The New York City Department of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting is the City office that provides television and film production studios with license to close streets, prevent parking and film in public City locations. Recently, the office licensed a film to shoot in Williamsburg's Hasidic section, but only about a half-day before shooting. When the no-parking notices went up and were noticed by the Hasidic community, it was already Shabbat, and Orthodox Jews are not supposed to do any work over the sabbath, even something as mundane as moving your parked car or handling money.
Should this Hasidic community's beliefs, or any other religion's beliefs make you exempt from following local City laws and policy? Or should the City be more respectful to religious beliefs and neighborhood cultures when making licensing decisions like these?
Matt Coneybeare
Editor in Chief
Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.
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