Directed by Michael Domino
Mott Haven, a feature length independent film stars Robert Davi as Hal Stewart, aka Radio Man, a former radio mogul who has fallen on hard times, and Paul Wilson as Mike Roman, a beleaguered South Bronx businessman. After a fateful meeting on a park bench, the two form an unlikely alliance in order to battle a thuggish superintendent (Chuck Zito) who has been hired by landlords to extricate Radio Man and several holdouts from a local tenement building - by any means necessary.
Roman’s benevolence towards Radio Man and his group of social misfits brings to the forefront a host of his own long dormant personal demons. Coupled with Radio Man’s grappling with his own internal torment, the arduous relationship that ensues examines the limitless boundaries of the human spirit.
Director StatementMott Haven: Cash for Keys was inspired by a short story I wrote entitled Park Avenue to Park Bench. Of the dozens of New York-centric stories I have written over the years, I chose Mott Haven to adapt to a movie because it is reflective of my own life experiences as a plastics recycling executive, as well as those of a former radio mogul I met on a park bench. It describes how the power of like-minded, albeit troubled individuals can band together to solve social problems. The film is set in the South Bronx, where longtime residents are being uprooted in the name of gentrification.
The multi-culturalism of the characters, as well as the community, coupled with the unique architecture and distinct sounds of the streets, provides a high-energy foray into the little explored world of urban resettlement. Along the way, viewers are introduced to several Manhattan locales, the interior workings of a recycling factory, and the seemingly banal suburban existence of one of the lead characters.
The film provided me with the unique opportunity to raise awareness about constantly changing social landscapes, as well as more macro issues such as the pollution of the environment.
Online Screening
You will recieve the link to watch online after you RSVP.
VOD Start: November 12, 2020, 8:00 pm
VOD End: November 20, 2020, 11:00 pm
VOD Playback will be limited between those dates.
Not ready to get your tickets yet? Set a reminder to get your tickets on the day of the of screening.