Tugboats have always interested me. I mean, who doesn’t love a cute, rugged tugboat? After living within walking distance of the East River for years, I became curious about the history of these hardworking boats. The waterways are the city’s sixth borough, with history, industry and recreation that are largely overlooked by most New Yorkers. Profiling the humble tugboat was my way of showcasing this unheralded part of the city.
Set against the backdrop of one of the world’s busiest harbors, “Tugs” is an ode to the hardest working boats on the waterways and the people who pilot them. Once filled with scallywags and salty dogs—rugged seafarers who virtually lived on the water—the marine towing industry in New York City has matured, but the traditions of family, community and hard work persevere. “Tugs” admires the legacy and longevity of these boats and the strength of their position in the country’s history and future.
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Jessica Edwards‘ films have screened at festivals around the world including Sundance, SXSW, Hot Docs and on PBS’s documentary series POV.
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Once a year, residents of this mountainous island gather at two churches on opposite ends of town and launch 100,000 handmade rockets — directly at each other.
When Dee came out as a transgender, it meant the end of her marriage to Penny. And that’s when the empowering journey for both women truly began.
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Neighborly Norwegians hatched a plan for Finland’s 2017 centennial: gift them their country’s new highest peak. But is their quirky plan an insurmountable climb?
The folks at Power Practical grew tired of MacGuyvering their way to ample illumination. So they built the Luminoodle.
We humans are far more complex than the news headlines and clickbait would have you believe. Let the Narratively newsletter be your guide.
