Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso joins “In Focus” to celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month as Brooklyn prepares for the return of the Bushwick Film Festival.
The festival attracts over 3,500 attendees and 1,500 film submissions from at least 60 countries.
Reynoso explained what his office is doing to combat gentrification and his plan to ensure his borough’s creative minds aren’t pushed out of the neighborhood.
Before becoming Brooklyn borough president, Reynoso represented Bushwick in the City Council. Reynoso explained the importance of the Bushwick Film Festival and bringing independent cinema to local audiences.
About 50% of films shown at the festival are directed by a woman or a person of color. Reynoso also discussed why he’s been a big supporter of the festival.
Back in March, Borough Hall hosted the “Brooklyn is Africa” exhibit, showcasing rare and historical African artifacts representing the diaspora of the borough. Reynoso explained why the event was so important to Brooklynites. The borough is home to the largest population of Africans in the United States.