Support Jewels of The Hole documentary

In the heart of New York City lies a place where the streets bear names of precious gems, yet they wind through a forgotten wasteland—a place known simply as "The Hole." Here, where the dignity of its residents is challenged daily by environmental decay, we find stories of resilience, hope, and community.

Discovering The Hole:

In my six months exploring this surreal landscape, I've encountered a tapestry of lives woven together by fate and circumstance. Among them is Flex, a 62-year-old Caribbean man who carries a small bulge on his wrist—a snake tooth placed there by his grandmother for protection against the evils of the world. "I came here to escape the chaos," he tells me, his voice a whisper against the backdrop of clanking junkyards and distant aircraft engines.

Then there's Ritchie, who fled his small Puerto Rican village 23 years ago, seeking refuge in The Hole. Here, amidst the pigeons that flock to him at dawn and the raccoons that share his ceiling, he has found peace amid the chaos.

A Symphony of Stories:

In The Hole, stories intertwine like the tangled streets themselves. Each one a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and thrive in the face of adversity. These are not just tales of struggle; they are odes to resilience, sung by those who refuse to be forgotten.

Why Your Support Matters:

As the Jewel Street Project prepares to reshape this landscape in 2024, the urgency to capture these stories has never been greater. With your help, I keep documenting the essence of The Hole before it's lost to the sands of progress. Your contribution will ensure that the voices of its residents echo through the halls of history, reminding us of the beauty and complexity found in the most unexpected places.

Join me on This Journey:

Together, let's preserve the soul of The Hole—the rhythm of life that pulses through its streets and its people. Your support will not only fund our documentary but also honor the lives and stories that make this place truly unique.

Thank You for Your Generosity:

With your help, we can create an historical archive of The Hole and its resilient residents—a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

https://vimeo.com/903780232?share=copy