The Rink
HD, (work in progress) 90min.
Branch Brook Park roller rink, located in Newark, NJ, is one of the few remaining
urban rinks of its kind. This concrete structure is nestled in the pit
of a hill bordered by housing projects and a highway. Upon first glance,
the exterior resembles a bomb shelter however, the streamers and lights
of the interior are reminiscent of 1970’s roller discos. We are documenting
two communities that use the space- a predominately Caucasian, Roller Derby
league and a predominantly African American gospel church group. Although
there are evident differences between the groups, “The Rink” functions
as a haven where skaters leave their daily struggles behind. Surrounding
this whimsical space is the changing landscape of Newark, where gentrification
reclaims vacant buildings that towered above forlorn streets since the
1967 race riots.
made with Ryan Joseph
