New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News
Two people walk past an entrance of a building used by N.Y.U.’s Tandon School of Engineering.
Search committee for new Tandon dean disappointed by low student participation
A man stands in front of the fountain at Washington Square Park holding a sign labeled “Free Expression Not Suppression” with his other hand outstretched in a fist. A police officer dressed in uniform stands to the man’s right, facing him.
WSP artists claim uptick in law enforcement ‘intimidation’
A birds-eye-view of Manhattans skyline.
Study proposes solutions to housing shortages in big cities
An illustration of the Washington Square Arch, surrounded by green bushes in front of several pastel-colored buildings. On top of one building is a purple flag reading N.Y.U, and on top of another is a red flag reading W.S.N. The sky is colored a pastel-pink gradient.
What to do this week: A Union Square market, Hispanic Heritage Month and more
A collage of three excerpts from a lawsuit against a gray background. The excerpts are highlighted to show the inappropriate comments made by Athletic Director Stuart Robinson.
‘Sexually crude and puerile’: suspended Athletics Director named in 2018 Title IX lawsuit
A man stands in front of the fountain at Washington Square Park holding a sign labeled “Free Expression Not Suppression” with his other hand outstretched in a fist. A police officer dressed in uniform stands to the man’s right, facing him.
WSP artists claim uptick in law enforcement ‘intimidation’
A group of about 15 students holding a sign reading “Sunrise Movement N.Y.U.”
Student activists join thousands at March to End Fossil Fuels
The facade of The New Schools Fifth Avenue building at night. Letters behind large windows spell out the universitys name and the lights of passing cars are blurred.
New School student workers fighting for union recognition
A line of police officers in riot helmets stand in a crosswalk. Behind them, metal barricades contain a dense crowd of young people.
Streamer Kai Cenat’s meetup stirs up mayhem in Union Square
Colin Huggins wearing all black and playing a grand piano in the middle of a park. The piano’s paint is worn off on the edges and text “this machine kills fascists” is etched onto the paint in all caps.
‘Piano man’ of Washington Square Park faces persistent vandalism
A birds-eye-view of Manhattans skyline.
Study proposes solutions to housing shortages in big cities
A collage of three excerpts from a lawsuit against a gray background. The excerpts are highlighted to show the inappropriate comments made by Athletic Director Stuart Robinson.
‘Sexually crude and puerile’: suspended Athletics Director named in 2018 Title IX lawsuit
A protester wearing a green sweater and a pearl necklace is holding a sign that says ‘Undergrads for GSOC.
Course assistants to receive $1.7 million in missing back pay
A white banner with purple letters that read N.Y.U. and a symbol of a torch hangs from the facade of The Silver Center of Arts and Science.
NYU drops 10 spots in latest US News rankings
An illustration of a scanned letter document and a screenshot of an email against a background of purple gradient.
NYU reaffirms commitment to fossil fuel divestment
A large group of people sit on the large staircase inside the lobby of New York University’s Kimmel Center for University Life, with one person in the front row holding a sign with text “WOMAN LIFE FREEDOM” printed on it.
Students demand more from Hamilton on Iran demonstrations
The logo of New York Universitys Asian/Pacific/American Studies in white in the middle of leaves and flowers.
Asian/Pacific/American Studies major lacks adequate representation, students and faculty say
An exterior shot of the Bronfman Center. On the left is the entrance of the building with a New York University sign that reads “STILL REQUIRED FACE MASK.” On the right is a plaque that reads “New York University 7 The EDGAR M. BRONFMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH STUDENT LIFE”
NYU disputes failing grade on antisemitism report
Dr. Jonathan Haidt speaking in front of an audience with a presentation labeled “The Partisan Divide on Political Values Grows Even Wider” behind him.
Stern professor resigns from professional org. after refusing to write diversity statement
An illustration of a gray facade which reads “NYU School of Global Public Health”, with a purple banner that reads “NYU” on the right side, all against a pale background.
Women with disabilities more likely to report food insecurity, NYU study finds
A colorful portrait of Lynne Feldman on top of ‘Beyond NYU’ title.
Beyond NYU: Crafting sound waves and creating communities
A portrait of Jordan Plosky with “Beyond N.Y.U.” lettering on top.
Beyond NYU: From rocking out at shows to ramping up creatives
An illustration with the title “To Her Credit” layered over a portrait of Kaitlin Culmo and Emily McDermott.
