June 5, 2017
The inaugural FREE outdoor summer cinema series Film Works Alfresco begins tonight with the feature film The Cherokee Word for Water. Featuring pre-show entertainment of First Nations Music and Dances from the America’s performed by Band of Tainos,
This curated film series focuses foremost on presenting independent and popular films with local relevance that culturally resonate with the Northern Manhattan community. Twelve free screenings will occur consecutively every Monday evening at dusk at Gaelic Field in Inwood Hill Park from June 5 through August 21 in 2017. This seasonal cinema series expands public access to professional filmmaking in Northern Manhattan, and presents as diverse an array of films as the community it serves. The Film Works Alfresco is produced by Inwood Art Works, Aaron Simms, Founding Executive Producer.
EXHIBITION SCHEDULE AND FILM INFORMATION
The Cherokee Word for Water – Monday, June 5, 2017 – 92 minutes. Drama in English and Cherokee with subtitles (2013, USA).
The Cherokee Word for Water is a feature-length motion picture that tells the story of the work that led Wilma Mankiller to become the first modern female Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Based on the true story of the Bell Waterline Project, the movie is about a community coming together to improve its life condition.
LOCATION AND ADMISSION
Gaelic Field is located near the salt marsh in Inwood Hill Park and is accessible by entry at Isham Street and at 218th Street.
FREE for all. No admission required.
In the case of inclement weather, rain date is August 28, 2017. Stay tuned to Inwood Art Works social media channels for updates.
PRE-SHOW ENTERTAINMENT INFORMATION
First Nations Music and Dances from the America’s performed by Band of Tainos. Co-presented by Eagle and Condor Community Center. Eagle and Condor’s Community Center’s mission is to empower, connect, and support First Nation communities throughout the Americas. The Center provides First Nations workshops, special events in NYC parks, and in neighborhoods addressing First Nations issues and concerns. At Film Works Alfresco, they will be performing some different First nations music and dances from the Americas as well as educate the public about the ancient need to protect natural resources for the future generations.
SUPPORT
Partial Support for Film Work Alfresco is provided with support from the Partnerships for Parks Inwood Parks Grant, made possible by Columbia University.
Film Works Alfresco is additionally funded by The Neighborhood 360° Program. The Neighborhood 360° Program was created by the NYC Department of Small Business Services to identify, develop, and launch commercial revitalization projects in partnership with local stakeholders.
Additional support provide by Edison Properties, Evydent Dentistry, Indian Road Café, Inwood Gourmet, Ray’s Barber Shop, Team Hermann at Halstead Property, and Hanuman Health Club.
QUOTES
“Cultural and artistic events breathe life into our public spaces and neighborhoods,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “I’m thrilled that Film Works Alfresco will be in Inwood Hill Park this summer, and commend Inwood Art Works for its efforts to bring culturally relevant arts programming into this community.” – Gale A. Brewer, Manhattan Borough President.
“Strong neighborhoods are the backbone of our city, and the nearly $1.23 million we invested in Inwood will go a long way towards revitalizing key commercial corridors,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “Working with the Washington Heights Business Improvement District and their partner Inwood Art Works, we are responding to local need to support small business growth and build a more vibrant neighborhood.” – Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of New York City Department of Small Business Services.
BIOGRAPHY
INWOOD ART WORKS creates and curates professional performing and visual arts in the Inwood community. Through its Film Works, Art Works, and Stage Works programs it encourages positive social engagement, goodwill, and unity through live theater, music, dance, film, new media, and visual arts within accessible proximity at affordable prices or free of charge.
AARON SIMMS is a New Yorker from Cincinnati. Among his credits, he has company managed the acclaimed Off Broadway runs of Small Mouth Sounds, and Wrestling Jerusalem. He has worked at Maximum Entertainment Productions, Snug Harbor Productions, Richards/Climan, Inc., Manhattan Theatre Club, Playwrights Realm, DR Theatrical Management, and ICM Partners. He is chairman of Northern Manhattan Arts and Culture, and the Founding Executive Producer of Inwood Art Works. In addition, he is a union member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA, and I.A.T.S.E. He holds a B.A. in Theater from Butler University, and an M.F.A. in Theater Management & Producing from Columbia University.
