Season 9

Stoop Chat with Maani & Mr. Sweat

Marj Kleinman and Christine Thomas Yoon

On a stoop in Brooklyn, Mr. Sweat, a dapper neighborhood elder and Vietnam veteran with old school swagger, connects with Maani, a young aspiring entrepreneur.

⚠ Content Warning

This film contains verbal references to sensitive topics, including racial profiling and military service in Vietnam, which some viewers may find upsetting. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health distress, talk to a licensed therapist. For a mental health emergency, call the NAMI Helpline or call or text 988 for immediate support.

Documentary

Modernity

BIPOC Intergenerational

Comforting

Why we chose this film.

Social disconnection affects us all, but it impacts two populations the most: older adults and young adults ages 18-28. For both groups, intergenerational experiences like the conversation featured in this documentary can be a win-win, combating isolation and fostering connection.

Filmmaker

Inspiration

Against the vibrant cultural backdrop of Bedford-Stuyvesant, this documentary captures the power of mentorship and the enduring spirit of Black identity. Through the simple act of playing stoop ball, wisdom is passed down, dreams take shape, and the lessons of the past help to guide the future. Exploring faith and masculinity, the short film tells the heartwarming story of the strength found in community, the lessons shared between generations, and the amazing transformative power of love.

This short is the third in a series of short, intergenerational “Stoop Chat” docs designed to increase social connection between youth and elders, while preserving neighborhood narratives and celebrating cultural heritage. It builds on the Stoop Stories community project founded at the beginning of the COVID pandemic to connect, support, and celebrate our NYC neighbors. The goals of the project are to uplift and encourage more community connections in a time of significant loneliness and isolation, particularly for youth and elders.

The pilot, “Stoop Chat with Jimmy & Shanaya” (2024), which can be viewed in Project UnLonely Season 8, received 6 awards, including best documentary at The NYC Mental Health and Wellness Festival, the Audience Award at Better Cities Film Festival, and two Anthem Awards for community engagement.

Funded by Brooklyn Arts Council and the Stoop Stories community, this film was made in collaboration with its subjects, crew and local organizations.

Meet the Filmmaker

Marj Kleinman

Director/Producer

Featured Films

More short films we think you'll love

Ben in Bloom

BEN IN BLOOM,' tells the story of Ben (now Stella), a non-binary and queer teenager from the contentious...

Belonging

George, a young Syrian-Armenian who struggled with his sense of identity as a child, flees his country...

My Man

Every institution has their rules. Every great friendship breaks them.

Eydie

A young woman goes out one night to a social club to connect to her Puerto Rican roots.

Spam Risk

Isolated and grieving, a young widow answers a phone call from an unknown number that just might save...