Beyond NYU: Shining a light on women’s achievements
An illustration of a man wearing a black suit and white shirt. He is pictured inside a planetary illustration with a pink and blue gradient. Behind him is a purple expanse with white planets, stars and the text “Beyond N.Y.U.”
Beyond NYU: Reaching new heights with structural engineering
An illustration of a man wearing heavy make-up and a black suit, holding both of his hands up. He is pictured inside a burgundy planetary illustration. Behind him is a purple expanse with white planets, stars and the text “Beyond N.Y.U.”
Beyond NYU: Concocting creativity with cabaret
Doctor Carl Zimmer speaks from the wooden podium in Hemmerdinger Hall. An audience sits in front of him. Behind him is a projector screen displaying two images.
How science journalists reported on the ‘story of our lifetime’
A man wearing a dotted tie, a white shirt and a black suit jacket speaks in an online conference session. Behind him are a bookshelf and five clocks displaying times in different time zones.
Minnesota prof criticizes public health response at COVID-19 lecture
An illustration of a COVID-19 vaccination card in the background with a half-full syringe on the left of the foreground and a bottle reading “COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER” on the right.
Most NYU students haven’t received the bivalent booster, WSN survey finds
A building which has NYU and NYU Steinhardt flags hoisted from a walls.
After one month of checking visitor vax cards, NYU gives up
Seven students wear masks while sitting at their desks in an NYU classroom. A professor sitting on a table listens to a student.
Immunocompromised students concerned following mask mandate removal
An illustration of a plate of arroz con chuletas with the Puerto Rican flag as the background.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Arroz, chuletas, amarillos and a dash of love
A man dressed in a white shirt with red shorts and black shoes walks down the middle of rows of grocery items, including chips, straws, and toys.
Skip Whole Foods and try these more affordable alternatives
Illustration depicting two rows of professors from the chest up.
Ranked: Five professors that’ll make or break your semester
A colorful illustration of six different handbags: a blue laptop bag, a brown designer bag, a pink Jansport backpack, a black designer tote bag, a cream fabric tote bag, and a brown vintage messenger bag.
Ranked: School bags
The side of a store that has a sign which reads “DANNY ON THE CORNER HOT ZEPOLLES” followed by three exclamation points. To the right of it is a blue sign showing deep-fried Oreo cookies. There are people standing around the store.
The best of the fest: Italian classics at the Feast of San Gennaro
A colorful illustration of six different handbags: a blue laptop bag, a brown designer bag, a pink Jansport backpack, a black designer tote bag, a cream fabric tote bag, and a brown vintage messenger bag.
Ranked: School bags
Three pairs of models stand together in a horizontal line wearing cream, red and murky blue outfits respectively. The models are wearing clothes from CLARA SON.
WSN at New York Fashion Week
A model wearing a baggy, red V-neck overshirt with two purple stripes on each sleeve and a purple letter W on the center walks on a runway. The model is wearing a long-sleeved purple shirt under the overshirt, and baggy, red leather-like pants. The model wears two stud earrings, and black shoes. A model wearing a floor-length, denim button-up overcoat with only the top two buttons closed and jeans with the fly unbuttoned walks on a runway. The model is pregnant, with the open coat revealing a pregnant stomach. The model wears brown lace-up boots, with thumbs hooked in the pants’ pockets. A model wearing a black, seemingly leather, crop top, closed in the front by two buttons, walks on a runway. The model wears a white beanie and baggy, purple pans with big pockets on both legs. The model’s boxers are slightly visible above the pants. The model wears small, gold-colored hoop earrings, and brown lace-up boots.
WHENSMOKECLEARS brings ‘Uptown Couture’ to the runway
From left to right: a model walking down the runway in a blue blazer and teal high-low skirt; a model walking down the runway in a yellow one-piece body suit with a beige overcoat;; a model walking down the runway in a blue silky see-through dress.
Chuks Collins creates waves at New York Fashion Week
A model wears a beige floral shirt.
Victor dE Souza’s ‘Siren & Muses’ collection is a coastal dream turned reality
Three pairs of models stand together in a horizontal line wearing cream, red and murky blue outfits respectively. The models are wearing clothes from CLARA SON.
