The popular New York City website Gothamist recently highlighted the MPI-supported documentary Battle for Brooklyn, which chronicles the fight against the controversial Atlantic Yards project. The film will be screened at a free event at Pioneer Works in Red Hook on February 28, followed by a panel discussion featuring activists who opposed the development.

Battle for Brooklyn follows the activists who fought to protect their homes and property rights as developers pushed forward plans for what would become Barclays Center. The Atlantic Yards project, one of the densest real estate developments in US history, sparked widespread resistance from Brooklyn residents when it was announced in 2003. At the center of the film is Daniel Goldstein, a reluctant activist who refused to vacate his home as developers used eminent domain to seize properties for the project. Over seven years, Goldstein became the face of the movement, rallying the community in the courts, in the streets, and in the media to expose corruption and fight against displacement.

Despite promises of affordable housing and job creation, many of the Atlantic Yards project’s commitments remain unfulfilled more than two decades later. Critics argue that the development failed to deliver on its civic pledges, leaving large portions of the project site undeveloped while the initial 10-year timeline stretched indefinitely.

As the documentary makes clear, battles over land use and community displacement are far from over. Organizers of the upcoming screening emphasize the film’s continued relevance as Brooklyn and other urban centers grapple with similar challenges.

The screening of Battle for Brooklyn will take place on February 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Pioneer Works. Get your free ticket here. 

Can’t make it to the screening? Battle for Brooklyn is available to watch on Vimeo.