The new documentary Brooklyn Boheme,directed by Nelson George and Diane Paragas explains why Brooklyn is often coined “the livest borough.” More specially the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill area, which was once home and still is to some of the greatest black and Hispanic artists that we know today. The documentary has the capability of shifting anyone’s mind who thinks the borough is anything short of great. It paints a clear and celebratory picture of the artistic legacy that the neighborhood has while showcasing the inspirational impact that the residents took from their surroundings.
Hiphopweekly.com attended the screening of Brooklyn Boheme at the IFC Center for the DOC NYC Film Festival in New York City.
Director Spike Lee’s witty dialogue, raw expressions and honest truth while reminiscing about Fort Greene is what kept audience members laughing during the screening. With little funds and some challenges, Lee created his debut film She’s Gotta Have It (1986) in the neighborhood. George who didn’t live far from Lee, helped finance the film. This was an example of the type of brotherhood that existed in Fort Greene. Lee also built his production company, 40 Acres and a Mule at a firehouse in the neighborhood (124 Dekalb Ave). It was out of the firehouse that he directed the 1989 classic Do the Right Thing.
Tina (Rosie Perez) & Mookie (Spike Lee) in Do the Right Thing (1989)
Rosie Perez who played Tina in Do the Right Thingreminised with George about the time she spent at the firehouse. Perez becomes emotional when describing her time not just at the firehouse but in Brooklyn, period. Perez says when you’re a borough person “you have memories.”
Lee also has memories, intense ones. Whether it was riding his bicycle up and down Brooklyn or his fans finding out his Fort Greene address and terrorizing his wife at 4a.m. in the morning, it’s all memorable.
Nelson George and Chris Rock in Brooklyn Boheme
Over the years Fort Greene has been blessed with an artistic network creating writers, film-makers, musicians, poets, and even comedians. The notable rise of Chris Rock took place in Brooklyn, the comedian praised his neighborhood in the documentary. George and Rock took a trip back to Rock’s first place in the area, the new resident is a white women who gushes over living in a house where Rock once lived.
Lee says the rich artistic network was about black artists not following the status quo and actually striving to make money off of their art. Mos Def, Erykah Badu, Saul Willams and Toure (to name a few) can all relate. Rapper Mos Def could be found rapping on a street corner back in the days, while the queen of neo-soul wouldn’t be too far behind putting together lyrics for songs like “Bag Lady.” Journalist Toure remembers when he moved into Fort Greene in 1994, he admits that his writing got better in the neighborhood. He highlights the evolution of washed up store fronts that sold drugs transforming into classy dining areas. It’s even becoming noticable that the population of single people is changing into married couples. The area is becoming more safe now that rules and regulations are being more enforced, making drugs not as easily accessible as they were years ago.
As far as the legacy of Fort Greene, George who describes himself as an “aging b-boy” says he isn’t going anywhere. As the documentary ends, the pleased audience cheers. The screening was followed by a traditional Q&A session which journalist Toure participated in. George closed out the session with a long moment of silence for rap legend Heavy D.
Rosie Perez and Nelson George in Brooklyn Boheme
Follow director Nelson George on Twitter for additional information and updates on Brooklyn Boheme. You can log onto his website at www.nelsondgeorge.net
Lathleen is an entertainment journalist and freelance writer located in New York City.
Leave a Reply