WSN at New York Fashion Week
A model wearing a baggy, red V-neck overshirt with two purple stripes on each sleeve and a purple letter W on the center walks on a runway. The model is wearing a long-sleeved purple shirt under the overshirt, and baggy, red leather-like pants. The model wears two stud earrings, and black shoes. A model wearing a floor-length, denim button-up overcoat with only the top two buttons closed and jeans with the fly unbuttoned walks on a runway. The model is pregnant, with the open coat revealing a pregnant stomach. The model wears brown lace-up boots, with thumbs hooked in the pants’ pockets. A model wearing a black, seemingly leather, crop top, closed in the front by two buttons, walks on a runway. The model wears a white beanie and baggy, purple pans with big pockets on both legs. The model’s boxers are slightly visible above the pants. The model wears small, gold-colored hoop earrings, and brown lace-up boots.
WHENSMOKECLEARS brings ‘Uptown Couture’ to the runway
From left to right: a model walking down the runway in a blue blazer and teal high-low skirt; a model walking down the runway in a yellow one-piece body suit with a beige overcoat;; a model walking down the runway in a blue silky see-through dress.
Chuks Collins creates waves at New York Fashion Week
A model wears a beige floral shirt.
Victor dE Souza’s ‘Siren & Muses’ collection is a coastal dream turned reality
From left to right: a model wearing a yellow-and-purple plaid knitted vest and a yellow patterned knitted tie; a model wearing a white and red-and-mint shirt and a skirt of the same color; a model wearing a purple jumpsuit.
Parsons MFA ‘We Dem Kids’ show breaks away from the expected
An illustration of a plate of arroz con chuletas with the Puerto Rican flag as the background.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Arroz, chuletas, amarillos and a dash of love
A man dressed in a white shirt with red shorts and black shoes walks down the middle of rows of grocery items, including chips, straws, and toys.
Skip Whole Foods and try these more affordable alternatives
The side of a store that has a sign which reads “DANNY ON THE CORNER HOT ZEPOLLES” followed by three exclamation points. To the right of it is a blue sign showing deep-fried Oreo cookies. There are people standing around the store.
The best of the fest: Italian classics at the Feast of San Gennaro
An illustration of a floating burger, a pizza pie, platter of steak and a bowl of thai noodles against a purple background.
The quintessential restaurants to visit during your time at NYU
Customers ordering from the counter in the restaurant Raising Cane’s. The words “One Love” are above the counter.
Raising Cane’s at Astor Place opens after weeks of anticipation
The façade of Judson Memorial Church, which has columns made of red bricks, stained windows and a cross at the top.
Greenwich Village church that supported abortion access in the ’60s continues activism
Above a crowd in a park, protesters hold blue, pink and white transgender flags and a sign reading “you will never eradicate us.”
For trans people, what comes after visibility?
Koda Fraga and Leo Koulish sit together on the grass in Washington Square Park with the sun shining on them. They are holding each other and smiling at the camera.
Love in a time of transphobia
A bar counter with several people sitting next to it. There is painted text reading “Nuyorican Poets’ Cafe” in all capital letters on the wall behind the counter.
Celebrate women’s history year-round at these local spots
An illustration of a pavilion with a dome, covered in stained-glass-like art against the night sky with crescent moon and stars. Smaller domes lay behind the center one, which has a clear middle above an ornate bottom.
Celebrating Ramadan and the Muslim experience at NYU
Illustration depicting two rows of professors from the chest up.
Ranked: Five professors that’ll make or break your semester
A colorful illustration of six different handbags: a blue laptop bag, a brown designer bag, a pink Jansport backpack, a black designer tote bag, a cream fabric tote bag, and a brown vintage messenger bag.
Ranked: School bags
(Illustration by Aaliya Luthra)
Ranked: Students who study abroad
Collage of images and objects featured in WSN’s ranked column during the 2021-22 school year. At the center, Sabrina Choudhary and Joey Hung, the writers of the column, set against a background of a photograph of the Andromeda galaxy. The images and objects include a photo of the Trader Joe’s logo, a screenshot from the NYU Affirmations Instagram page, the Washington Square Park fountain, WSN Managing Editor Trace Miller, two cans of hard seltzer, Washington Square Mews, and a collage with the words “Ranked: NYU.”
Ranked: Our own Ranked articles
A yellow bag, rolling papers, an orange lighter, a dollar bill, and a small green grinder on top of a red bag.
Ranked: Quintessential NYU experiences
An illustration of a person standing behind a podium and reading a book to two other people.
NYU’s creative writing department kicks off its fall 2023 reading series
Artist TisaKorean rapping on stage.
Program Board’s mystery concert brings new levels of fun to NYU
Actor Paul Dano wearing a blue shirt and red headband sits in a brown desk chair. He is speaking into a red microphone while looking at two computer monitors. The image is from the film “Dumb Money.”
