Brighton Beach

Restoration Premiere

This long-lost treasure of a film, newly restored in stunning 4K for its 45th anniversary, lovingly captures the heart and soul of the iconic Coney Island boardwalk. Using a vérité-style, the film transports you to a vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood where immigrant communities—mainly Soviet Jews and Puerto Ricans—mingle on the boardwalk with long-time residents, eye one another, and coexist around a shared sense of uprootedness. Through moments of spontaneous interaction, Brighton Beach offers a deeply human portrayal of life’s simple pleasures and the creation of a diverse, thriving community. This beautifully shot, unposed film is an evocative celebration of connection and the shared sense of belonging found amidst a backdrop of change.

Accompanying the film premiere is a discussion with co-directors Carol Stein & Susan Wittenberg. To view the conversation please click here.