‘Nothing to See Here: Watts’ Brings Healing to Los Angeles
*At the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, hundreds gathered for a night of healing, unity, and celebration. The event featured the screening of “Nothing to See Here: Watts” and a benefit concert honoring the community of Watts.
More than 300 community members, including students, police officers, and rival gang members, helped create the documentary. Their powerful storytelling led to a rare drop in homicides and sparked one of the most inspiring peace movements in Los Angeles history.
Filmmaker Lawanda Hawkins Opens With a Moving Tribute
The evening began with a live performance by Lawanda Hawkins, a community activist and filmmaker. Her piece, “Silent March,” featured over 200 pairs of shoes belonging to children lost to violence.
The tribute set a somber yet hopeful tone, reminding attendees of the event’s purpose: honoring lives lost and building a safer future.
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The Film That Sparked a Movement for Peace in Watts
The 90-minute documentary “Nothing to See Here: Watts” was filmed entirely by Watts residents using only their phones. The film captures a three-year journey through pain, healing, and reconciliation.
Each contributor had full creative control over their segment. This unfiltered, deeply human approach helped bridge divides and fueled a dramatic reduction in local violence.
Star-Studded Performances Close Out an Emotional Night
The event ended with live music performances by Grammy winner Kim Burrell and Grammy-nominated artist Kenyon Dixon. Salaam-Bailey, the film’s composer, performed with the Roc Kids Choir, debuting “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” an original track from the upcoming soundtrack.
Music helped turn the night into a celebration of resilience, showing the joy that can grow from shared healing.
Big Names Show Support for the Watts Community
Music legends Stevie Wonder and Lalah Hathaway attended the event to show their support. So did Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell and leaders from more than 40 nonprofits serving Watts.
The turnout underscored the film’s impact and the city’s recognition of the grassroots work being done in this historically underserved neighborhood.
Event Proceeds Support Community-Led Change
Proceeds from the night went to the Nothing to See Here: Foundation. The nonprofit funds violence prevention programs, youth support services, and neighborhood revitalization projects across Los Angeles.
Organizers say the goal is to keep empowering locals to build a better future—from within their own community.
The Power of Storytelling in the Hands of the People
The film asks a bold question: What happens when Bloods, Crips, police, and victims make a movie together? The answer is a revolutionary portrait of one of America’s most misunderstood neighborhoods.
By letting residents tell their own stories, the documentary redefines who controls the narrative. It shows that real change starts when communities are seen, heard, and supported.
Filmmakers Represent Every Corner of Watts
Those featured in the film include students, activists, police officers, gang members, and victims of violence. Among them: Lawanda Hawkins, Tyrone Riley Sr. and Jr., former officers Tim Pearce and Kristina Ripatti, and Olympic hopeful Meryland Gonzalez.
Their presence at the event reflected the film’s core message—that even the deepest wounds can lead to unity when a community tells its truth.
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