“It is time to let The People speak”

THIS IS WHAT NEW YORKERS SAY is a project that aims to give a voice back to the people of New York. In the past year, a lot has happened in politics and decisions were made, supposedly, in the name of the people, but too many New Yorkers felt powerless and that their voice didnʼt matter.

In democracy, voting is the main instrument for the people to participate in the public life, but when political games take over, it is the people who suffer the most and democracy fails.

Director Statement

“As an external viewer to the political situation in New York, I saw the danger that the lack of due process for Governor Cuomo presented to both democracy and the women’s cause, and I felt I had to do something.

I chose to direct this film because I wanted to find out what New Yorkers feel and think about the political situation that forced Governor Cuomo to resign, but also, I felt it was important to give a platform to the people that don’t usually get a chance to be heard.”

“My ultimate wish with this film was not to give answers, but rather to raise questions and stimulate the viewers to seek out the truth on their own, and start a conversation.

Not everybody will agree with the content of this movie, and that’s ok. The goal is to stir debate, because only by raising questions and confronting ourselves with different points of view, can we aspire to achieve sustainable progress in our society.”

- Sara Alessandrini