Review: ‘Dumb Money’ wages war on the wealthy through sensory overload
Actresses Natalie Portman, on the left, and Julianne Moore, on the right, look into the camera as if it is a mirror. Natalie Portman holds a notepad and pen while Julianne Moore holds a makeup sponge and lipstick. The image is from the film “May December.”
WSN’s guide to the 61st New York Film Festival
Singer-songwriter Mitski with dark, shoulder-length hair windswept across her face stares into the camera in front of many tree branches. The photo is black and white.
Review: ‘The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We’ is Mitski’s steady, Americana experiment
An illustration of a person standing behind a podium and reading a book to two other people.
NYU’s creative writing department kicks off its fall 2023 reading series
An interior space surrounded on all sides by bookshelves. In the middle are two red chairs. In the background, a person wearing a black shirt stands in front of a bookshelf.
Independent bookstores that are better than the Strand
An older woman sits next to a young boy on a bench and offers him food with her arm around his shoulder. A soccer ball rests beside them on the ground. The background is dark blue.
‘Offside’ comic divulges a personal reflection on Qatar’s dangerous labor conditions
An illustration of writer Annie Ernaux wearing a green shirt and holding her head with her left hand.
Review: Annie Ernaux’s ‘Happening’ illustrates the necessity of reproductive care
An illustration of a female with green eyes lays down on white bedding. There is a pink frame around the image.
Review: ‘Cleopatra and Frankenstein’ tackles love and loneliness
Actor Paul Dano wearing a blue shirt and red headband sits in a brown desk chair. He is speaking into a red microphone while looking at two computer monitors. The image is from the film “Dumb Money.”
Review: ‘Dumb Money’ wages war on the wealthy through sensory overload
Actresses Natalie Portman, on the left, and Julianne Moore, on the right, look into the camera as if it is a mirror. Natalie Portman holds a notepad and pen while Julianne Moore holds a makeup sponge and lipstick. The image is from the film “May December.”
WSN’s guide to the 61st New York Film Festival
An illustration of a laptop whose screen shows a person wearing a tracksuit leaning over a luggage on a bench. The laptop sits on purple blankets and a cup of tea is also on the blanket.
Off the Radar: ‘Alice in the Cities,’ a guide for lost souls
A still image from the film “Stop Making Sense” with lead vocalist David Byrne singing on stage and pointing a microphone to the camera.
Review: ‘Stop Making Sense’ immortalizes a band in its prime
An upside-down shot of actor Leslie Cheung, his face covered in white face paint, and pink-and-black makeup. He is wearing an orange-and-blue, jewel-covered outfit, a matching headpiece and pearls.
Review: ‘Farewell My Concubine’ restoration upholds film’s undying legacy
Artist TisaKorean rapping on stage.
Program Board’s mystery concert brings new levels of fun to NYU
Singer-songwriter Mitski with dark, shoulder-length hair windswept across her face stares into the camera in front of many tree branches. The photo is black and white.
Review: ‘The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We’ is Mitski’s steady, Americana experiment
Rowan Drake poses with his left arm lifted to the side and his head tilted down. He is wearing a black cap and a green, short-sleeved button-down shirt.
Q&A: Rowan Drake talks growing up into fame
A crowd gathering at the Governors Ball music festival. There is a modified Statue of Liberty behind the crowd wearing a pair of sunglasses.
Summer music festivals aren’t what they used to be
Icelandic-Chinese artist Laufey wearing a light blue dress, sits in front of a piano while turning her head back to look at the camera.
Review: Laufey’s latest album ‘Bewitched’ is an ode to the dreamers
A group of people wearing black formalwear stands on an opera stage holding bouquets of flowers and clapping around a man wearing a blue suit with his hand over his heart looking up at the audience.
‘Furiosus’: NYU Casa Italiana opera tells a story of love, despair and madness
A Playbill with an image of corn on the cover is placed on top of a fabric bag. A button is pictured, with an image of corn and the text, “I got shucked on Broadway!”
Review: ‘Shucked’: How Broadway’s newest comedy subverts theater tropes
An illustration of a person with a blank face, wearing a black turtleneck sweater against a yellow background. There is a red question mark on the person’s face and text “hanksy” next to it. Several abstract patterns are drawn around the person.
The unexpected connection between Adam Himebauch, Adam Lucas and Hanksy
A woman wearing an orange dress sits in a sofa chair on stage in front of a gray backdrop with smudged square patterns on it.
