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Secret Mall Apartment Documentary Hits No. 4 on Netflix

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Netflix's documentary Secret Mall Apartment, released January 23, 2026, reaches No. 4 on Netflix's global Top 10.
The film follows eight artists who secretly lived in a Providence mall for four years, co-directed by Jeremy Workman, highlighting community and resistance to gentrification.
It has a 98% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and shows the artists reuniting after 17 years, underscoring human connection in urban spaces.

History

Historical Context

In 1970, New York City launched the Urban Development Action Grant program, allocating $1.5 billion to combat urban decay and support community initiatives amid rising gentrification concerns. The 2024 documentary "Secret Mall Apartment" highlights similar struggles in Providence, showcasing artists who resisted gentrification from 2003 to 2007, emphasizing the ongoing tension between urban development and cultural preservation.

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Story summary

Netflix's documentary Secret Mall Apartment, released January 23, 2026, reaches No. 4 on Netflix's global Top 10.
The film follows eight artists who secretly lived in a Providence mall for four years, co-directed by Jeremy Workman, highlighting community and resistance to gentrification.
It has a 98% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and shows the artists reuniting after 17 years, underscoring human connection in urban spaces.

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