Doin It In The Park at Maysles in Harlem (video)

In New York City, pick-up basketball is not just a sport. It is a way of life. There are 700+ outdoor courts, and an estimated 500,000 players, the most loyal of which approach the game as a religion, and the playground as their church. DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK: PICK-UP BASKETBALL, NYC explores the definition, history, culture, and social impact of New York’s outdoor summer b-ball scene, the worldwide “Mecca” of the sport.  Starring Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Kenny Smith, “Pee Wee” Kirkland, “Fly” Williams, God Shammgod, Tim “Headache” Gittens, Corey “Homicide” Williams, Kenny Anderson, Jack Ryan, Richard “Crazy Legs” Colon, Niki Avery, Milani Malik, and the Park Pick-Up Players of NYC, the film lovingly uncovers this movement through the voices of playground legends, NBA athletes, and most importantly the common ballplayer who all day looks forward to calling “next” game at their local schoolyard. Co-directors Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau visited 180 courts throughout NYC’s five boroughs to create their debut documentary. They traveled to a majority of the locations by bicycle, carrying camera equipment and a basketball in their backpacks. The film’s title refers as much to the subject matter as it does to the method of filmmaking, providing an unprecedented perspective on urban America’s most popular, and accessible, free recreation. Includes an original score by Eddie Palmieri, plus music from Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds, the Roots, Quantic Soul Orchestra and others.

In Case of Rain on Both Nights: Join us at the Maysles Cinema for Doin’ It In The Park, for one of two showings – 7:30pm or 9:30 pm, on the 15th.

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• Doin’ It In The Park, From Harlem to Crown Heights (sports) (harlemworldmag.com)