This film series aims to identify, explain and discuss complex transportation concepts, and facilitate community conversation about the current state and future possibilities for mobility in Rochester.
Together with locally produced and archival short films, live panel discussions help to stimulate community conversation on a wide range of related topics including Rochester’s transportation history, bus transit system, cycling infrastructure, pedestrian life, street design, “car culture”, equity issues, urban sprawl, and more.
The next screening of Rochester Street Films will take place on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at The Little Theatre*.
We will screen the PBS documentary film Walkable USA, followed by a live panel discussion to relate the film’s messages to our local scene, with a focus on downtown Rochester as the heart of our region. We’ll take inspiration from other American cities that have revitalized their struggling downtown areas, and explore what we can do to make downtown Rochester a place that is once again a thriving center of activity, alive with streetlife, sidewalks teeming with residents and visitors, and diverse street level businesses.
*The film will be presented with captions and the panel discussion will include an ASL interpreter
THE PROGRAM:
A walkable city is one where residents, business owners, and visitors all play an active role in shaping a vibrant community. By choosing to live, invest, and spend time downtown, each of us contributes to the revitalization and long-term success of our urban core.
Like many cities nationwide, a variety of factors have contributed to a decline in foot traffic, commercial occupancy, and streetlife in downtown Rochester. With fewer people walking and gathering, our streets can feel isolated, less inviting, and sometimes even less safe.
Following the journey of Hammond, Indiana, Walkable USA shows how a city can create an adaptable downtown where the walking experience is safe, comfortable, and interesting.
A live panel discussion with community leaders will relate the film’s messages to our local scene, and explore the steps we can take to positively impact downtown walkability.
Panelists
Galin Brooks, President & CEO of Rochester Downtown Development Corporation
Shawn Dunwoody, Dunwoode Design & Vice President of Hinge Neighbors
Erik Frisch, Deputy Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development, City of Rochester
Rory Van Grol, Owner, Ugly Duck Coffee
We’ll look to our panelists and audience to identify and prioritize tangible ideas and solutions like:
- More mixed-use and infill development that brings residents and street level businesses.
- Infrastructure transformations—like the Inner Loop East project and the upcoming Inner Loop North—that reconnect neighborhoods and open up new opportunities.
- Public art and beautification to create an attractive environment.
- Programming more public spaces to draw people downtown.
- Zoning that encourages mixed use development and removes barriers.
- Support and incentives for street level businesses that attract foot traffic.
- Attracting businesses to locate downtown, return to office, generate daytime foot traffic.
- Safe, calm streets designed for people on bike and on foot.
- [Your idea here!]
We hope you will join us, bring your ideas, and get inspired to be part of revitalizing downtown Rochester. Don’t forget to bring a neighbor, friend or colleague!
Previously…
If you would like to host a mini screening of Rochester Street Films with your friends or neighbors, please contact us.
For our 2024 Street Films series we examined the costs and consequences of our current auto-centric land use and how we can grow our communities smarter to deliver access, vitality & upward mobility.
For our 2023 Street Films series we screened The Street Project, the story about humanity’s relationship to the streets and the global citizen-led fight to make communities safer. Learn more about the film at TheStreetProject.com
This film explores the Complete Streets Makeover at Arnett Boulevard and Warwick Avenue in the 19th Ward.
This film explores transportation as a systemic equity issue, shares a front line view of the struggle, and highlights the innovative ways some local organizations are meeting transportation needs. Interested in the full virtual event screening, complete with follow-up panel discussion? Check that out here.
The film captures the “Complete Streets Makeover” of N. Clinton Avenue in Rochester, NY.
In 2016 a young child was struck and killed by a vehicle near the corner of Parsells Ave. & Greeley St. in Rochester’s Beechwood neighborhood. In 2018, with the help of Reconnect Rochester, Stantec and a host of other partners, the neighborhood rallied to transform the intersection into a safe and welcoming space for everyone. This is the story of their “Complete Streets Makeover.”
This film focuses on the lives of three Rochesterians. Cee Cee, Nassir, and Eve give us a firsthand look at what life is like when you can barely afford to buy a bus pass, much less a car. After you watch the film, be sure to check out the live presentation and panel discussion here.
Many urban neighborhoods throughout the U.S. were destroyed by the construction of new highways during the latter half of the twentieth century. In many cases, low income and minority neighborhoods were selected as locations for these new highways to pass through, with little consideration for the people who would have their homes destroyed and lives upended. This film highlights current efforts to repair the damage done by Rochester’s Inner Loop highway.
Ericka Jones, a Systems Advocate at Center for Disability Rights, focuses on a segment of our population often overlooked. For people with disabilities, Ericka shows us how running a simple errand requires careful planning days in advance. Ironically, even the streets themselves can become barriers to living a productive life.
Alex Freeman has previously made several films about local cyclists. With this project Alex attempts to understand why the automobile has had such a grip on the hearts and minds of Rochester commuters.
Nate Butler grew up around cars. Learning to work on them with his dad as a kid, he just figured that cars were the only way to get around. Now a student at R.I.T., Nate has taken up cross-country running and he’s learning something new about his community with every step.
Rochester NY in February. It’s 19ºF and the ground is slick with snow and ice. But Mona Seghatoleslami, host of WXXI Classical 91.5 FM will brave the cold attempting to ride her bike from her home in Brighton to her job in downtown Rochester (about 4 miles). Afterwards, Mona heads to Tryon Bike shop to find out what type of gear she’ll need for serious winter cycling.
Transportation planning is about giving people choices. Interview with Erik Frisch, Transportation Specialist for the City of Rochester.
Transportation is key for economic development and making a great city. Interview with Heidi Zimmer-Meyer, President of Rochester Downtown Development Corporation.
Alex Freeman introduces us to several Rochesterians who choose alternate modes of transportation.
For some perspective, Rochester Street Films looks back at how attitudes towards urban planning and transportation have changed over the last century. Remember this one?
Sponsors and Supporters
Rochester Street Films is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and supporters.
Supporters
Producers
