Quality Of Life

2004, 85 min, 35mm

Meet Michael “Heir” Rosario and Curtis “Vain” Smith, the most prolific and talented graffiti writers from the Mission District in San Francisco. At age ten, in a desperate search for fame and identity, the young friends began writing their names on surrounding urban landscapes. More than a decade later, the duo have evolved into a brilliant team of street artists. The two 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 are 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 moving and controversial ending of the film has ignited the graffiti and hip hop subculture, making this the #1 underground film on MySpace, the world's leading youth-oriented website. The soundtrack features an eclectic mix from the rising stars of hiphop, punk, electronica and indie rock including Modest Mouse, Andre Nickatina, Sebadoh, Mr. Lif, Lifesavas, Halou, Good Riddance, Top.R., Amon Tobin, and Built To Spill.

Stand-out performances in the film include Lane Garrison as the conflicted Mikey "Heir" Rosario and newcomer Brian Burnam as the destructive Curtis "Vain" Smith. QUALITY OF LIFE is the feature film debut for both.