Harlem's Mart 125: The American Dream

Synopsis
Mart 125, formerly located in the heart of Harlem on 125th Street was an indoor market place that housed African vendors from all over the Diaspora.  Due to a host of politics, poor management and the redevelopment of Harlem the Mart was forced to close down.  The building is now up for biding and the vendors have either found a new location or are back to vending on the streets.

Harlem’s Mart 125: The American Dream will be an in-depth analysis of Mart 125 and the changes it has undergone since its beginnings. This documentary will focus on the closing of Mart 125 and how it correlates to the “revitalization” of Central Harlem. The film will create a visual record of the Mart and the people behind it. Utilizing the city-funded mall as a case study, the primary concentration of this piece will be an in-depth analysis of the economical impact the redevelopment will have on its residents and small business owners.

The Director
Rachelle Gardner , a Harlem native of Haitian decent, graduated from Hunter College in 2002. While attaining a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Film Production, she also attended the University of Miami in 1995 as a "visiting student", where she created two films, "Unforgiven Sins," (Super 8), and "Mistijah" (16 mm).   "Unforgiven Sins" was chosen out of thirty undergraduate projects to participate in the University of Miami Film Festival. Besides her academic achievements, Rachelle has managed to balance an extensive range of professional experiences working with key players in the Film and Music industry.   Both on set and behind the scenes of media production, she has worked with the Source Magazine, Forest Whittaker, Jean Doumanian/Woody Allen Productions, and the Queen Latifah Show. Rachelle has been one of the main producers for Blackfilm.com, which showcases black independent films across the country, and she currently works full-time as a promotion coordinator for Sony Music's, Columbia Records. "Harlem's Mart 125: The American Dream" will serve as her first independent professional project outside of her individual experience in the film/media industry.  

about the fundraiser
blackfilm.com supports works-in progress such as Harlem's Mart 125: The American Dream.   Your support will help the filmmaker to achieve her goal of discussing the effects of gentrification on the Harlem community. Harlem's Mart 125: The American Dream looks to continue the efforts of preserving Harlem's history through the visual accounts of community residents, community leaders and street vendor's. The film aims to give a voice to everyone who has made an economical and cultural impact on Harlem, the most popular historical tourist site in New York City and the world. Ultimately, this "work-in progress" educates and supports an important forum for discussion while providing a reflection of our world today.  

If you are not from the New York area and would still like to support the filmmaker, please feel free to contact Rachelle Gardner directly to make a donation. For more information, Please contact the filmmaker at harlemmart125@yahoo.com .

100% of the proceeds will go towards the completion of this film.

event sponsors
This performance was made in part by Manhattan Community Arts Fund/New York City of Cultural Affairs, administered by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council

Questions about this event? Email harlemmart125@yahoo.com