Movies are more than just a form of entertainment, it’s an experience that could inspire a person to alter the course of their life. That’s the mission of PaleFO Cinema, “Amplify Cinema. Impact Community,” an outdoor film festival that hosts screenings in areas that have been identified as hotspots for youth violence and gang activity, transforming a space into an opportunity to uplift a community through the arts.
“In an effort to counter youth idleness and community disengagement, [I aim to invite] historically under-resourced and systematically disenfranchised youth and young adults to produce, curate and promote stories in an effort to amplify and empower their voice in a cinematic space,” Eileen Level said, founder and creator of PaleFO Cinema.
On July 15th, this endeavor showcased its first screening outside of Breukelen Cornerstone (also known as the Breukelen Houses Community Center) located at 715 East 105th Street—an area that experienced a tragic shooting just a month prior to the event. To assist with the festivities, members of NYPD’s community affairs, the Rockaway Parkway Merchants Corridor Association, and staff from the Breukelen Cornerstone were on hand.
Level’s endeavors for her cinema to be utilized as a youth violence deterrent, invoking creative expression, storytelling and cultural involvement as well as participation in civic-cultural engagement.
Level is focused on the Canarsie area, which sees a high volume of gang activity and shootings, and hopes to, in the future, hold a permanent theater/exhibition in this location.
“[I] produce and curate outdoor cinema events in high-needs communities that will serve and collaborate with historically underrepresented youth and act as a conduit to encourage positive recreations for the entire community,” Level said.
At the July 15th screening, dozens of children, pre-teens, teens, and young adults were surprised to see an inflated movie screen with lawn chairs, a popcorn machine, and snacks right on their block.
” A perfect night, I feel like I’m in Central Park, but in my community,” one local said. While another added, “This is something. My kids are watching from their window.”
In addition to showcasing the groundbreaking Black horror film, Get Out, Level also held trivia for participants with giveaways including certificates to local businesses.
Executive Director of the Rockaway Parkway Merchants Corridor Association, Norine Nedas’ was impressed with Level’s project, so she decided to offer her assistance by facilitating certificate giveaways and providing team support.
“We wanted to get involved in this because again, it allows us to expand our reach and respond to the issue of gang violence. That is definitely something that is problematic here in Canarsie. And we believe that we need to be doing our part. So, supporting PaleFO Cinema is one way of us giving back to the community,” Nedas said.
At sundown, (from 8pm to 11pm), dozens of audience members enjoyed their local outdoor movie—and many passersby applauded the efforts.
“I think this is beautiful for the neighborhood. We are not in so much of a great neighborhood, but we have people here protecting us. It brings the community together,” Ricardo Cantre said, “I can’t believe this is my neighborhood, I hope you do it more than once a year even though it’s a bad area the community needs it”
Photos by Amanda Moses
