NYC Overcoming: Boogie Down Grind (2022)

Editor, Story Producer

9 min.

Production Company: Firelight Media + Human Pictures

NYC Overcoming, a series of 5 short films packaged into a 1-hour special from Harlem-based production company Firelight Films, helmed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson. This documentary aims to celebrate the efforts of the nightlife, hospitality, and entertainment communities throughout the five boroughs as they recover from pandemic hardships.

The Boogie Down Grind, located in Hunts Point and founded in 2016 as the first Hip Hop Cafe in the Bronx, pays homage to the vibrant and historic Hip Hop scene of the area and is a staple of the South Bronx community. The shop had to suffer through multiple pandemic closures but, with the help of small business loans and a donation from Beyonce's #beygood fund, the shop has reopened brighter and busier, much to the delight of owner and Bronx-native Majora Carter.