Filmmaker Statement

SAVING CONEY ISLAND deconstructs one woman's life-long dedication to preserving the NYC beach that meant so much to her as a child. 15 years after first hearing about Coney Island, the ocean conservationist is forced to confront the real reason she cares so much about saving the shores. Representing the magnitude of her emotions through the enormity of a dying environment wounded by pollution, SAVING CONEY ISLAND explores how one's personal traumas can feel as big and urgent as a global crisis. A small group of NYU Grad Film students collaborated to tell this NYC story about one woman's relentless attempt to protect and beautify a landmark of personal meaning. We were fortunate to film on-location, allowing the film's performances to come to life in the actual spaces that inspired them. Through the course of the film we inspect how hope impacts a person's daily living. And where does life go after once they realize it is only ever going to be something they can hope for.