This Is the Life
“How the West was One”
Synopsis
In 1989, a collective of young hip hop artists gathered at a health food café in South Central Los Angeles. Their mandate? To reject gang culture and expand the musical boundaries of hip hop. DuVernay's documentary chronicles the historic legacy of the Good Life Cafe — the open mic nights that became an L.A. institution, the eclectic array of talented young MCs that emerged there, the alternative hip hop movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the artform.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
THIS IS THE LIFE | Official Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2009-03-05
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
February 8, 2008
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Ava DuVernay
- Original Score
- Omid Walizadeh
- Original Title
- This Is the Life
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Production Studios
- The DuVernay Agency
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ava DuVernay
Omid Walizadeh
Isaac Klotz
Spencer Averick, Krishna Devine
Ava DuVernay, Omid Walizadeh, Spencer Averick, Isaac Klotz
Department Leadership Roster
Ava DuVernay
Director
Ava DuVernay
Producer
Omid Walizadeh
Producer
Spencer Averick
Editor
Spencer Averick
Producer
Krishna Devine
Editor
Isaac Klotz
Director of Photography
Omid Walizadeh
Original Music Composer
Isaac Klotz
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for This Is the Life.
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Is the Life
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is This Is the Life about?
In 1989, a collective of young hip hop artists gathered at a health food café in South Central Los Angeles. Their mandate? To reject gang culture and expand the musical boundaries of hip hop. DuVernay's documentary chronicles the historic legacy of the Good Life Cafe — the open mic nights that became an L.A. institution, the eclectic array of talented young MCs that emerged there, the alternative hip hop movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the artform.
Who directed This Is the Life?
This Is the Life was directed by Ava DuVernay.
Who stars in This Is the Life?
The principal cast of This Is the Life includes Abstract Rude, Big Al, Busdriver, Chali 2na, Cut Chemist.
When was This Is the Life released and how long is it?
This Is the Life was released in 2008 with a total runtime of 1h 37m.
Who composed the musical score for This Is the Life?
The original motion picture soundtrack for This Is the Life was composed by Omid Walizadeh.