Gowanus Current

Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal, notorious for its decades-long contamination from industrial waste and sewage, stands as one of the most polluted water bodies in the United States. An upcoming billion-dollar EPA cleanup and a large-scale city rezoning project aim to pave the way for revitalization, raising questions about the neighborhood's intrinsic value and who holds the authority to define it. Filmed over ten years, "Gowanus Current" utilizes an observational direct-cinema approach to explore the convictions of the canal's diverse community and the landscape's unique characteristics. As the neighborhood undergoes transformation, the film presents a nuanced portrait of community engagement and its inherent challenges.