Impressive enough alone for turning around a compelling documentary in such a short timespan, this doc covers the impact of COVID closures to the bar scene in Astoria, Queens, a homey district of New York City. Using commentary from bartenders, bar owners, doctors, journalists, and social workers, director Johnny Sweet presents a moving portrait of an industry thrown back on its heels, revealing how integral that industry is to life itself.
Sweet recently answered some questions via email.
What is your personal connection to the bar scene in Queens? It seems like a very intimate portrait of these places.
I met my beautiful wife, Melissa, at Sparrow Tavern. I wasn’t a regular there, but that bar obviously means something to me personally.