25296: FW:(K. Davis) NYC screens new film by Haitian American director (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: "Davis, Karen" <kdavis@marygrove.edu>

New documentary film by Haitian-American director:
Harlem's Mart 125: The American Dream

Mart 125, formerly located in the heart of Harlem on 125th
Street was an indoor market place that housed African
vendors from all over the Diaspora.  Due to a host of
politics, poor management and the redevelopment of Harlem
the Mart was forced to close down.  The building is now up
for biding and the vendors have either found a new location
or are back to vending on the streets.

Harlemâs Mart 125: The American Dream will be an in-depth
analysis of Mart 125 and the changes it has undergone since
its beginnings. This documentary will focus on the closing
of Mart 125 and how it correlates to the ârevitalizationâ of
Central Harlem. The film will create a visual record of the
Mart and the people behind it. Utilizing the city-funded
mall as a case study, the primary concentration of this
piece will be an in-depth analysis of the economical impact
the redevelopment will have on its residents and small
business owners.

The Director
Rachelle Gardner , a Harlem native of Haitian decent,
graduated from Hunter College in 2002. While attaining a
Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Film Production, she also
attended the University of Miami in 1995 as a "visiting
student", where she created two films, "Unforgiven Sins,"
(Super 8), and "Mistijah" (16 mm).   "Unforgiven Sins" was
chosen out of thirty undergraduate projects to participate
in the University of Miami Film Festival.

Besides her academic achievements, Rachelle has managed to
balance an extensive range of professional experiences
working with key players in the Film and Music industry.
Both on set and behind the scenes of media production, she
has worked with the Source Magazine, Forest Whittaker, Jean
Doumanian/Woody Allen Productions, and the Queen Latifah
Show.

Rachelle has been one of the main producers for
Blackfilm.com, which showcases black independent films
across the country, and she currently works full-time as a
promotion coordinator for Sony Music's, Columbia
Records. "Harlem's Mart 125: The American Dream" will serve
as her first independent professional project outside of her
individual experience in the film/media industry.

EVENT DETAILS :
when:
Thursday, June 9, 2005
where:  The National Black Theatre
2031 Fifth Avenue (off of 125th street)
Harlem, NY
212-722-3800

cocktails:   7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Screening and Q&A:  8:30 pm

info line:  212-229-8237
donation:  $20 (minimum)

For tickets please click here .
SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. WE SUGGEST THAT YOU
ARRIVE EARLY TO GUARENTEE A SEAT.
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about the fundraiser
blackfilm.com supports works-in progress such as Harlem's
Mart 125: The American Dream.   Your support will help the
filmmaker to achieve her goal of discussing the effects of
gentrification on the Harlem community. Harlem's Mart 125:
The American Dream looks to continue the efforts of
preserving Harlem's history through the visual accounts of
community residents, community leaders and street vendor's.
The film aims to give a voice to everyone who has made an
economical and cultural impact on Harlem, the most popular
historical tourist site in New York City and the world.
Ultimately, this "work-in progress" educates and supports an
important forum for discussion while providing a reflection
of our world today.

If you are unable to attend this fundraiser and would still
like more information on the film or would like to make a
donation please contact the director, Rachelle Gardner at
harlemmart125@yahoo.com . We appreciate your support!