Diane Crespo Movies
- 2006
See the streets of New York City evolve from the time of the horse and buggy to the days of the internal combustion engine in this documentary from director Stefan Schaefer. What benefits has modern transportation had for the city, and what drawbacks? By comparing the growth of The Big Apple to the growth experienced by such world class cities as London, Paris, and Copenhagen, Schaefer highlights how limiting automobile use can improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and enrich communication on many levels. It seems that even the most vibrant city on the planet could still use a few tips from Old Europe when it comes to retaining a sense of community and enriching the lives of citizens. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Two women whose peoples are often at odds find they're more alike than anyone expects in this drama from directors Stefan C. Schaefer and Diane Crespo. Rochel (Zoe Lister-Jones) and Nasira (Francis Benhamou) are two young women who have begun teaching at a public grade school in Brooklyn, NY. Rochel is an Orthodox Jew and Nasira is a Muslim of Pakistani descent, and the students and the administrators at the school are concerned there might be friction between the two teachers. However, over the course of their first year of teaching, Rochel and Nasira discover they have far more in common than they imagined -- both sometimes find themselves culturally out of place in 21st century New York, and both are trying to live within the traditions of their faith while struggling with their own feelings. In particular, Rochel and Nasira bond over the fact both are expected to enter into arranged marriages, Nasira with a wary optimism and Rochel with a great deal of trepidation. Arranged was screened in competition at the 2007 South by Southwest Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Zoe Lister-Jones, Francis Benhamou, (more)
