The Bronx River Film Diaries
The Bronx Filmmakers Collective (TBxF), in partnership with Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) and Bronx River Alliance, is proud to present The Bronx River Film Diaries, an experimental documentary workshop and film challenge celebrating Earth Day 2025. Inspired by this year’s global Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” the project centers on the local theme “Our Power, Our River”, inviting Bronx residents to explore their relationship with the Bronx River through personal, poetic filmmaking.
The initiative launches on Saturday, April 19 at 10:30 AM with a free public workshop at BRAC, featuring presentations by Nathan Hunter, Bronx River Foodway Coordinator, and Josafat Concepción, filmmaker and Program Director of TBxF. Attendees will also view a curated screening of classic experimental works by Jonas Mekas and Marie Menken, whose approaches to place and nature offer artistic inspiration for participants. The workshop introduces basic techniques in experimental documentary and kicks off the week-long film challenge.
Participants will have five days (April 19–23) to create short films (1–5 minutes) using any recording device (ex. smartphones, DSLRs, camcorders, etc.,) shot in one or more of the Bronx River’s key green spaces, from Starlight Park to the Bronx River Forest. Participants may work solo or in teams encouraging families, neighbors, and local groups to join the creative process.
The project culminates on Friday, April 25 with a public screening and Earth Day celebration at BRAC. All submitted films will be showcased and selected works will be featured in an extended exhibition at BRAC’s gallery from April 26th to May 31st. The Bronx River Film Diaries aims to amplify local voices, promote environmental awareness, and celebrate the Bronx River as a vital cultural and ecological resource. This program is made possible with the support of NYC15 Council Member Oswald Feliz and NYC13 Council Member Kristy Marmorato.