Jun 4, 2025

Maysles Documentary Center New York

Documentaries only

""Maysles Documentary Center" in Harlem, New York is the only independent film house north of Lincoln Center devoted exclusively to documentary programming."

Paraphrased from their own website, the following: a 51-seat cinema (that minimum capacity qualifying films for Oscar nomination), MDC's mission began with a summer education program for youth whose parents were incarcerated, to encourage creative self-expression, holistic youth development and community building. Now low or no-cost education programs range from film literacy classes for children, film making for high school students, and advanced film-making for adults, and a cinema management job training program for Harlem residents. Maysles Cinema, at the MDC, is the only independent film house north of Lincoln Center devoted exclusively to documentary programming. That's about three miles distant.

Past films and film series have included as subjects Malcolm X, the Chicano Movement, Marcus Garvey, William Kuntsler, Black Panthers, Slavery, Soul Food Junkies, Women Directors, the Panama Papers, New York African Film Festival and Uptown Flicks Presents: a monthly series featuring screenings of top recent French documentaries and verité films followed by a drinks and mingling.

Nearby on 131st Street is a former home of Jelly Roll Morton who, at the age of fourteen, worked as a piano player in a brothel. In that atmosphere, his repertoire included, appropriately, carnal themed songs, affording the nickname "Jelly Roll", street slang for female genitalia, and by extension a lover of same.

008-ticket
Cinema

About this spot

Malcolm X Boulevard 343

Free/ from:

US$

10

2125376843

Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

Apthorp Cleaners

Barbies, Barbies, Barbies

"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 13, 2025

Taco Mix

Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls

Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 12, 2025

Dinastia

Cuban - Chinese

"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 12, 2025

Studio Museum in Harlem

Artists of color

"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 12, 2025

Stand Up NY

UWS Comedy Club

Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,

019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 10, 2025

NYC Pride March

The Greatest Show on Earth!

This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 10, 2025

Fall Foliage

Central Park

A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

American Folk Art Museum

Free recitals

The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Sisters

Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem

"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Patisserie des Ambassades

Senegalese/French café

"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Loeb Boathouse

Central Park

"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

1166 Sixth Avenue

Lichenstein & Otterness

In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 4, 2025

Heading to New York?

304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to New York?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

304 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Cinema

Our team loves New York

Get to know our other Spotters from New York

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
63
Filters