Winner of a prestigious Special Mention jury award at the Berlin International Film Festival, Quality of Life is a narrative feature film that tells the gripping and authentic story of "Heir" and "Vain" -- the most prolific, notorious graffiti writers from the Mission District in San Francisco.
For over a decade, the two inseparable best friends have covertly decorated the canvases of concrete and steel throughout the Bay Area. However, when Heir and Vain are arrested for painting, their secret identities are revealed and creative outlets abruptly severed. Faced with restitution and the prospect of serving hard time, Heir and Vain struggle to maintain their creative passion. The paths they choose threaten to unravel their lifelong friendship and, ultimately, their lives.
The film stars Lane Garrison in his feature film debut. Garrison co-starred on the hit TV series Prison Break.
Directed by Benjamin Morgan and co-written/co-starring former SF graffiti writer Brian Burnam, Quality of Life has been widely praised for its raw and authentic look at the graffiti subculture. The film was shot in San Francisco's gritty bohemian Mission District, far from the tourist-friendly cable cars and Golden Gate Bridge.
Since its successful festival run (including a jury award at the Berlin IntÃl Film Festival), the film played theatrically for seven weeks in San Francisco, sold out three nights in a row in New York City, and screened in dozens of other cities around the country. The DVD is currently available in our store.
Quality of Life
Winner of a prestigious Special Mention jury award at the Berlin International Film Festival, Quality of Life is a narrative feature film that tells the gripping and authentic story of two graffiti writers struggling to maintain their lifelong friendship after they get busted for painting.
Behind the scenes video podcasts
Director spins on his head
Morgan was a founding member of "Fantastic Fource," the most dominant Break Dancing crew in the San Francisco Bay Area from 1984-1986. Fantastic Fource won every major competition held in the Bay Area during that period and was widely respected on the streets as the crew to beat. Click here to see a video of Ben in action.