Viral documentary shines spotlight on Pine Bluff abandoned-home challenges

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – A documentary posted to YouTube has residents of Pine Bluff watching and talking about the challenges the city faces with abandoned homes.

The documentary titled “ $400 Abandoned Homes in Pine Bluff! The City Left Behind ” has nearly 1.5 million views since being posted on Aug. 9.

Lifelong Pine Bluff resident Joni Robinson was interviewed in the documentary to help explain the character of the city.  She said she believes the video was not only a chance for the artist but also the community.

“Even in Pine Bluff’s devastation, it’s still an opportunity for a filmmaker, and it has also given this city an opportunity to shed a light on what’s going on here,” Robinson explained.

Filmmaker Michael Schwarz says he hopes his documentary will provoke change in the city.

“At the end of the day, I hope the city sees this as a platform to ask for help,” he told KARK 4 News.

Schwarz added that while the first episode of the documentary unfolds many truths to the city’s decline, there is more to the story.

“To be perfectly blunt, there are going to be some more things said about Pine Bluff,” he said. “There are a lot of opinions. People have stories.”

The documentarian said he wants to explore the city’s history and restore it through truth. Robinson agrees the documentary can provoke change.

“I feel like it has the potential to provide change because it is grounded in truth,” Robinson said.

City leaders say efforts have already been underway to address many of the challenges mentioned in the documentary.

In a statement, Mayor Shirley Washington noted that the video’s focus , abandoned homes, is a known and pressing issue for the city that officials are addressing through multiple efforts.

“While the documentary brings attention to a serious problem, it also serves as a call to action for our community to come together to tackle these challenges,” Washington said. “We are dedicated to revitalizing our neighborhoods and ensuring that Pine Bluff remains a safe and thriving place to live.”

The city’s statement went on to describe some of the initiatives that have been already implemented, including the Pine Bluff Green Sweep, demolition & rehabilitation projects and community partnerships.

“Pine Bluff is a city rich in history and culture, located in the heart of Arkansas,” Washington noted. “With a commitment to economic growth and community development, Pine Bluff is working to create a vibrant future for all its residents.”

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