Event: Screening of “The New Metropolis”

Greater Ohio is screening the two-part documentary “The New Metropolis,” which highlights the efforts of some of America’s first suburbs to reverse their long decline. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion about these suburban centers, their decline, and their reinvigoration. The screening will take place on Tuesday, November 24 at 7:30 pm at the Drexel Theater, located at 2254 E. Main Street, in Bexley, Ohio.

From Greater Ohio:

“Ohio’s First Suburbs are highlighted in “The New Metropolis,” a groundbreaking two-part documentary on the rise, fall and revitalization of America’s first suburbs. Produced by award-winning filmmaker Andrea Torrice, this is the first public examination devoted to the issues facing many suburban towns. Considered embodiments of the American dream, the first suburbs blossomed after World War II, bolstered by economic prosperity and government support. Now, many struggle with the same challenges as urban centers — growing poverty, white flight, crumbling infrastructure, abandonment and the continual lure of newer communities further from the cities.

The two 25 minute films are broken down as follows:
Episode 1, “A Crack in the Pavement,” narrated by actor Peter Coyote, follows the story of two Cincinnati area public officials and their efforts to keep their towns stable and healthy despite difficult times to repair and improve infrastructure and lure businesses.
Episode 2, “The New Neighbors,” narrated by actress Ruby Dee, focuses on two ordinary people, one black and one white, who made racial integration the centerpiece of revitalizing Pennsauken , New Jersey.”

The panel discussion that follows the screening will focus on the effects that sprawl has on first ring suburbs and what communities are doing to address these issues in Ohio. For information about The New Metropolis, click here.