Award-winning filmmaker Raul Barcelona is releasing his critically acclaimed film, THE PROMISE OF NEW YORK, on YouTube.com in hopes of inspiring New York City voters to participate in the upcoming general election on November 3rd.
Praised in the film festival circuit for its irreverent humor and its thought-provoking political discourse, THE PROMISE OF NEW YORK follows the interlocking stories of three New Yorkers who compete against each other and billionaire incumbent Michael Bloomberg for the post of New York City mayor. In the midst of Michael Bloomberg’s controversial third bid for mayor of New York City, and shortly after a historical low voter turnout in the New York primary elections, the film proves to be a very timely call for citizen involvement in local politics.
As they embark on a journey through New York City’s campaign trail, audiences are transported to the heart of the Big Apple where they meet characters from all walks of life — from former Mayor Ed Koch to East Village eccentrics — and get to explore firsthand the meaning of participatory democracy and the role of money and media in American elections.
The film can be seen in its entirety on the YouTube channel www.youtube.com/thepromiseofnewyork beginning Tuesday, October 27th, 2009, exactly one week before Election Day. The film is also currently available on DVD from the film’s website (www.thepromiseofnewyork.com).
Raul Barcelona is an award-winning filmmaker based in New York City whose unique international background has been instrumental in his development of a vigorous and entertaining filmmaking style that exhibits a keen appreciation for political, cultural and social diversity. Recent film credits include The Yes Men Fix the World and Heck’s Kitchen. Continuing his exploration of New York City themes, Barcelona is currently at work on a documentary film about urban naturalists in the Big Apple titled “Nature and The City”, slated for a 2011 release.
