Jan. 17, 2017 By Hannah Wulkan
A Sunnyside filmmaker’s documentary on Jamaica Bay will air on television next month, provided he can raise enough money to cover the fees involved.
Dan Hendrick, who is married to local Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, premiered his documentary, Saving Jamaica Bay, at the Queens World Film Festival last year, and is now looking to move it to television to reach a wider audience.
The film, which examines the highly polluted and largely unknown Jamaica Bay and the surrounding communities, is set to debut on the local PBS station THIRTEEN on February 18 at 1 p.m. However, according to an email Hendrick sent out to his supporters, he must purchase special insurance in order to air it on television that costs $5,000.
In order to cover the cost, Hendrick has launched a fundraising page through the NYC Audubon website, ensuring that all donations are tax-deductible.
Dan Hendrick (right) filming
“The best way to care for Jamaica Bay is to inspire people to get involved. With so many questions about our environmental future right now, we are very excited to bring this film to audiences across the New York City metro area,” Hendrick wrote to supporters, asking for contributions to help air the film.
The documentary explores Jamaica Bay, an 18,000-acre national park located on the southern edge of Queens and Brooklyn that was used as a dumping ground for sewage, garbage and chemicals for years.
Hendrick spent more than ten years studying the Bay, and wrote a book about its history in 2006. He then decided to make the documentary in 2011 to raise awareness about the park and the wildlife living within, including 300 species of birds and 100 species of fish. He also detailed the lifestyles of the groups living in the area around the bay.
The bay is still under threat from the nearby JFK Airport and sewage plants, and Hendrick hopes to garner local and national attention to the issues of the Bay by airing the film on television.
To contribute to the fundraiser, visit https://www.gifttool.com/donations/Donate?ID=1123&AID=2904
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15 Comments
Mother nature- your award is a credible as you are. Nil
How about Dan and JVB focusing the cameras on the homeless “immigrants” living under the 7 train directly across the street from his office…..Why isn’t he ” fighting” for them?..They have been living there for several months now!!..No question he’s aware of it as he parks his car there…..Instead of “self defense classes”, how about using some city council connections to assist them.
Right, because talking about one topic automatically precludes any and all other topics.
No camera Johnny – Try to stay focused, imbecile. We are speaking on another topic right now you fool. You’re always trying to hijack conversations.
if the documentary is finished why the hell would you need “special insurance” to air it? sounds like BS. Never heard of such a thing.
Dan married to jvb? I’m heartbroken.
Muhahahahaha!!! Photo ops!!!!
Its nice when you can live and work with your spouse.
Looking forward to viewing! Cheers to you, Dan!
Congratulations, Dan. Jamaica Bay is a valuable and misunderstood ecosystem, and I’m happy to have studied it myself. If one more person understands the environmentally deleterious CSO sewer system because of you, you’ve done a good job.
Only read the positive comments, if you read any at all.
He has not been researching it for 10 years for his own personal enjoyment! I’m sure there is still little known about the bay and the fact that it probably directly affects both Queens and BK residents directly means we SHOULD be exploring it. Thank you, DAN!
I dont care DAN! I dont live there DAN! Of course you want somebody else to pay for it DAN! Pay for it out of your account DAN! Its your project DAN! You and jvb can pay for it and rightfully take the credit for it DAN! Keep walking while your talking DAN! Leave me alone DAN!
You live in Queens, meaning you do live there. It’s in Queens. If Jamaica Bay goes unprotected and marshland disappears, even small storms will go unmitigated and have a dangerous and damaging impact on communities.
No way sounds like an ignorant know nothing small minded chest pounding Fox watching idiot.
‘No Way’ wins is my ‘douchebag of the day’ award. congrats!