Ladj Ly's 'Gli Indesiderabili' Examines Social Housing and Gentrification in Paris Suburbs

French director Ladj Ly returns to the Paris suburbs with his new film 'Gli Indesiderabili' (original French title 'Bâtiment 5'), releasing in Italy via Lucky Red on July 11, 2024. Following his acclaimed debut 'I miserabili' (2019), which focused on tensions between suburban communities and police, this second installment of a planned trilogy—co-written with Giordano Gederlini—tackles social housing and forced evictions resulting from urban renewal projects. The title references the specific building where Ly grew up, grounding the narrative in personal experience. The plot follows Haby, a young community activist, who discovers a redevelopment plan led by newly appointed mayor Pierre Forges that calls for demolishing her block. She organizes residents to fight the destruction of Building 5. The film critiques gentrification and the displacement of marginalized populations, highlighting how redevelopment often leads to expropriation and speculation, forcing residents into even more degraded areas. Ly's work continues the French 'cinéma de banlieue' tradition, gaining global attention for its social commentary.