About James Dupree

Born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, James began his career in 1971 and conquered all barriers within the art community between racism and critics of his art work. The feature documentary Broken Dreams, highlights James and the Mantua community in his massive art studio in West Philadelphia. In 2011, as two major universities slowly push their way through the Mantua community with student housing, urban planning and gentrification, his art studio was in jeopardy after the city seized his deed via eminent domain proceedings.

After a long legal battle and social media outcry, his deed was finally restored and James continues to paint and showcase his artwork within the community. The documentary was produced and filmed from 2012 through 2016 and documents Dupree’s story and fight with the city of Philadelphia.