About this project
"The Rink" is a feature length documentary about Branch Brook Park roller rink, located in Newark, NJ, one of the few remaining urban rinks of its kind. This concrete structure is nestled in the pit of a hill bordered by housing projects and a highway. Upon first glance, the exterior resembles a bomb shelter however, the streamers and lights of the interior are reminiscent of 1970’s roller discos. Serving extremely diverse subcultures within Newark, this space is a microcosm of the city that surrounds it. This film will follow three characters from distinct groups that use the space; a Skate Dancer, a Gospel Skater, and a Roller Derby Girl. These three characters represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, illustrating the underlying complexities that form the tapestry of American culture. Despite their differences in race, class, religion, and sexuality, these skaters are united by the rink, which serves as a refuge from the stress of their lives.
We will use this money to help fund the production of this film. This includes money to rent the rink for closed shoots with our skaters. Money to rent equipment to up the production value of the film and make it look fantastic. And money to acquire the rights to some of the music we use in the piece.
We truly appreciate your help in funding this project. Getting to know Branch Brook Park Roller Rink over the past year has been extremely fulfilling. It is a space of unparalleled freedom and respect, which is infectious to all who enter through its doors. We want to bring this unique energy to our viewing audience so that you leave the theater feeling as though you have been there.
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on September 1, 2010.
Pledge $70 or more Pledge $70 or more
a copy of the film, a sticker, a credit and a T-shirt
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
a copy of the film, a sticker, a credit in the film, a T-shirt and free passes to Branch Brook Park Roller Rink
Project By
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Sarah Friedland is and NYC based filmmaker. Her directorial debut, "Breath on The Mirror", screened at many festivals including, San Francisco, Athens, and the Scanners Video Festival at Lincoln Center. Friedland's first feature, "Thing With No Name", premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival and is still screening around the world. Friedland’ has been awarded grants from the Jerome Foundation, the Paul Newman Foundation and the William H. Prusoff Foundation. Friedland was named one of the top 10 filmmakers to watch in 2009 by the Independent Magazine.
Ryan Joseph was born in Trinidad, West Indies and now resides in Newark, NJ. He is a freelance documentary photographer and is currently pursuing his MFA at Hunter College, Integrated Media Program in New York. He has taught photography at Lehman College and New Media and Web Design in Baltimore, Maryland at a youth program, Kids Scoop. He worked as an Art Instructor, with Arts with Heart in Baltimore, Maryland, dedicated to bringing art at to at risk youth. His work has been displayed in Aljira, Center for Contemporary Art in Newark, New Jersey, John Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland and he has been published in The New York Times and Jet Magazine.
