Documentary About Chinatown Fair Arcade Coming Soon

There’s still some bitterness in the air around 8 Mott Street, decades-old home of the now-defunct Chinatown Fair Arcade.  Hardcore gamer or not, residents of the Five Boroughs are upset by its departure.  But the arcade found new legs in Sunset Park last weekend as Next Level Arcade, and a new chapter begins.

Gothamist reported earlier that there is also a feature-length documentary in the works about the iconic establishment.  Brooklyn native Kurt P. Vincent is behind the independent project, dubbed ARCADE, which is a historical narrative seen through the lens of closing day.

Filmed during Chinatown Fair’s last day in business, the movie captures the diverse community that called the arcade home. Interviews with Chinatown Fair regulars reveal a subculture full of surprising stories and amazing characters.

I consider myself very lucky to have been at the arcade right before it closed.  I made it just in time to capture the place.  It is hard to believe that Manhattan no longer has one true arcade.  I’m talking about a real arcade.  None.  No Playland.  No Port Authority.  No Chinatown Fair.  CF was the last.  The movie I am aiming to make is going to be a celebration of the arcade and the people that loved it.

Here’s a quick teaser trailer: