ARCADE: The Last Night at Chinatown Fair – Documentary

Chinatown Fair, NYC

 

I remember back in high school frequenting Chinatown Fair… after and during school hours.  My high school was pretty lenient so we were able to sneak out during lunch, take the subway, and head over to Mott St. where Chinatown Fair was.

I lived in Queens but went to school in Manhattan… it was my city truant friends who introduced me to this place where we would hang out, kick back, and play some Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat.  I was just alright in Street Fighter.  There were some kids there who were just too good, probably never went to class and blew quarters there all day.

Back then, there were a lot of gangs in the area, so it wasn’t the safest place to be, but you manage as any other kid does.  I haven’t been there in years, but seems like the place remained the same based from the video footage… even the missing letters on their signage.

When I think about it now, the place was very cyberpunkish.

Props to the filmmaker who thought about this project. Excited to see the final product.

Filmmaker Kurt P. Vincent notes:

ARCADE: THE LAST NIGHT AT CHINATOWN FAIR is a feature documentary about New York’s famed arcade Chinatown Fair.  After nearly half a century of being open Chinatown Fair suddenly closed after receiving an unexpected eviction notice, echoing the fate of many small businesses in New York City. The arcade is yet another NYC landmark to be lost.

Filmed during Chinatown Fair’s last moments, the movie captures the diverse community that called the arcade home.  Interviews with the arcade regulars reveal a history and subculture full of surprising stories and amazing characters.

Official site Arcademovie.com

Trailer for ARCADE:

 

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