ULI’s Building Healthy Places Book & Film Club: “West Side Story” & New York
July 18-28, 2022

Image courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

Explore the intersection of film, musical theater, and the fascinating real-world story behind the setting of West Side Story, the long-lost Manhattan neighborhoods of San Juan Hill and Lincoln Square.

Independently watch the 1961 and 2021 versions of the film (Stephen Spielberg’s remake is as much a commentary on the original as anything else) and then join the post-film discussion led by Julia Foulkes, author of A Place for Us: ‘West Side Story’ and New York. You will also receive a virtual screening guide with observations and questions to help you reflect on the health, social equity, and real estate themes explored in both films.

THE SCHEDULE

• July 18 – Independent Viewing Kickoff: We will send you a Film Club 101 email outlining how the new BHP Film Club will work.
• Virtual Screening Guide: Julia Foulkes will send you a few observations and questions to guide your personal screenings of the 1961 and 2021 versions of the film.
• July 28, 4 pm ET via Zoom – Post-Film(s) Discussion: After watching both films independently, join us for a virtual group discussion led by Julia Foulkes.

ENJOY FILM WITH US

• Participation is free with registration.
• Participants receive a Film Club 101 kickoff email, along with a virtual screening guide, and a link to the virtual meetup via Zoom.
• The virtual meetup is scheduled for 75 minutes and starts promptly at 4 pm ET.
• Viewing the 1961 and 2021 versions of the film is recommended but not required to participate in the virtual meetups and online discussions.