Traven Rice

Living and working in the Lower East Side as a local journalist and filmmaker, I’ve been deeply embedded in this unique community for the last nine years. Its diverse immigrant, working class history and current gentrification cycle results in a fascinating culture clash on every street corner. I’ve witnessed, first hand, how rubbing elbows with so many different characters creates a unique community -- and can save a soul. Coming from a broken family myself, this is my love letter, and a celebration of sorts, to the humanity found on the streets of the L.E.S., not to mention a deep dive into my Jewish heritage . As “rag-tag” as the neighborhood is, I’ve met so many fascinating residents that I've come to recognize it as a magical place. This is an initial episode, or proof of concept, for a series of short encounters.travenrice.com