Branch Brook Park Roller Rink, located in Newark, NJ, is one of the few remaining urban rinks of its kind. This concrete structure is nestled in the pit of a hill bordered by public housing and a highway. Upon first glance, the exterior resembles a fallout shelter; however, the streamers and lights of the interior are reminiscent of 1970’s roller discos. Serving extremely diverse subcultures within Newark, this space is a microcosm of the city that surrounds it, illustrating the underlying complexities that form the tapestry of American culture. This film will visually showcase the distinct groups that use the space: Skate Dancers, Skating School for children, Gospel Skaters, and Roller Derby Girls. Two main characters are followed in the film; Bone Saw, a Derby Girl; and Graylen, a Gospel Skater. Although these two people represent difference in race, class, religion, and sexuality, they are united by the rink, which serves as a refuge from the stress of their lives and their past.

Newark will be treated as a character, a city whose famously contentious past and reputation for violence inhibits it from redefining itself and moving forward in the present. Newark is currently experiencing a 'renaissance', but it is unclear who this renaissance is actually meant to benefit. The rink stands in symbolic and visual opposition to the pervasive, inflexible and false notions attached to the city of Newark.