Reel New York, Thirteen/WNET’s local independent film and video series, explores the many facets of New York—its past and present, people and places. Started in 1996, the series provides a wide array of perspectives and subjects that cross cultural and social boundaries. One of the few avenues on television for independently made work, Reel New York is one of the longest-running local independent television programs, airing each summer in June, July, and August. For those who missed its 11th season this past summer, this exhibition is a chance to catch up. This selection of 13 shorts from the series showcases a range of narrative, documentary, animated, and experimental works, revealing New York’s dynamic multicultural atmosphere through immigrant stories (The Elevator Operator), intimate biographical portraits (Under the Roller Coaster), experimental artistic visions (Scent of a Robot), and much more.
Organized by Sally Berger, Assistant Curator, Department of Film; in collaboration with Garrison Botts, Series Producer, and Duana Butler, Series Curatorial Consultant, Reel New York; and WNET/Thirteen.