National Geographic Documentary Films’ Presents LA 92

Twenty-five years after the verdict in the Rodney King trial sparked several days of protests, violence and looting in Los Angeles, LA 92, a new feature documentary from National Geographic Documentary Films, immerses viewers in that tumultuous period through stunning and rarely seen archival footage.

National Geographic Documentary Films explores the events leading up to the violence, as well as the chaos and destruction that ensued. Told entirely through stunning and rarely seen archival footage, the film captures the shock, disappointment and fury felt by many Angelenos, particularly those in the African-American community, following the outcomes of the back-to-back, highly publicized trials.

In the case of the King beating, it was the first time the kind of abuse many had witnessed or experienced at the hands of LAPD officers was recorded and broadcast for the world to see, leaving some with the sense that if justice did not prevail despite such graphic evidence, it never would.

[The film will air on the National Geographic Channel on April 30 at 9/8c.]

On April 29, 1992, those emotions boiled over into unbridled mayhem that began in the predominantly black area of South Central Los Angeles and quickly spread to other parts of the city. The situation was exacerbated by the slow reaction of first responders and delays in deploying National Guard troops by then Governor Pete Wilson to secure the area.

LA 92 offers a riveting glimpse of a major American city during some of its darkest days. Viewed from a multitude of vantage points, the film brings a fresh perspective to a pivotal moment that reverberates to this day.

LA 92 is produced by Lightbox in association with National Geographic Documentary Films. For Lightbox, producers are Simon and Jonathan Chinn. For National Geographic Documentary Films, the executive producer is Matt Renner and Tim Pastore is president of original programming and production.

National Geographic Documentary Films’ LA 92 will premiere at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival on April 21, followed by its broadcast debut on National Geographic on April 30 at 9/8c.