Former Mayor Ed Koch is the quintessential New Yorker. Still ferocious, charismatic, and hilariously blunt, the now 88-year-old Koch ruled New York from 1978 to 1989-a down-and-dirty decade of grit, graffiti, near-bankruptcy and rampant crime. First-time filmmaker (and former Wall Street Journal reporter) Neil Barsky has crafted an intimate and revealing portrait of this intensely private man, his legacy as a political titan, and the town he helped transform. The tumult of his three terms included a fiercely competitive 1977 election; an infamous 1980 transit strike; the burgeoning AIDS epidemic; landmark housing renewal initiatives; and an irreparable municipal corruption scandal. Through candid interviews and rare archival footage, Koch thrillingly chronicles the personal and political toll of running the world's most wondrous city in a time of upheaval and reinvention.
KOCH had its World Premiere at the Hamptons International Film Festival on October 8, 2012, and will open theatrically on February 1, 2013.
About Neil
Neil Barsky began his career as a newspaper reporter, and covered real estate and economic development for the New York Daily News and Wall Street Journal. He subsequently became a Wall Street analyst and hedge fund manager. He is a graduate of Oberlin College and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He sits on the board of trustees of Oberlin College and the board of directors of Youth Communication, and is chair of the Columbia Journalism Review board of overseers. Neil is an executive producer of the 2012 documentary Knuckleball. Koch is his directorial debut. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and two children.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:07:03 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:23:09 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:47 AM EDT2013-05-23 09:47:52 GMT
Playing with a hula hoops is making its way into the exercise regimes of some of the most enviable bodies in Hollywood. Rosanna and Greg give a go in the morning.
Playing with a hula hoops is making its way into the exercise regimes of some of the most enviable bodies in Hollywood. Rosanna and Greg give a go in the morning.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:47 AM EDT2013-05-23 09:47:14 GMT
There are three hot new colors in wedding trends this season. And jewelry accents are making their way onto bouquets and cakes. We'll take a look at what's in with wedding expert Kelee Khalil.
There are three hot new colors in wedding trends this season. And jewelry accents are making their way onto bouquets and cakes. We'll take a look at what's in with wedding expert Kelee Khalil.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:18:13 GMT
Oscar Romero, 32, desperately needed a bone marrow transplant. Two years later, he is healthy and grateful to the man who saved his life.
Oscar Romero, 32, desperately needed a bone marrow transplant. Two years later, he is healthy and grateful to the man who saved his life. Romero met U.S. Army Lt. Ryan Waldorf, 23, this week for the first time. The pair and the doctor who treated Romero visited the set of Good Day NY on Wednesday to discuss the successful operation.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:08 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:08:45 GMT
Entertainer Ceelo Green is featured on the debut single by Vicci Martinez called 'Come Along.' Martinez, a former finalist on The Voice, visited the GDNY studios in the morning and performed the new song.
Entertainer Ceelo Green is featured on the debut single by Vicci Martinez called 'Come Along.' Martinez, a former finalist on The Voice, visited the GDNY studios in the morning and performed the new song.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:05 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:05:36 GMT
Ping pong or table tennis is making a resurgence. It's evident at the busy Spin Galactic ping pong social club in Manhattan.
Ping pong or table tennis is making a resurgence. It's evident at the busy Spin Galactic ping pong social club in Manhattan. Co-owner Frank Raharinosy showed Rosanna and Greg a few movies. But the real demonstration came from Ro and Greg who went head-to-head at the table.
WTXF-TV 330 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106-2796