It Was at Westbeth

It Was at Westbeth is an enchanting and heartwarming documentary feature put together by filmmaker Rohan Spong. Set against the backdrop of the Westbeth Artists Housing in New York City, a housing complex that has been home to thousands of artists since the 1960s, the film offers a fascinating narrative that explores the artistically rich lives of its residents.

The film delves into the lives of three charismatic individuals: Dudley, a 95-year-old African American gay poet; Ilsa, an 82-year-old dancer turned digital animation artist; and Edith, a 75-year-old painter with a captivating life story. These residents provide a nuanced perspective of the arts, analysis of aging, and a multi-layered exploration of the human condition. Together, they offer candid insight into the value of art, community, and resilience, and how these instrumental aspects have helped shape their vibrant lives and the influential work they produce.

Throughout the film, audiences are treated to an intimate portrayal of the trio's daily lives, highlighting their dedication to continue creating despite their advancing age. The film explores their workspaces, the unique art they create, and the approach they exhibit towards their craft, encapsulating the essence of artistic perseverance, and the thirst for creation, regardless of one's age.

It Was at Westbeth takes viewers on an informational journey into the working world of these elder artists. Through his deft directorial touch, Rohan Spong provides an exploration of a lifestyle lived against the grain. Moreover, the film gives a nostalgic glimpse into New York's cultural history when the Westbeth Artists Housing was initially established. It brings the audience on an immersive tour through the history-laden corridors of Westbeth and its rich societal impact over the decades. Further, the film sheds light on the efforts officials have placed over the years to ensure that artists of all ages continue to have access to affordable housing.

Magic unfolds as Dudley, Ilsa, and Edith share their personal stories of resilience, love, loss, and the enduring power of art. The film poignantly illustrates their transition from the yesteryears to the modern era, as they get acquainted with new technology and surprising encounters that push them out of their comfort zones.

The film also provides a testament to the power of artistic communities in not just fostering creativity, but an enriched social environment. We see neurologists, Broadway performers, and artist collectives actively participating in the Westbeth community's life, nurturing a vibrant, intergenerational cultural eco-system.

One of the film's remarkable aspects is its ability to ground and humanize its subjects, dodging potential clichés about 'endearing old artists.' Instead, the audience is offered an authentic narrative of the complexities of aging and the continuation of life's purpose past retirement age.

If anything, It Was at Westbeth celebrates the arts in its most raw and honest form. It is a tribute to artists and communities that continue to thrive, reflect, disrupt, and inspire. And more importantly, it is a heartfelt dedication to the charm and significance of Westbeth Artists Housing—the place that has housed and nurtured numerous artists, guaranteeing that their brilliance echoes through the generation.

Moreover, the film is complemented by an incredible soundtrack composed by Hayden James, a producer and musician from Australia. His music beautifully underscores the film, creating an emotional soundscape that flows seamlessly with the visuals to further characterize and intensify the impactful narrative.

Rohan Spong's It Was at Westbeth is thus an uplifting, inspiring, and compelling documentary that beautifully encapsulates the essence of creative living, unfolding inspiring personal journeys, and the communal magic of Westbeth that continues to thrive in the heart of New York City.

In all its essence, It Was at Westbeth is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and community—highlighting the powerful thread that weaves together art, identity, and belonging. This film is undoubtedly a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the intertwining dance of art and life. It teaches that creativity knows no age limit and that the human spirit's tenacity is indeed ageless.