Q&A: Marjan Neshat on ‘Sandra’ and her Iranian identity
A collage of four photos. The top right features a man wearing a mask with kiwis covering the mouth region and a cracker with kiwis covering the eye region. The top left features a man wearing a food mask with multiple slices or bread surrounding the head, leaving the eyes visible. The bottom right features a man wearing a food mask with multiple tomatoes and basil leaves near the head and mouth regions. The bottom left features a man wearing a food mask with a giant cracker topped with strawberries, a leafy green and green paste on top.
Q&A: Foodmasku on channeling emotions into food mask art
A still from the video game Return to Monkey Island depicts a locksmith wearing a pair of black goggles, standing behind the counter of a workshop. The workshop is decorated with various keys.
Review: ‘Return to Monkey Island’ is a nostalgic pirate adventure game
An illustration of a man holding a gun and wearing a khaki trench coat. Behind him there is a mill, and to the left there is text: “Call of Duty Vanguard Warzone Season Two.”
‘Call of Duty’ brings subtle yet impactful changes with new season
Developed by 343 Industries, “Halo Infinite” is the newest installment in the “Halo” franchise. The game has successfully blended familiar aspects of “Halo” with modern first-person shooter elements. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)
‘Halo Infinite’ multiplayer: the revival of a franchise
“Call of Duty: Vanguard,” the newest installment in the “Call of Duty” series, will be released on Nov. 5. The multiplayer beta, which allowed players to try the game’s multiplayer mode before release, proves to be promising despite a few issues. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)
Review: ‘Call of Duty: Vanguard’ beta revives the first-person shooter
Though historical revisionism is an issue in video games, taking liberties with the details can enhance the game play experience. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)
‘Call of Duty: Vanguard’ demands historical distortion
A wrecking ball comically shatters the Washington Square Arch into pieces. An X shape of yellow-and-black striped tape is behind the image, in front of a paler yellow background.
Off-Third: NYU to demolish Washington Square Park for campus expansion
The “swap” and “drop” buttons on Albert displayed on a laptop screen, with the mouse hovering above the “swap” button.
Opinion: The case for extending the add/drop period
Protesters walk down University Place holding large signs that read ”N.Y.U. OWES ADJUNCTS” and “UNION POWER.”
Guest Essay: A letter from NYU’s adjunct union to president Mills
A wall covered with purple wallpaper and text saying “REIMAGINING THE LIBRARY’S FIRST FLOOR” above “MID-OCTOBER 2023.”
Opinion: Bobst’s construction is too disruptive for studying
A shot of the Paulson Center gym. Students are standing and looking around. There is a sign for the Pakistani Student’s Association to the right and a Greek flag to the left.
Opinion: NYU Club Fest was far too chaotic to enjoy
Inside a New York City polling site. A red Vote N.Y.C. sign in the foreground, and a polling booth in the background.
Editorial: New York needs you to vote tomorrow
Protesters walk down University Place holding large signs that read “N.Y.U. OWES ADJUNCTS” and “UNION POWER.”
Editorial: NYU’s adjunct union tentative contract shouldn’t have taken this long
A man reading the October 4, 2022, edition of The New York Times. The newspaper headline reads “N.Y.U. Students Were Failing Class. The Professor Lost His Job.”
Editorial: The New York Times article on Maitland Jones was incomplete.
A masked student sits in an NYU common area. She is surrounded by tables, chairs and a foosball table.
Editorial: NYU lifted its mask mandate, but now isn’t the time to be idle
A protester holding up a sign saying “NYU + Sabatini = Disgrace” in front of the NYU Langone Health Center. A black-and-white headshot of Sabatini is superimposed on the left.
Editorial: Do no harm, Grossman. Reject Sabatini.
Exterior of an N.Y.U. building.
Opinion: NYU should be more transparent about its investments
A manipulated image showing a red broken-heart emoji superimposed against a warped image of the New York City skyline.
Opinion: NYC is the best place to get over heartbreak
A person wearing a black coat, red hoodie and red pants sits on a stone bench in a park with a small table in front of them. On the table is a glass jar with cannabis joints in it.
Opinion: Stop buying weed from Washington Square Park
The New Jersey side tower of the George Washington Bridge.
Opinion: New York housing programs shouldn’t exclude immigrants
Two silver M.T.A. Metrocard vending machines with red, yellow, blue and green panels sit against a white-tiled wall.
Opinion: New York, don’t get rid of the MetroCard
An illustration of a white speech bubble that reads “This shit sucks” in black font. Next to it, another speech bubble that is blue and reads “Right?”. Both speech bubbles are against a gray grid background.
