Former Mayor Ed Koch is the quintessential New Yorker. Still ferocious, charismatic, and hilariously blunt, the now 88-year-old Koch ruled New York from 1978 to 1989-a down-and-dirty decade of grit, graffiti, near-bankruptcy and rampant crime. First-time filmmaker (and former Wall Street Journal reporter) Neil Barsky has crafted an intimate and revealing portrait of this intensely private man, his legacy as a political titan, and the town he helped transform. The tumult of his three terms included a fiercely competitive 1977 election; an infamous 1980 transit strike; the burgeoning AIDS epidemic; landmark housing renewal initiatives; and an irreparable municipal corruption scandal. Through candid interviews and rare archival footage, Koch thrillingly chronicles the personal and political toll of running the world's most wondrous city in a time of upheaval and reinvention.
KOCH had its World Premiere at the Hamptons International Film Festival on October 8, 2012, and will open theatrically on February 1, 2013.
About Neil
Neil Barsky began his career as a newspaper reporter, and covered real estate and economic development for the New York Daily News and Wall Street Journal. He subsequently became a Wall Street analyst and hedge fund manager. He is a graduate of Oberlin College and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He sits on the board of trustees of Oberlin College and the board of directors of Youth Communication, and is chair of the Columbia Journalism Review board of overseers. Neil is an executive producer of the 2012 documentary Knuckleball. Koch is his directorial debut. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and two children.
Friday, May 24 2013 4:44 PM EDT2013-05-24 20:44:00 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:32:57 GMT
Greg Kelly has apologized to Rosanna Scotto for accidentally hurling a hula hoop at her face. There were no serious injuries only angry stares from Ro to Greg for a careless mistake.
Greg Kelly has apologized to Rosanna Scotto for accidentally hurling a hula hoop at her face. There were no serious injuries only angry stares from Ro to Greg for a careless mistake.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:24 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:24:03 GMT
The music was pumping at Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach on Friday morning.
The music was pumping at Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach on Friday morning. Singer and heartthrob Ed Sheeran performed to a packed bar. Singer and pianist Sara Bareilles later took the mic all before 10 a.m.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:45 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:45:27 GMT
NASCAR racing legends and brothers Darrell and Michael Waltrip preview the holiday weekend's Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina.
NASCAR racing legends and brothers Darrell and Michael Waltrip preview the holiday weekend's Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina. The race is set for Sunday at 6 p.m. on FOX 5.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:56 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:56:09 GMT
American Idol is just the beginning of a long road for many of the singing competition's finalists. Third place finisher Angie Miller spoke about her plans for the future on Friday.
American Idol is just the beginning of a long road for many of the singing competition's finalists. Third place finisher Angie Miller spoke about her plans for the future on Friday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:17 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:17:32 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:51 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:51:10 GMT
NY Post celebrity real estate columnist Jennifer Gould Keil dishes on NY Yankee Alex Rodriguez's Florida pad and actor Bill Murray's Greenwich Village duplex.
NY Post celebrity real estate columnist Jennifer Gould Keil dishes on NY Yankee Alex Rodriguez's Florida pad and actor Bill Murray's Greenwich Village duplex.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:00 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:00:47 GMT
Greg Kelly and Duke Castiglione are at it again. The on-going rivalry between the duo was played out on the hockey rink at Madison Square Garden. NY Rangers legend Adam Graves was on hand for the face-off.
Greg Kelly and Duke Castiglione are at it again. The on-going rivalry between the duo was played out on the hockey rink at Madison Square Garden. NY Rangers legend Adam Graves was on hand for the face-off.
