NFAC: Screening “Drop Dead NYC” | Talkback w/ Directors Michael Rohatyn & Peter Yost, 7.31st

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Michael Rohatyn and Peter Yost Come to North Fork Arts Center for the Screening of

“Drop Dead NYC” Connecting History to Local Conversations

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July 31 Screening and Directors Talkback at NFAC

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Greenport — The North Fork Arts Center (NFAC) hosts a special screening of Drop Dead NYC. The documentary explores how in 1975 the greatest, grittiest city on Earth finds itself minutes away from bankruptcy and total chaos. The event influenced American urban policy that continues to affect New York State to this day.

Screens: Thursday, July 31, at 7 PM, followed by a Q&A with directors Michael Rohatyn and Peter Yost.

The NFAC screening offers our community a rare opportunity to hear directly from the filmmakers about how New York City stood at the edge of economic ruin, what it took to pull it back, and how those choices continue to shape government, policy, and society today.

Michael Rohatyn, co-director of the film, offers a personal perspective as the son of Felix Rohatyn, a financier crucial to New York City’s survival. His insight brings nuance and insider insight to a crisis often reduced to headlines. Similarly, we will hear from co-director Peter Yost, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker known for his investigative storytelling on complex political and social topics.

Together, they created a narrative with sharp insight and surprising humor, combining archival footage and human insight into a chapter of history that still feels incredibly relevant.

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“It’s a story about power, community, and survival, digging into a little-known chapter of American urban history that shaped the future of cities across the country. And we’re proud to bring that conversation here to Greenport, with the filmmakers themselves in the room,” said Tony Spiridakis, Executive Director of the North Fork Arts Center.

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The post-screening talkback will offer audience members the unique chance to hear directly from both directors about their process, the urgency of the story, and what it reveals about how we think about public investment today.

Drop Dead NYC has earned recognition for presenting a key historical moment with new insight and clear storytelling. At a time when many local governments are once again facing fiscal uncertainty, the film raises the question of what we owe our cities and to one another.

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Drop Dead NYC Screening + Live Talkback
Thursday, July 31, 2025 | 7:00 PM
North Fork Arts Center, Greenport, NY
Tickets and more information: northfork-artscenter.org/events/dropdeadnyc

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North Fork Arts Center provides an inclusive cultural arts center where people of the North Fork community can come together to be entertained, educated, and inspired by world cinema, live performances, fine art exhibitions, lecture series, and hands-on arts training. NFAC is committed to improving the quality of life in our community by promoting an appreciation for cultural arts, creativity, and critical thinking.

Regards,