THE FILM

Dogtown Redemption is a full-length documentary film about a devoted group of like-minded skaters from Venice Beach, CA and their three decade long struggle with the City, society and themselves to get the skate park they always wanted. And now that they have their park - can they keep it?

When you think of Venice Beach a few things may stand out:  Sun, Surf and Skateboarding. Venice is a complex setting of locals and outsiders, haves and have nots, the aggressive and the peaceful, the famous and the infamous. Our film tells the story of life’s struggle in Venice through the eyes of skateboarders from the inside out, and their interaction at the Venice Beach Skate Plaza. To some this skate park may just be about bowls and rails, but to others it’s a religion; a safe haven and a road to redemption. This is their story.

Dogtown Redemption explores the living, breathing heart of a tribe that expresses itself through skateboarding and the skateboard culture. The film introduces you to the modern day descendants of the original DogTown skaters who in their youth cut class to rip up the streets of Venice.  As a matter of survival they forcibly dominated the neighborhood of Venice and raged against “The Establishment”.  Now, as adults, they have realized the error of their ways, but have never given up on the place they call home. Their mere presence has created the skate park they never had and a safe haven for the young skaters of today.

THE PLAN

Dogtown Redemption is a project that's been shooting since June, 2010. Through this documentary we hope to not only spread the word about the great skateboarding talent, tradition and lifestyle of Venice, but to help others recognize that leadership, dedication and the mission of working for, and with, the community is some of the most important work a person can do.

Your funding will help us complete the film and get it out to as many people as possible.

It will be entered into festivals around the world as well as full distribution for rental and direct download.  If demand for the film is great enough a theatrical release will be executed.  This piece will be the backbone of a proposed Venice Surf and Skateboard Association (VSA) tour to promote good practice in your skateboard community, wherever you might be.

Please help the VSA give back to the community and kids by donating and sharing this project with family and friends. A portion of all proceeds will go to the VSA in support of their mission to keep the park safe and clean for years to come.

INCENTIVES

We’ve given a lot of thought to our incentives. There are many unique items specifically created for this project. From limited edition books and boards, to autographed memorabilia signed by past and present Dogtown legends. From digital downloads and screen savers to Executive Producer credit on the film (and IMDB). Each pledge level is designed to give back value to you as a thank you for your donating to this project – a piece that we hope serves as an inspiration for many.

Thank you for your support!

Jonathan Penson and everyone at

Dogtown Redemption