Minding the Gap

“This device cures heartbreak.” - skateboard graffiti

When Bing Liu picked up a camera as a boy it was to capture the thrills and stunts of his skateboarding friends as they flew through the empty streets and parks of Rockford, Illinois. In his resulting debut film, Minding the Gap, Liu weaves 12 years of interviews and videos–the boys' exhilarating highs and epic fails–into a coming-of-age portrait of three young men and the struggling place they call home. 

Winner of over 25 awards including the 2018 Sundance Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Filmmaking, Minding the Gap explores the bond between boys as they reckon with the hardships and violence that have shaped their lives and attempt to break the cycle. 

On August 7th, join New America NYC at Betaworks Studios for a preview screening of Minding the Gap followed by a conversation about the shifting landscape of opportunity in the U.S and what lasting effects it may have on our understanding of work, race, class, and masculinity.  

PARTICIPANTS

Bing Liu @MindingGapFilm
Director, Minding the Gap

Molly Martin @mollygmartin
Director, New America Indianapolis

Mike Kamber @followbdc
Founder and Executive Director, Bronx Documentary Center

Jimmie Briggs @briggsjimmie
Journalist and activist, gender-based violence

Follow the conversation online using #MindingtheGap and by following @NewAmericaNYC.

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.