When Australian filmmaker Benjamin Dowie signed up to spend an entire summer working in Uganda, Africa he knew exactly what he was doing by placing himself among such a magnificent landscape and community of people. The resourceful director made his time working for an NGO even more memorable by deciding to film during his travels and daily encounters. The result is a magical edit full of beautiful countryside and elegant locals. Enjoy!
The popular bicycle sharing system used in cities in Europe, Asia, and North and South America that rents bikes to individuals on a short term basis has arrived to the New York City boroughs of Manhattan & Brooklyn. Citi Bike is a privately owned public bicycle sharing system that began 24/7 operation on Memorial Day with 6,000 bikes in over 300 different docking stations. It's the largest system of its kind in the United States.
The launch of the Citi Bike program is not without incident though as the program is currently only available to annual members and many of them have yet to receive access to the program. Also, On May 20th a long row of bike racks in front of a building on W 13th street blocked emergency workers from caring for a 92-year-old man in need of medical assistance. There have also been disputes with residents about the locations of some docking stations and allegations against the company that runs the bike sharing program (Alta Bike Share) about fair wages. There's even criticism about the fact that Citi’s name is prominently featured on the bikes. Citi Bike looks like a healthy alternative mode of transportation in some places, but for now it's unfortunately only accessible to a select group of New Yorkers (in Manhattan and Brooklyn). Time will tell whether the program will be a success and how quickly it can expand. Frankly, we think it should be judged on whether it served public or corporate interests, but what do we know?
Share your thoughts with us in our comments section.
Major League Soccer recently announced a partnership between Manchester City FC and the New York Yankees to bring the league its 20th franchise, New York City FC. Manchester City FC will own the majority of the team while The Yankees own the rest. The team will start playing in 2015 and will be the first MLS team to play within the 5 boroughs. A 20,000+ seat stadium currently being planned for construction in Queens’ Flushing Meadows Park with a tentative plan to play in Yankee Stadium while the project is completed. Mayor Bloomberg has already thrown his support behind the plan saying that Flushing Meadows Park is “the best place for it for everybody.”
New York City FC and its stadium plans aren't without their opposition however as the Mets would have to agree to let the team use its parking facilities. Then there's also the local resident opposition to the plans on top of that. The idea of building a privately owned stadium on public parkland is controversial especially with no concrete plans on how to replace the lost space for the neighborhood. While the recent victories of the new Yankee Stadium (The Bronx) and the Barclay’s Center (Brooklyn) have shown that major influence from major franchises can indeed prevail over concerned citizens it'll definitely be curious to see how this new front will pan out.
New York City's outdated payphones have found new life via a project that connects callers to the city's infamous history. The initiative, dubbed Recalling 1993, is part of the New Museum's current exhibition, NYC 1993: Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star, which highlights the social matrix of the 90's according to artists and storytellers. Callers can dial up from over 5000 designated city payphones and hear personal accounts of what was going on in that particular neighborhood over two decades ago!
There's a war going on in Baltimore, Maryland and very few are safe--a war for the survival of expression in some of the meanest streets this side of Eastern border of the United States. 12 O' Clock Boys is a documentary about that war. Although there aren't guns and bombs involved there are police and a so-called "enemy". In the midst of poverty and violence very few things hold together like illegal Baltimore bike gangs. The following is a trailer about a young boy and his numerous encounters with dreams and destiny. Brace yourself.
Jasper Wong's artist and cultural gathering in Honolulu, Hawaii, Pow Wow, just completed its second year on the island. The result was another successful joining of creative minds and hands that converged to engage the community and each other via murals, panel discussions and social events. From the looks of it the gathering is a success story for Wong, just not one that's complete yet! You see, Pow Wow needs to be documented and its message needs spreading. Hence a Kickstarter campaign that's seeking to publicly source a film documentary about the project and a book cataloguing all of the amazing art that it has produced. Not a bad thing at all! Even though they've already reached their pledge goal fans can still jump on board to contribute and receive supporter perks as well.
Our homie Bobbito Garcia (DJ, Baller, Historian) needs our help getting his independent flick on the history of pick-up basketball in New York City, out and into theaters. Doin' It In The Park, produced and directed by Bobbito and Kevin Couliau, explores the social significance of the sport inside of the urban environment. The project's got 22 days left to reach it's goal of $35K USD. Worth the support especially since so many of the pledge amounts come with perks like signed b-ball gear an early digital download of the movie and mention in their "Special Thanks" section! Pledge your support here.
Thrash Lab presents a look into the world of independent butchers. The following short highlights the importance of local avenues for meat, both for community and sustainability. Whether you're a meat-eater or not, you have to respect the idea of producing and supplying in a humble way that connects folks back to what they're eating and where it's coming from!
Definitive Style Exclusive (DSE) Detroit is a premier streetwear brand hailing from Michigan. Smart, slick and well-designed, the line aligns itself with hometown pride. You'll find hats, bags, crews, hoodies and tees all representing love and support for The Motor City--a place that can really use it. Right on!
It's no secret that Detroit's current state of affairs could easily rival that of a third world country. And with all due respect, The Motor City's future also hangs in the unfortunate balance. Politics, jobs, money, and people all tied together, waiting to see or build for themselves what will or won't be. Two documentaries have captured a first-hand look into the decaying frontlines and uplifting sanctuaries. Check out the trailers to Detropia, a hard-hitting and dreamlike account of Detroit on the brink and We Are Not Ghosts, a story about Detroiters dedicated to rebuilding their communities. Both remarkable to watch and consider!
