Unblocked
Project Synopsis
Behind The Scenes
Client
Digifé
Director
Producer
Catherine Hoffman
Editor
Donnie Seals Jr.
Director of Photography
Eric D. Seals
Unblocked is a 15-minute documentary exploring artist and activist Tonika Lewis Johnson’s mission to restore homes in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood as a form of public art. By repairing neglected properties, Johnson turns disinvestment into a powerful statement of resilience and cultural pride.
Through interviews and on-the-ground footage, Unblocked captures how art and activism intersect to reshape perceptions of Englewood, fostering renewal and community empowerment. The film highlights Johnson’s vision of reinvesting in Black neighborhoods, proving that home restoration can be both a creative and transformative act.