What does the future of a city look like — and how does its past shape what’s possible?

On Thursday, September 24, join the Downtown Alliance and Pace University for a screening of highlights from Ric Burns and James Sanders’ new two-part documentary series: “New York: The Future of Cities.” With these episodes, Burns and Sanders continue their original award-winning eight-part, 17-1/2-hour series, “New York: A Documentary Film,” which originally aired on PBS between 1999 and 2003. 

The screening will be followed by a conversation with Burns, Sanders and additional special guests to be announced.

Spanning the first two decades of the 21st century, “The Future of Cities” captures a New York in the midst of remarkable transformation, from the aftermath of September 11 to the city’s emergence as a global “superstar city.” Along the way, the film explores the challenges that cities everywhere now face, including infrastructure, immigration, governance, equity, financial crises, climate change and resilience. 

At the heart of this story is Lower Manhattan, a neighborhood whose transformation over the past 25 years has helped shape the trajectory of the city itself. From the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site and the creation of new public spaces to the growth of a vibrant residential, cultural and commercial district, Lower Manhattan has undergone one of the most significant urban transformations in modern New York.

This special evening will take a closer look at how and why Lower Manhattan was rebuilt, the choices and ideas that shaped its transformation and its place in the broader story of New York’s evolution. Through the lens of “The Future of Cities,” the discussion will explore what the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan reveals about New York’s resilience, creativity and capacity to continually reinvent itself.

New York on Film is a screening series featuring films that highlight the history, culture and controversy that has defined the city over the years. Screenings are followed by conversations with notable figures who are involved with the film or the subject matter, allowing attendees to engage more deeply with the content. Proceeds are donated to a charitable organization of our speakers’ choice.

LM Live’s Cultural Conversations bring together thought leaders and innovators to discuss current issues affecting New Yorkers. Leveraging the rich talent and expertise in Lower Manhattan, these events offer the downtown community a chance to connect and build relationships around important topics.

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