Once upon a time in 1960s New York City, the legendary Chelsea Hotel. Located at 222 West 23rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, it became a beacon for bohemian artists and intellectuals immersed in what was then a counterculture movement and included writers, musicians, artists, poets and actors. Documentary makers Amélie van Elmbt and Maya Duverdier decided that this historic monument would be a fascinating subject for a documentary and, indeed, it is. This amazing film had its world premiere at the 2022 Berlin Film Festival and its North American premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.

Executive produced by Martin Scorsese and Lori Cheatle, DREAMING WALLS: INSIDE THE CHELSEA HOTEL, is a haunting film that begins with a montage of famous people who have passed through the hotel, including Patti Smith, Al Pacino, Marilyn Monroe, Oscar Wilde, Salvador Dali, Milos Forman, Leonard Cohen, Janis Joplin and the superstars of Warhol’s Factory. During his residency, Artur C. Clark wrote “2001: A Space Odyssey” and Alan Ginsberg wrote poems. As the documentary begins, slowly, very slowly, the penetrating cameras of cinematographers Joachim Philippe and Virginie Surdej, close in on the “Hotel Chelsea” sign which leads us inside, revealing both the former beauty of this historical monument and the chaos that accompanies it. remodeling. Editing continues and we are now inside a jammed elevator where two residents are waiting for instructions on how to get it back up and running, which is accomplished by one of the workers pushing an outside button and l lift is operational again. We meet an old woman on a walker holding her rent check and a gentleman on a cane. It becomes immediately apparent that this building is undergoing a major facelift as we hear the constant din of construction noises, – electric saws and hammers – as well as exterior scaffolding and narrow hallways with electrical wires dangling eerily from effervescent ceilings. This upheaval has been going on for almost a decade with the possibility of another year. Gradually, we begin to meet some of the longtime resident artists, all of whom were encouraged to move, but decided to stay despite management pressure and continued disruption to their lives. It’s Christmas and a married couple decorate their Christmas tree with the wife commenting that the construction is a personal attack on tenants who would stop the new owners from completing the makeover, which would turn their sanctuary into a super exclusive, very expensive hotel catering for the ultra-rich community. A sweet conversation between old Merle Lister, who practices Tai Chi, and one of the construction workers. She asks him if he likes his job and he reveals that after researching the history of the building, which was erected between 1883 and 1885, he senses ghosts living in nooks and crannies and tries to find their path. This lovely woman turns out to be a former modern dancer who was a dance master for the Lister Dance Company and in a delightful moment of spontaneity, as he hums a melody, they do a slow version of the mambo. She is one of a handful of resisters who refuse to move and endure the challenges they all face as the sweeping renovation continues. At one point, in preparation for a party, she choreographs a dancer descending, almost floating, down the storied staircase, going from something ethereal to a kinetic, almost stumbling downward movement. In addition to the festivities, a group of singers perform in four-part harmony. In the meantime, the manager has informed the residents that when the renovation is complete, they will have to use the service elevator so as not to draw attention to their lack of financial means which could antagonize their future ultra-wealthy clientele who will stay at the super luxurious hotel. Susan, a painter who has lived in the hotel for a very long time, continues to express her art despite the upheavals that surround her and sometimes indulges in philosophical discussions such as: “Is it art if nobody see? Another artist believes that creating art comes from a desire to share – not tied to money. Welsh poet Dylan Thomas stayed in room 205 and someone quotes his: ‘Don’t go easy on this good night’ which could serve as a battle cry for this group determined not to be kicked out by a ambitious new owner.

The talented directors Amélie van Elmbt and Maya Duverdier, along with the stunning and penetrating work of the cinematographers, whose beautifully framed shots illuminate the daily lives and struggles of the remaining residents who recall the glorious days when the hotel was a haven for artists. Meticulously edited by co-editors Alain Dessauvage and Julie Naas, the entire production team has collectively created a love letter to the Chelsea Hotel and presents us with an assortment of the most fascinating artists who, despite the challenge of living under major upheavals, decide to live out the rest of their lives with dignity, wrapped in memories of magical days past.

Directors: Amélie van Elmbt & Maya Duverdier
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Executive Producers: Martin Scorsese and Lori Cheatle Magnolia Pictures
Directors of photography: Joachim Philippe, & Virginie Surdej
Editors: Alain Dessauvage & Julie Naas
Composer: Michael Andrews
Genre: Documentary
French language
Operating time: 80 minutes
In general version and on demand