“Saved at the Seawall”
I was honored to work with author, historian, and retired Marine Engineer Jessica DuLong to create this trailer her book “Saved at the Seawall: Stories from the September 11 Boat Lift”.
To this day, most people aren’t aware that New York Harbor was the site of the largest maritime evacuation in history, with an estimated 500,000 civilians being rescued by boats of every type and size.
Jessica was there to witness much of it, and as the 25th anniversary approaches, her book stands as both an important historical record and a commentary on how ordinary people respond to extraordinary situations.
You can view more of my promotional video work here.
“Hank’s Saloon” – Last Screening of the Summer!
Since its sold-out premiere back in January, my feature documentary “Hank’s Saloon” has been steadily “touring” the dive bars of New York City, leaving a trail of happy (and inebriated) fans in its wake.
The adventure continues this Saturday, Sept. 5th, with a FREE afternoon screening in the back room at Young Ethel’s in Brooklyn.
This will be the last screening of the summer, so catch us while you can! Admission is free, but we will be taking donations from those who can give. Seating is limited—and strictly first-come, first-served. So come early to get a spot!
Saturday, Sept. 5
“Hank’s Saloon” Film Screening
3pm
YOUNG ETHEL’S
506 5th Ave.
South Slope, Brooklyn
FREE ADMISSION($10 Suggested Donation)
Seating is limited!
“A Legendary Brooklyn Dive Bar Returns for One Night Only”
On April 8, 2026, we threw a live screening of my feature documentary “Hank’s Saloon” at the legendary Freddy’s Bar in Brooklyn, with special Guest Bartender (and star of the film) Jeannie Taliercio.
Journalist Stephanie Keith of the local news site Hell Gate was there to photograph the event, and to interview many of the old-school regulars who attended—including me and my wife/Producer Ashlie.
You can find the story (and photos) on the Hell Gate site.
If the link give you problems, you can view an archived version of the whole story here.
Thank you to Stephanie and Hell Gate for doing such a wonderful job documenting this momentous event!
Photo by Stephanie Keith
Leon Chase on “More Light”
I recently had the pleasure of appearing on the wonderful arts podcast “More Light”, hosted by local Brooklyn artist Dan Gratz.
I love when an interviewer isn’t afraid to go deep. On the show, we discussed “Hank’s Saloon” (the movie and the place), as well as the changing face of New York City, the early 2000s Alt-Country scene in Brooklyn, and the future of creativity and culture in America.
“MORE LIGHT” is available on most major podcast platforms.
Listen to the Episode here
Bringing It All Back Home
Last night, we brought my documentary “Hank’s Saloon” back to the block it was born on, with a special screening at the Hollow Nickel bar, located 400 feet from the original Hank’s.
In honor of the event, I slapped a few posters up on the site of the old Hank’s building. Which, by the way, is still standing there, and is still empty.
THANK YOU to the 50+ people who packed into Hollow Nickel just to see the movie.
If you want to receive emails about future secret bar screenings, sign up here.
