Watch 5 Pointz: An Historical Journey

5 Pointz: An Historical Journey is a documentary film released in 2014 that explores the story behind the famous 5 Pointz building in Long Island City, New York. The building served as an iconic symbol of graffiti art and urban culture for two decades, until it was suddenly demolished in 2013. The film, directed by Danilo Parra, starts by introducing us to the man behind 5 Pointz, Jonathan Cohen, also known as Meres. Meres was the curator of the space and oversaw the artwork that was displayed on its walls. He talks about how 5 Pointz began as an experiment in 2002, to bring together a community of artists who could express themselves in a safe and legal way.

The film goes on to explain how 5 Pointz quickly became a mecca for graffiti artists from all over the world, who flocked to the building to showcase their talents. As we see footage of the various murals and graffiti art pieces that adorned the building, we hear from some of the artists who contributed to these works. They share with us their own experiences of working on the walls of 5 Pointz, and how it influenced their own artistic journeys.

The film not only focuses on the artwork itself but also explores the impact that 5 Pointz had on the community around it. Footage of the various events and concerts that took place on the site, as well as interviews with local business owners and residents, help us to understand just how important 5 Pointz had become to Long Island City.

However, the documentary doesn't shy away from the fact that the existence of 5 Pointz was not always welcomed by the authorities. Meres talks about how he had to navigate many legal obstacles and constantly negotiate with the building's owner, Jerry Wolkoff, to ensure that the artwork remained untouched. We also see that not everyone in the community was a fan of the graffiti, and some saw it as a sign of urban decay and blight.

The crux of the film comes when we see how, after years of struggle, 5 Pointz was suddenly destroyed in 2013, without warning, and in the middle of the night. We see footage of the building being painted over by white paint, as well as interviews with Meres and some of the artists who had worked on the walls, as they discuss their emotions when they discovered what had happened.

The destruction of 5 Pointz sparked a huge community outcry, and the film documents the protest movements and legal battles that followed. Meres himself became a key figurehead in the fight to protect the future of the building, along with numerous other artists, academics and activists. The documentary explores how the case ultimately came to court, and the devastating verdict that concluded that Wolkoff was within his rights to demolish the building.

Overall, 5 Pointz: An Historical Journey is a poignant and informative exploration of a truly iconic location in American urban history. There's a real sense of nostalgia and loss in the documentary, as we see the footage of the building in all its glory, and hear the stories of the countless artists who contributed to its legacy. However, there is also a sense of hope, as the film highlights the community's resilience in fighting for the preservation of the space, and raises vital questions about the future of art and public space in contemporary society.

5 Pointz: An Historical Journey is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 59 minutes.