CORTLANDT ALLEY is a short documentary exploring how the real and the make-believe intersect on a daily basis on the streets of New York. Looking from above, onto one of the few existing New York alleyways, the film depicts the disturbing and bizarre events taking place outside the filmmaker's window. It represents the duality of life in the city, where one's backyard can be both a hideout for crack addicts and an "authentic" location for a music video.
“It’s one of those films that’s atmosphere lingers.”
- The Brooklyn Rail
“Cortlandt Alley depicts as bittersweet a struggle
for life as you might expect in an Amazon jungle.”
- IFCtv.com
“Kraning's exquisite editing creates a haunting mosaic
from the stuff of daily life, culminating in a bizarre
and unexpected musical performance.”
- Chicago Reader
SELECTED SCREENINGS
Los Angeles Filmforum, “An Evening with the Kranings”
Portland Experimental and Documentary Film Festival
Art In General Gallery, NYC
New York Underground Film Festival
Big Muddy Film Festival
Chicago Underground Film Festival
Detroit Film Center, Boxcar Film Series