BROOKLYN IS BURNING

IN PRODUCTION FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM

SYNOPSIS

In a divided America, independent music is creating a subculture that is uniting a multitude of movements in the most diverse city in the world. The purpose of this project is to document the power of this scene and its global impact as it merges black, white, gay, straight, metal, hip-hop, electronic, indie, noise, goth and punk, all in one place: Brooklyn. Music acts like Surfbort, Uniform, A Place to Bury Strangers, Deli Girls, Dreamcrusher, Stuyedeyed, Bodega and Sloppy Jane exemplify what is happening. These bands are shaping the new music language for generations to come.

We want to capture the struggle of bands that are having an impact on and reshaping conversations on things such as female representation, gender identity, race and immigration through their music. Some of the musicians identify as non-binary, some grew up on welfare, some are established painters, some baristas, some are fashion designers, some escaped violence, some are touring seemingly forever and trying to make ends meet. What they all have in common are their strong stories and a strive that is universal. Some bands will succeed, others will dissolve, but to document their music at this crucial time will help us understand something important about our culture.

The places where this is happening are also important to the story. Venues such as Market Hotel, Alphaville, Our Wicked Lady, Secret Project Robot, The Glove, Baby’s All Right and Saint Vitus –just to name a few – are a testament to the story, places that unfortunately are been gentrified in real time. Yet these dance floorsand mosh pits represent a melting pot of cultures and happiness, where a new breath of music and art is emerging. If Manhattan is becoming a place of old museums and high-rise buildings, BROOKLYN IS BURNING WITH NEW MUSIC.

WRITEN AND DIRECTED BY: A.F. CORTÉS