Brooklyn Boheme

Brooklyn Boheme is a documentary film that serves as a love letter to Fort Greene, Brooklyn and the vibrant artistic scene that flourished there during the 1980s and 1990s. The film is directed by filmmaker Diane Paragas and co-produced by actor Spike Lee. Through interviews with key figures of the era, footage of performances and events, and personal anecdotes, Brooklyn Boheme paints a picture of a tight-knit community of artists who made their home in the Brooklyn neighborhood.

The film begins with a brief history of Fort Greene, once a predominantly African-American neighborhood that underwent significant changes in the 1970s due to gentrification. This backdrop sets the stage for the arrival of a group of artists who saw the potential of the neighborhood as a space for their creative endeavors. Among these pioneers were Spike Lee, writer and journalist Nelson George, musician and composer Branford Marsalis, and photographer and filmmaker Clayton Patterson, all of whom are featured prominently in the film.

Through interviews and archival footage, the film introduces the audience to the artistic community that blossomed in Fort Greene during this period. Musicians, painters, poets, and writers came together to create a scene that was both eclectic and unified, as each artist drew inspiration from the others' work. This communal spirit was reinforced by the fact that many of the artists lived in the same buildings or on the same blocks, creating a sense of family and belonging that is palpable throughout the film.

The film also touches on the political and social climate of the era, as the crack epidemic, rising crime rates, and racial tensions frequently made headlines. The artists responded to these challenges by engaging with their community and creating works that spoke to their experiences. Spike Lee's film Do the Right Thing, which was shot in and around Fort Greene, is a prime example of this activism, as it addressed issues of police brutality and racial tension head-on.

Brooklyn Boheme also explores the history of the Fort Greene Park Jazz Festival, an annual event that was founded by Branford Marsalis and his brother Wynton. The festival became a cornerstone of the neighborhood's cultural identity, providing a venue for both established and up-and-coming musicians to showcase their talents. The film features several performances from the festival, including a memorable set by jazz icon Miles Davis.

Throughout the film, the love and camaraderie of the Fort Greene artistic community is evident. The artists speak fondly of one another, and there is a real sense that they inspired each other to create some of their most meaningful works. The film is also notable for its inclusion of female artists, such as poet and writer Cheryl Boyce-Taylor and visual artist Adger Cowans, who are given as much screen time as their male counterparts.

The film ends with a bittersweet note, as it acknowledges the changes that have occurred in Fort Greene in the years since the artistic community took root. Gentrification has pushed out many longtime residents, and rising rents have made it difficult for young artists to make a home in the neighborhood. Nonetheless, the legacy of the Fort Greene scene lives on, as the film reminds us of the indelible impact that these artists had on one another and the community they called home.

Overall, Brooklyn Boheme is a heartfelt tribute to an important moment in Brooklyn's cultural history, and to the artists who helped shape it. Through its mix of interviews, performances, and archival footage, the film captures the spirit of this community and reminds us of the power of art to bring people together.