Film Screening and Discussion: Changing Face of Harlem

Changing Face of Harlem is a one-hour documentary that examines the revitalization of Harlem told through the deeply personal stories of its residents, small business owners, politicians, developers, and clergy. Identified as the birthplace of the Black Renaissance, Changing Face of Harlem takes a critical look at Harlem’s history, early development, and its present transformation. The film began production in the year 2000 and was shot over a period of ten years.  Changing Face of Harlem was chosen as an official selection for The San Diego Black Film Festival, The San Francisco Black Film Festival, Big Muddy Film Festival, Reel Sisters Film Festival, and numerous other festivals and conferences nationwide. The film has also screened at Maysles Cinema, Anthology Archives, and CUNY Gotham Center. Following the screening, we will hold a discussion/Q+A with Shawn Batey, an award-winning filmmaker with over 15 years experience as a producer, filmmaker, and writer of documentary films and videos.  Her additional credits include “60+”, a musical documentary of an all-female senior citizen band, “Making the World Feel Better, the P.S. 230 Mural Project” and “Tree Fever”, a quirky look at Christmas tree sellers in Upper Manhattan.  Her works have been utilized with schools nationwide and have screened in numerous festivals. In 2004, she was selected to participate as an Observer at The Toronto Documentary Forum.