Paris Is in Harlem

Perhaps it was because I was born in NYC, or simply because I admire great cinema, but I fell in love with PARIS IS IN HARLEM.

For a city that has forever suffered at the hands cliche-slingers, PARIS IS IN HARLEM goes a long way to correct the cinematic insults.

I loved how it flowed like water, I loved the echoes between the different characters and their stories and I especially loved the duet across the subway platform early on in the film. I must have replayed that scene 3 times. Brilliant.

Don't misunderstand -- this film is not some docudrama about the end of NYC's "No Dancing" law. This film is poetry, not history.

If you want a film that breathes with the genuine rhythms and concerns of NYC, you've found it.

"Paris is in Harlem" by Christina Kallas is an insightful and penetrating look at the Manhattan neighborhood in a sort of 'slice of life' style. The story follows a number of characters and weaves together various threads into a tapestry expressing cultural and political realities in a masterful way. Kallas allows us to observe rather than being didactic.

The performances, writing and direction are firing on all cylinders - creating an authentic and engaging experience. I was entertained, moved, and inspired.

It is a form of cinema rarely seen anymore. I really hope this is a sign of a renaissance in independent movies.

Had the pleasure of seeing Christina Kallas' latest film, PARIS IN HARLEM yesterday, and it's stunning. It's an Altman-like tableau of stories set in NYC during 2017 and uses the archaic "No Dancing/Cabaret" law, passed by the city in 1926, as its connective tissue. Like TAR, it masterfully addresses the issues that current ail our upside-down world, but from a neutral, very adult POV, allowing the viewer to draw their own conclusions. The entire cast, from the leads to the smallest supporting role, knocks it out of the park. Kallas directs with a fly-on-the-wall immediacy that makes the viewer feel like they're eavesdropping on real life. Not to be missed.

It's currently screening at The Cinelounge on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles.

This movie is a beautiful slice of life from a vibrant Harlem cultural melange. The whole ensemble and the several storylines were handled beautifully - in fact a triumph. The characters were truly captivating - they felt as if they had been plucked from life (the angry francophone was my favourite character). I loved the way the gun was planted in our consciousness and then expectation was completely confounded in such a joyous ending. The split screen was used to great storytelling effect. This movie is so accomplished. I congratulate Writer/Director Christina Kallas. I look forward to more brilliant stuff from her. A nod also to the cinematographer Tibor Franklin and editor Elwaldo Baptiste.

Paris is in Harlem is a visual and linguistic symphony of wit and color that draws you in and won't let you go. Moving and delightful, it brings all the feels, allowing you to immerse yourself in the authenticity of a city that is equal parts grit, joy, and mystery. The glimpses of Harlem are delightful, capturing the diversity and inimitable charm of one of the world's most famous neighborhoods. The music is an homage to the jazz greats who once called Harlem their home. The film is a testimony to what filmmakers can do given inspiration and talented actors. This is a wonderful film and a lovely tribute to the City of New York.