Idaly Hernandez
MEDP 281 – Documentary Video Production I
Fall 2023
Description: This project focuses on a small supermarket in Washington Heights called The Heights Market Corp as they navigate the opening of a big chain supermarket next door. In doing so we will highlight the pressing gentrification that small businesses in Washington Heights have to deal with. We documented the owner Rufino Rosario’s thoughts on how hard it can be to compete against big chain supermarkets. Overall, showing all aspects of the store that keep drawing customers in and how they created their community of loyal customers since it first opened. The goal is to spark a conversation about the significance and contribution of small businesses to the neighborhood.
Artist Statement: My name is Idaly Hernandez (b.2002) I am a first generation Mexican American raised in Washington Heights. My goal is to document and highlight members of my community whose voices need to be amplified to describe their experiences in New York City. Currently, I am a Comms & New Media Intern at The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) where I help document programming that highlights social issues that affect communities of color and artists that are descendants of the African Diaspora. Just like my work at CCCADI my goal is to grow as a filmmaker and also highlight issues in my community of Washington Heights.