing feeling to watch people push through the hard times, and what it looks like on the other side of the struggles. Our folks are not just fighting for themselves, but pushing against current systemic problems in hopes of a more habitable situation for all. 

 

 

What do you hope audiences will take away from the film?

Now more than ever – it’s important to stay true to yourself and fight back. In a time when it’s scary to even have news alerts pushed to your phone, I hope viewers can be inspired by the tenants, community organizers, and activists highlighted in Slumlord Millionaire. While it will look different for everyone, find your community and use your voice. There is strength in numbers and we must stand together.   

 

What kinds of projects excite you?

Documentary has my heart, for sure. I love people, and learning something new on each project I work on. It’s a process of discovery, screening footage and creating meaning from what has been captured from the field. But also, I equally enjoy narrative projects that tackle issues of our current world in interesting and unique ways. 

 

How has your festival experience been? Any special moments to share with us?

DOC NYC has been truly a memorable one this year. A highlight was being able to celebrate our World Premiere with other team members and subjects of the film. As any editor will tell you, it’s always a surreal experience to meet the people you feel like you know so well from working with their footage in the edit. Hearing their reactions and thoughts about what you’ve helped bring to life from their personal stories feels like the most important notes you’ll receive on the cut. 

 

What is next for you?

Currently, I’m an editor on a documentary series that will be out next year, directed by Olivia Crist. Separately on the side, I’ve been in the process of finishing up a personal doc project that I’ve been working on. As filmmakers, we’re so lucky to get to do what we do, and I hope to be continually trusted to help stories come to life on the screen. 

 

Francesca Kustra is one of 18 NYWIFT Members with projects at DOC NYC 2024. Check out the full lineup!