Central Park

A fascinating portrait of the comings and goings, and the people involved in maintaining Manhattan’s iconic green space.

Encompassing more than 840 acres in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park serves countless functions for New Yorkers - running, boating, walking, music, theatre, weddings, picnics, and more. Few filmmakers have explored its role in the city’s culture as vividly as Frederick Wiseman, whose film illustrates the complex challenges of maintaining the park and keeping it open and accessible to all.

Although the study of New York’s landmark green space acknowledges the challenges faced by the city’s Parks Department, the film places greater emphasis on the many ways people engage with the park. The tone is celebratory, alongside typical recreational pursuits we see a turtle rescue, a moving AIDS memorial, and even a Coppola film shoot.