Mercy University Launches New Arts Initiative With Special Screening of Award-Winning 9/11 Film

Westchester audiences get early look at “Martyr of Gowanus” starring Sawyer Spielberg before theatrical release; Q&A with writer/director Brian Meere to follow

DOBBS FERRY, NY, UNITED STATES, September 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Mercy University will host a free screening of the critically acclaimed independent film “Martyr of Gowanus” on Friday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m. The screening launches the Art Exchange at Mercy University (“ArtEx”), a new initiative designed to strengthen cultural connections between the university and local River Towns communities.

“Mercy is so honored by this opportunity to have our audience experience this important story, not only as our inaugural ArtEx launch, but as a way to be together in our collective remembrance, in the September of the 25th anniversary of the attacks that changed so much of America,” said Professor Marc Palmieri, co-director of ArtEx at Mercy University.

The “Martyr of Gowanus,” starring Sawyer Spielberg (son of Steven Spielberg), who also serves as executive producer, has earned awards at festivals including Golden Door, Julien Dubuque and Syracuse International Film Festivals ahead of its 2027 theatrical release. Set in the working-class Brooklyn neighborhood of Gowanus in 2001, the film follows Gavin (Spielberg) as he searches for connection and meaning in a rapidly changing world. While pursuing a relationship with a local Dominican girl, Mercedes, Gavin develops a friendship with her teenaged brother, Angel. The friendships are rocked in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, as local communities grapple with fear, anger, reactionary racism and uncertainty. Gavin’s sense of isolation intensifies, while Angel falls into the grip of a local criminal gang.

INDIEWRAP praised the film as a “bold, profoundly human work,” noting that “its stylistic blend of fiction and real historical events sets the film apart. By incorporating footage from 9/11 and the early 2000s, the film roots its story in reality while exploring its emotional truths through narrative. The result is a unique, hybrid approach that aims to ground the viewer in time and place.”

Long Island native Brian Meere, who wrote and directed the film, will participate in a Q&A session immediately following the 87-minute screening, offering Westchester audiences exclusive insight into the film’s unique blend of narrative fiction and historical documentary footage.

Community members, media and representatives from local arts organizations are invited to attend the screening.

“Martyr of Gowanus” Screening and Director Q&A
• When: Sept. 25, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6:00 p.m.
• Where: Lecture Hall, Main Hall, Mercy University Westchester Campus, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry
• Admission: Free and open to the public but RSVPs are required

To RSVP or for more information, email artex@mercy.edu.

The Art Exchange aims to create interdisciplinary collaborations and forge connections with artistic communities throughout the River Towns and greater Westchester area, elevating cultural programming at Mercy’s Westchester Campus.

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About Mercy University
Mercy University is an independent, coeducational institution serving more than 9,000 students each year across campuses in Westchester, the Bronx, Manhattan, as well as online. It is a federally designated minority-serving institution and the largest private Hispanic Serving Institution in the state of New York. Mercy offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificate programs within six schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy was founded in 1950 by the Sisters of Mercy whose mission of transformative education remains strong. For more information, visit www.mercy.edu.

Zodet Negron
Mercy University
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