A&E NETWORK PRESENTS THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY ‘L.A. BURNING: THE RIOTS 25 YEARS LATER’ FROM EXECUTIVE PRODUCER JOHN SINGLETON
TWO-HOUR SPECIAL TAKES AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE STORY OF THE 1992 LOS ANGELES RIOTS THROUGH THE EYES OF THOSE WHO EXPERIENCED THE UPRISING FIRSTHAND
PREMIERING APRIL 18 AT 9PM ET/PT
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 17, 2017 – A&E Network presents an original two-hour documentary marking the 25th anniversary of the infamous L.A. riots that reexamines the intense and life-changing events through the eyes of those who lived it. From executive producer John Singleton and directors One9 and Erik Parker, “L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later” premieres Tuesday, April 18 at 9PM ET/PT on A&E Network.
“I believe the 1992 LA Uprising has never truly been given a voice until now… we’ve attempted to chronicle the untold stories and unique perspectives of people whose lives were profoundly affected by this event,” said Singleton. “As a native Los Angeleno I know the actions of that three-day event didn’t just appear out of thin air… the city was a powder keg boiling at the seams for many years under police brutality and economic hardship of people of color.”
On April 29, 1992, the corner of Florence and Normandie Avenues in Los Angeles became ground zero for a racially and politically-charged uprising following the jury acquittal of four LAPD officers in the Rodney King case. Fueled by injustice; riots, killings, lootings and widespread civil disturbance swelled throughout L.A. for six long days while the rest of the world watched a deep racial divide unfold.
Viewed through the emotional lens of the people who experienced life-altering moments during the unrest, “L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later” utilizes rare archival footage and exclusive, deeply engaging interviews with those who saw it happen firsthand. Film director, screenwriter and producer John Singleton speaks to his own experience which was impacted by the fact that the riots happened shortly after releasing his prolific film Boyz in the Hood just the year before. Additional detailed accounts include actor, director and activist Edward James Olmos as well as innocent bystanders, rioters, law enforcement, media, and rescuers, each telling their own unique story of this violent flashpoint in American history.
“L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later” is produced for A&E Network by Entertainment One (eOne) and Creature Films. The documentary is directed by One9 and Erik Parker. Executive producers for eOne are Tara Long and John Morayniss. Executive producers for Creature Films are Mark Ford and Kevin Lopez. John Singleton and Trevor Engelson also serve as executive producers. Executive producers for A&E are Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro and Brad Abramson.