The documentary that follows the battle surrounding the Atlantic Yards project over eight years has made the short list for an Oscar nomination.
"Battle for Brooklyn," by Clinton Hill husband-and-wife-team Suki Hawley and Michael Galinsky premiered in April.
Earlier this month, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that the film was one of 15 chosen as potential contenders an original field of 124. The final five nominees will be announced on Jan. 24.
The film focuses primarily on Prospect Heights homeowner Dan Goldstein, who founded Develop, Don’t Destroy Brooklyn in an effort to stop mega-developer Bruce Ratner’s plans for a New Jersey Nets basketball arena and high-rise commercial towers in the heart of the residential neighborhoods of Prospect Heights and Fort Greene.
Goldstein became active in the cause after he discovered his building was one of several slated to be bulldozed for the project.
“Our approach as directors is to follow characters and not facts. We want to show people under pressure and how they react to that pressure," Galinsky told Patch .
Reached this week by the Brooklyn Paper, Galinsky said he never thought about the film winning an Oscar when he set out to make it.
“I’m not placing odds on us (winning),” Galinsky said. “I’m very excited that we even have a chance.”
The Academy Awards takes place next year on Feb. 26.
If "Battle for Brooklyn" makes it to that prestigious evening, Goldstein said the publicity would go a long way to bringing attention to what is going on at Atlantic Yards.
"The Oscar recognition will loudly amplify the community’s voice of opposition and further expose the corrupt Atlantic Yards boondoggles,” he told the Brooklyn Paper. “It also provides clear evidence that the community’s fight in Brooklyn has universal interest.”
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Correction Nov. 30, 12:40 p.m.: "Battle for Brooklyn" is not playing tonight at Brooklyn Heights Cinema. Click here for area showtimes.
Correction Nov. 30, 12:40 p.m.: "Battle for Brooklyn" is not playing tonight at Brooklyn Heights Cinema. Click here for area showtimes.
