Manhattan’s Film Fair Rolls in Chelsea

Chelsea screened last night with Manhattan’s Film Fair, framing NYC’s spring at a 23rd Street lot. Curator Mia Chen rolled *Do the Right Thing* as 400 watched, a $10 ticket fest of reels. It’s borough frames—pure Chelsea vibe, screens hot. A kid gaped at Bed-Stuy; a pro quoted Spike. ‘Manhattan films—this is it,’ Chen says, dimming lights. The asphalt turned cinema.

The fair’s fresh—April 3’s start, it tripled since RSVPs, packing rows by noon. Chen’s a Flatiron cinephile; last night’s crowd hit max—projectors hummed. A latecomer nabbed a seat; popcorn crunched—NYC grit glowed. Runs one day—stories ruled. #NYCFilmFair trended; Brooklyn wants a reel.

Some griped—’Too loud,’ sniped a newbie, dodging sound. Wind flicked—tents held; tales held. A rival’s pitching a SoHo screen, splitting frames. Still, 500 stayed—reels reigned. Chelsea’s never rolled so bold.

Chen’s teasing a monthly run, maybe a Q&A if spring bites. ‘NYC’s lens—this frames it,’ she says, packing reels. The fair’s a Manhattan win—grit meets art. It’s a film rush; catch the next. Bring a chair—takes call.