Inspired by what he is seeing take place on Buffalo’s West Side, progressive rap cinema artist Chae Hawk has decided to host a film screening of Robert De Niro’s new short film ‘Ellis’, directed by Jr and written by Academy Award winner Eric Roth (Tribeca).
“My move from Elmwood back to the West Side has made me appreciate culture from the standpoint of rebuilding, family, and work ethic,” says Hawk. “The people who have [so] little have so much love, character, while appreciating the small things – making a way and doing their own grind. I appreciate and respect that.”
Not many people are aware that Buffalo has its own set of Immigrant Steps that are located at Canalside, where countless people landed before setting out westward to seek their destinies. Once again, Buffalo is thriving, partially due to the influx of refugees that are seeking out solace and safety throughout the entire city.
Hawk was also prompted to partner with the North Park on the screening after realizing that much of what he was striving to accomplish in Buffalo, he saw in the film. “This film artistically is something similar to what we did over 2 years ago with my close, open minded musicians that I am proud to call my friends. So that first attracted me. I feel bringing this film to Buffalo is appropriate for what my company Team Radio stands for and wanted to use this evening to bring my friends, family, and people who share similar interests, to come out and spend 30 minutes on a late Thursday night for a rare underground De Niro performance. Not to mention I read a cool article on him a week prior to my discovery of this opportunity. Admission is free, but we are asking for a suggested $5 dollar donation benefiting Journey’s End refugee service.”
Seeing blossoming relationships between the North Park Theatre and various community partners shows just how important it is to have an independent movie theatre in the city.