343 Lenox Ave
(127th and 128th streets)
Please direct all press inquries to:
cinema@mayslesinstitute.org
or:
212-582-6050 ext: 221
Maysles Cinema Presents Jock Docs: Skateboarding
July 28th and 29th
This July, the Maysles Cinema presents the sixth monthly installment of its sports-themed series, "Jock Docs." Rolling through the local history of skateboarding, this month's series focuses on two recently deceased legends of their eras: Andy Kessler and Harold Hunter. Presented in association with the Andy Kessler and Harold Hunter Foundations, this series aims to commemorate their talents and lasting impact through skate videos, documentaries, discussions and celebration.
Deathbowl to Downtown: The Evolution of Skateboarding in New York City (dir. Nichols and Charnoski, 2009), is screening on Wednesday, July 28th. This documentary film chronicles the shift in the sport's popularity from California in the 1970's to New York in the 1990's. Although California is where the Z-boys became famous for taking over emptied swimming pools in the 1970s, the skateboarding movement also evolved on the East coast at the same time with the "Soul Artists of Zoo York", a young group of skaters which included Andy Kessler. They adapted skateboarding to their urban environment and were also influenced by the hip hop and graffiti art scenes that surrounded them. This urban take on the sport developed under the radar until the early 1990s when the New York skate scene attracted attention, largely thanks to Harold Hunter. A gifted skater and posterboy for the Ecko Unltd. brand "Zoo York", Hunter became well known for his role in Larry Clark's 1995 movie Kids. His crossover to film embodied the growing visibility of the New York skate scene. Both Hunter and Kessler used their success to build bridges across communities. Kessler commissioned a group of urban youth to build the city's first skate park in Riverside Park, paving the way for more parks to be built elsewhere, while Hunter used his fame to draw attention to the multi-ethnic composition of the Lower East Side and the culture it birthed. The panel discussion following the film will focus on the contributions of these two fallen New York skate legends.
On Thursday the 29th there will be a screening at the Maysles Cinema of "Legends Never Die", a Harold Hunter Skate video tribute compiled by R.B. Umali, recognizing his contributions to the New York skate scene, along with 3 short films and a reception.
Wednesday, July 28th, 7:30 pm screening @ Maysles Cinema
Deathbowl to Downtown: The Evolution of Skateboarding in New York City
Dir. Coan Nichols and Rick Charnoski (2009) 87 min. Deathbowl to Downtown documents the shift in skateboarding primacy from the parks and the pools of sunny California in the 70s to the gritty streets of New York in the 1990's. This transition also foretells the recent hybrid uptake of skateboard culture in Harlem and other communities of color.
Panel Discussion and Reception to follow.
Thursday, July 29th, 8:00 pm screening @ Maysles Cinema:
Legends Never Die - Harold Hunter Tribute
15 years of NYC Skateboarding ('95-'10) Dir. R.B. Umali
In The Streets
Dir. Steve Marino
5BORO's 55 Nights On Your Couch
Dir. Tom Colabraro
Reception to follow.
For a full listing of all the Institute's programs and additional information, please visitwww.mayslesinstitute.org
- The Maysles Cinema: The Best Theater to See Documentaries
"Low-key but bursting with personality (cool carpets and pillows add to the feel that you're hanging out at someone's house), this intimate screening room for socially conscious docs was founded by legendary documentarian Albert Maysles (Grey Gardens), so expect creative programming."
- Time Out New York (2010 Movie Issue)
Please direct all press and requests for reservations to cinema@mayslesinstitute.org
The Maysles Cinema is a Non-Profit, Independent Movie Theater. Although most evenings we request a $10.00 donation no one is turned away for lack of funds.
www.mayslesinstitute.org
