The Queens World Film Festival, MetroPlusHealth, and the Queens Memory Project at Queens Public Library have joined forces to present an evening of reflection and community at The Local NYC in Long Island City on Wednesday, March 19, at 7 pm.
Dubbed “Looking Back to Look Forward: A Night of Remembrance & Connection, the 90-minute celebration features a Listening Tour compilation and collections from Queens Memory, a community-engaged archiving program dedicated to preserving the personal histories of borough residents. Guests will engage with an interactive mapping installation and share how they stayed connected through the lockdown. They will also watch short films from Queens World alumni that reflect on the bleak early days of the pandemic while highlighting hope.
MetroPlusHealth, a supporter of Queens World, will serve appetizers, and representatives will be on hand to provide information on the agency’s services.
Looking Back to Look Forward will take place in a large, well-furnished community space next to the café and bar at the Local, which is at 13-02 44th Ave. The 37-room hostel is a few blocks from the Court Sq-23 St station on the E, G, and M lines and the Court Sq stop on the 7 train. Parking is on the street.
Admission to is free, but reservations are required via www.queensworldfilmfestival.org or click here for the Eventbrite page.
The date – March 19, 2025 — marks the fifth anniversary of the Covid-induced lockdown. As a result of the ruling, Queens World pivoted and became the first film festival in the entire world to go entirely online. On March 19, 2020, the annual extravaganza began on time with 191 films from 31 nations and related digital events, broadcasting live from the founders’ apartment in Jackson Heights.
Meanwhile, Queens Memory launched the COVID-19 Project during the lockdown’s early weeks. The initiative created a space for individuals to share their experiences and connect with others through public programs, oral history interviews, podcast listening sessions, and digital initiatives. Combining archival contributions with original interviews, the team released The Borough We Became: Queens Residents On Life During COVID-19.
“I wouldn’t want to go through another lockdown, but I’m proud of the way local agencies responded,” stated Queens World Co-Founder Katha Cato. “Thus, I’m really happy to present this special evening of remembrance and healing with our simply fantastic partners. Hope to see everyone on March 19.”
Experiential Marketing Production Associate Harlan Gong added: “MetroPlusHealth is proud to join the event, standing alongside our community partners, filmmakers, and artists. As a company that prioritizes people over profit, we’re dedicated to providing healthcare access to every New Yorker. Together, we celebrate resilience and ensure a healthier future for all.”
“Since the pandemic, we’ve continued to find ways to keep Queens connected by recording, preserving, and amplifying community voices,” said Queens Memory Interim Director Meral Agish.
More information is available at linktr.ee/queensmemory. Follow Queens World (@Queensworldfilmfest), Queens Memory (@QueensMemory), and MetroPlusHealth (@MetroPlusHealth) on social media.
Images: Queens World Film Festival