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`400 Block: A Modern Renaissance' Synopsis: In Troy, NY, there is a corner of this classic city known as "The Marina District" encompassing the 400 Block on River Street. Inspired by the history that surrounds it, this diverse business district is undergoing a truly astonishing transformation brought on by a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs. This real life short film is told with a stylized perspective from the successful people who are placing Troy back on the map of cultural importance. Witness the passion and principals of a fashion designer, beer makers, graphic artists, branding consultants, historians, and a pastor whose church meets in a 200 year old shirt factory-turned-nightclub. The 400 Block gives a human dimension to the exciting changes happening not only at River Street, but across the city of Troy.

The crew: Emmanuel Jaquez, Dow Haynor, Caterina Sgueglia and Roman R. Jaquez (as well as Nathan Kohrs, Jeremy Drown, Jessica Haynor and Stephanie Jaquez

Age: 27

Hometown: Born in Dominican Republic, now living in Albany

Career highlights: Directed music videos for such international musicians as Riaz Kahn, Capital Region pop singer Phoebe Henry and filmed Amarfis & la Banda Atakke as well as Janet Morla. " And right now there are four television commercials that I've directed that are airing in New York City," Jaquez said.

The film: The film showcases River Street's bustling 400 Block, home to River Street Cafe, Revolution Hall and Brown's Brewing Co. Without losing a sense of the neighborhood's history, the micro-business district is "undergoing a truly astonishing transformation brought on by a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs," said Jaquez, who presents interviews with the people "who are placing Troy back on the map of cultural importance," including a fashion designer, a brew master, a pastor and a graphic designer.

Up next: "I'm working on a feature-length documentary about abortion," Jaquez said. "I'll be directing, and I hope to start production by the end of June, traveling around the country and possibly around the world to interview some of the key people." For more on his work, visit www.romanjaquez.com.

CREDITS

Director: Román R. Jáquez
Cinematographer: Dow Haynor, Golden Lamb Production
Music Score: Nathan Kohrs
Make Up: Caterina Sgueglia
Sound Mixer: Jeremy Drown
Production Assistant: Jessica Haynor
Production Photographer: Stephanie Jaquez
Editor: Román R. Jáquez
Illustrations: Emmanuel Jáquez

Models:
J. Hollis Allison
Damian Beltsmith
Jeni Wrightson
Sarah E. von Ouhl
Angelina Peralta
Aubrey Huntley

Guest appearance:

Ed Marcelle, Pastor, Terra Nova Church
Mr. John Headley, Realtor
Garry and Kelly Brown, Owner, Brown's Brewing Company
Kathleen Tesnakis, President/Designer, `e ko logic, Inc
Doug Bartow, Design Director & Principal, ID29
Michael Fallone, Creative Director & Principal, ID29
Kathryn T. Sheehan, Historian, Rensselaer County Historical Society

Special Thanks to:

Terra Nova Church
The City of Troy
Troy Public Library
Rensselaer County Historical Society
Cafe Deli-icious
Jose Molone's
Ryan's Wake
Brown's Brewing Company
`e ko logic, Inc
ID29
Holmes family of Centurion Realty Group
Kevin Luddy
Scott Womer
Ed Marcelle
Phil Taylor
Drew Ravani
Jasmine Ceniceros
The Photo Center of The Capital District