The Right to Exist
- Directed by: Nick Anderson
- Released: 2026 (educational)
- Year of Production: 2025
UNSEEN, UNHEARD, UNHOUSED
The documentary’s initial plan was to follow a number of individuals experiencing homelessness, explore different models of shelter for the unhoused, and, through the expert analysis of researchers and educators, debunk common myths about the homeless.
During production, however, a more urgent issue emerged when the homeless encampment known as "Camp Resolution" found itself in a life-or-death struggle with the city of Sacramento. With the camp facing threats to its continued existence, the filmmaking team shifted focus to cover the residents’ fight to protect their home. The film invites viewers inside Camp Res, to meet the people who live there, and to witness the fear and hope with which they face the potential loss of their homes, property, and community.
The story of Camp Resolution is one of broken promises, protests, courage and unwavering hope. Two years after the city of Sacramento promised to build twenty new shelters, including one on the site that became Camp Res, they had failed to build even one. They also failed to deliver on their promise to Camp Res to provide water and electricity so that every day became a struggle for the residents to meet these essential needs.
Despite these obstacles, the residents of Camp Res formed a close knit, highly successful, self-governing community, held up as a model for other homeless communities to emulate. The city’s ultimate decision to “sweep” the camp, with its large population of women, LGBQT, and some disabled residents, threatened their safety and even their lives. The documentary reveals the resilience and determination of this marginalized and vulnerable population, as they fight for their Right to Exist.
Nick Anderson is an award-winning director and screenwriter and owner of Sacramento-based Bright Coast Productions. He has created commercials, music videos, short films, and documentaries. After completing film school at Chapman University, Nick was invited to help film The Last Crop, a documentary about family-owned farms and how they can transition land ownership to the next generation of young farmers. His previous short films include The Change, The Merger, and a 20-minute documentary, The Invisible Homeless, specifically focused on the unhoused experience of women and children. Most recently he completed a series of 12 short documentaries about climate impact on California farms. Nick brings his creativity and passion for storytelling to every project, big or small.
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