On Saturday night, July 27th, 2024, SCAN-Harbor was part of a wonderful evening as the organization hosted the New York City Film Premiere of “The Ball.”

Over 200 people came to the El Museo del Barrio Theatre in East Harlem to celebrate the award-winning film about the Kiki Ballroom scene, and its importance to the LGBTQ+ community.

Before the showing, SCAN-Harbor Executive Director Lew Zuchman, as well as past Program Director, Billy Greene gave some historical context to SCAN-Harbor’s W.I.S.H. program, while current director Francisco “ChiChi” Gonzalez explained the importance of the program today.

The film’s Director, Malgorzata Saniewska, and cast member/Executive Director Jack Mizrahi also took to the stage to thank the community for letting them tell their story.

The night ended with the screen coming up, a DJ starting music, and a Ballroom exhibition that called up important members of the community, not only in New York City, but from around the world- many who have been involved in the scene for over 30 years!

The event was not just merely a film premiere, but it also marked a culminating celebration of the Kiki Ballroom scene, its contributions to the entertainment industry, and what the community has been able to accomplish through providing an inclusive and safe space for its people.