Stanley Nelson's 'San Juan Hill: Manhattan's Lost Neighborhood' Premieres at New York Film Fest

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Film at Lincoln Center proudly announce the world premiere of San Juan Hill: Manhattan's Lost Neighborhood, a new documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Stanley Nelson. The screening will take place on October 9, at 6:00 p.m. at Alice Tully Hall, as a Special Event of the 62nd New York Film Festival.

“Amsterdam and West 63rd Street, 1956”Photo by(Courtesy of New York City Parks Photo Archive)

The film, narrated by Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose, dives into the rich history of the San Juan Hill neighborhood, an area once known for its thriving arts and culture before being demolished to make way for developments, including Lincoln Center. Directed by Stanley Nelson, the documentary explores the rise and fall of this vibrant, predominantly Black and immigrant community, tracing its legacy through previously unreleased archives, historical footage, and interviews with former residents.

Following the screening, a special conversation with Stanley Nelson, producer Rita Coburn, and select guests will take place, delving deeper into the making of the film and the lasting impact of the neighborhood on New York City's cultural landscape.

San Juan Hill was once the creative heart of New York City, home to musical legends like James P. Johnson, Thelonious Monk, and Josephine Baker. This community also helped to birth jazz movements such as bebop and hosted important cultural figures like playwright Eugene O'Neill. Despite its artistic influence, San Juan Hill was targeted by "urban renewal" efforts in the mid-20th century, leading to the displacement of thousands of residents.

Nelson, known for his award-winning documentaries on African American history, brings the untold stories of San Juan Hill back to life, highlighting the area's contributions to music, culture, and social movements. With support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the documentary is set to revive memories of a neighborhood that played an essential role in shaping Manhattan's history.