The National Trust for Historic Preservation is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the world premier of the new film, “Modern Ruin: A World’s Fair Pavilion.” Produced by AquaRela Pictures and directed by Matthew Silva, the film will open at the Queens Theater in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on May 22, right next to the iconic New York State Pavilion’s towers and the Tent of Tomorrow.

Named a National Treasure by the National Trust in April 2014, many believe the New York State Pavilion was the finest architectural achievement of the 1964-65 World’s Fair. Today, the Pavilion is an exhilarating public building that stands as a reminder of iconic civic architecture from the 1960’s, soaring high above a thriving Queens community and within one of the city’s greatest parks.

The film, “Modern Ruin” tells the story of New York State Pavilion during the glory days of the fair, and chronicles its high points and slow demise over the past 50 years. The film details its post-Fair use as a 1960s rock concert venue and a 1970s roller rink, complete with vintage footage and interviews with people impacted by the Pavilion.

“As simple as it sounds, saving places usually starts with people sharing stories. In ‘Modern Ruin,’ Matthew Silva compellingly presents not just the history of the New York State Pavilion, but the heart and soul of its story as a place that matters to millions,” said Jason Clement, Director of Community Outreach at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “When the day comes that this iconic structure is once again open, enjoyed and used regularly by the public, we will look back at the impact of this film as a turning point that helped make restoration happen. And for that reason, the National Trust is honored to be the presenting sponsor of its debut.”

"The building is one of the most visible and recognizable mysteries in the city of New York. I hope the film brings some clarity about the structure's history over the past 50 years and inspires people to dream about the wonderful potential it holds as a new civic space,” said Matt Silva, co-founder of People for the Pavilion and the film’s director. “We appreciate the National Trust’s support for ‘Modern Ruin’ and their efforts to highlight the importance of the New York State Pavilion as a National Treasure to stakeholders and audiences across the country."

The film also addresses the years of neglect that have taken a toll on its unique architectural features, such as the colorful ceiling atop of the Tent of Tomorrow and the Texaco Map on the Pavilion floor. On the bright side, the filmmakers also look at the recent advocacy efforts to save and repurpose the structure, and the commitment of the community and of Queens and New York City civic leaders to save the Pavilion in perpetuity.

Mainspring Pictures Ltd is presenting this AquaRela Pictures Production, in association with People for the Pavilion, Docomomo New York/Tristate and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Modern Ruin: A World’s Fair Pavilion” was written, directed, and edited by Matthew Silva and the executive producers are Jake Gorst and Tracey Rennie Gorst.

Immediately after the screening, People for the Pavilion, Docomomo New York/Tristate and the National Trust will host an audience Q&A with the filmmakers.

For additional details and for media to RSVP to attend the public screening on May 22 at 8pm, please contact info@aquarelapictures.com.

# # #

About People for the Pavilion

People for the Pavilion (PFP) is a 501(c)3 non-profit advocacy organization whose mission is to develop a vibrant community around the New York State Pavilion and to raise awareness about the structure. PFP raises awareness through public programs, events, and online communications, and reaches out to individuals, organizations, and institutions about the preservation effort, particularly those based around Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

About Docomomo New York /Tristate

DOCOMOMO New York/Tri-State is a local chapter of DOCOMOMO US, which is a national working group of DOCOMOMO, an international organization founded in 1988 in The Netherlands. Their mission is to increase public awareness and appreciation of Modern movement architecture, landscape and urban design; to identify and document local examples; and to advocate for the protection of those determined most significant. Since 1996, the chapter has been advancing this mission in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

About Queens Theatre

Queens Theatre (QT) is the premier performing arts venue in Queens. QT’s mission is to provide quality and diverse performing arts activities that are economically and geographically accessible to the 2.2 million residents of Queens, the most ethnically diverse county in the nation, and the surrounding metropolitan region. To foster greater cultural awareness and appreciation, the Theatre presents and produces programs that reflect this diversity and features international, national and local artists.