Opinion: A 3-step guide to complaining correctly
An illustration of a purple world map with four circles of club logos overlaying it. The top left circle has text “the French club” with the French flag drawn inside the letter “F” against a blue background. The top right circle has the tip of the Empire State Building lit with green, white and red lights and text “ITALIAN CLUB AT N.Y.U.” against a light blue background. The bottom left circle has text “C.M.S” in red and a red flower icon. The bottom right circle has text “Russian Club at N.Y.U” in red against a white background.
Opinion: NYU should promote more conversation clubs
An illustration of a tweet from user @A1exandraCohen with text “if i EVER get Twitter blue, just know it’s a cry for help.” against a blue background. The tweet has two likes.
Opinion: Students can save Twitter
An illustration of white wired earphones surrounded by musical notes, against a blue background.
Opinion: It’s high time we embrace pop music again
An illustration of a hand with red fingernails holds a smartphone that displays a BeReal interface. The woman takes a selfie while she pets her dog.
Opinion: Let’s be real about BeReal
The “swap” and “drop” buttons on Albert displayed on a laptop screen, with the mouse hovering above the “swap” button.
Opinion: The case for extending the add/drop period
A wall covered with purple wallpaper and text saying “REIMAGINING THE LIBRARY’S FIRST FLOOR” above “MID-OCTOBER 2023.”
Opinion: Bobst’s construction is too disruptive for studying
A purple N.Y.U. flag hanging off of a building’s facade.
Opinion: The 18-credit limit is a barrier to success
An aerial view of the Washington Square Arch with a crowd of N.Y.U. students wearing purple outfits in front.
Opinion: Bring back the ‘Why NYU?’ essay
A classroom filled with students, who are wearing masks, working on their laptops. An analog clock hangs on the wall behind them.
Opinion: Stop making classes longer than they need to be
A wrecking ball comically shatters the Washington Square Arch into pieces. An X shape of yellow-and-black striped tape is behind the image, in front of a paler yellow background.
Off-Third: NYU to demolish Washington Square Park for campus expansion
An illustration of a black car with N.Y.U. Safe Ride logos on the hood and side. On top of the illustration is a smartphone displaying an application called “N.Y.U. Safe Ride.”
Off-Third: NYU Safe Ride adds skateboard service
A photo of Andrew Hamilton, the president of N.Y.U., wearing a brown suit with red glowing eyes. Above his left hand is an illustration of a paper box with red glowing lights.
Off-Third: Hamilton is behind storage company email spam
A flag with N.Y.U.’s logo hangs from a red brick building.
Off-Third: NYU to adopt Ticketmaster strategy for housing and course selection
A purple flag with the logo of N.Y.U. hangs from a building.
Off-Third: NYU spends entire budget on admitted students weekend
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: Silver School dean on the case for a tuition-free social work education
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: Wasserman Center director on the Handshake job search platform
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: CWS director on suicide response and mental health resources
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: NYU remains committed to NYU Tel Aviv
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: An open letter to President Hamilton
The “swap” and “drop” buttons on Albert displayed on a laptop screen, with the mouse hovering above the “swap” button.
Opinion: The case for extending the add/drop period
A wall covered with purple wallpaper and text saying “REIMAGINING THE LIBRARY’S FIRST FLOOR” above “MID-OCTOBER 2023.”
Opinion: Bobst’s construction is too disruptive for studying
A shot of the Paulson Center gym. Students are standing and looking around. There is a sign for the Pakistani Student’s Association to the right and a Greek flag to the left.
Opinion: NYU Club Fest was far too chaotic to enjoy
Multiple students sit at long tables working on their computers. To the right is a long window facing Washington Square Park.
Opinion: Dear NYU, upperclassmen are students too
Letter from the editor: On change
Letter from the editor: On change
A collage of three excerpts from a lawsuit against a gray background. The excerpts are highlighted to show the inappropriate comments made by Athletic Director Stuart Robinson.
‘Sexually crude and puerile’: suspended Athletics Director named in 2018 Title IX lawsuit
Protesters walk down University Place holding large signs that read ”N.Y.U. OWES ADJUNCTS” and “UNION POWER.”
University denies foul play after adjuncts’ courses changed
A man in formal attire on the left and a logo of N.Y.U. Athletics on the right.
Athletics director placed on administrative leave after alleged inappropriate behavior
A blue psilocybin capsule inside a glass can placed on a windowsill.
NYU in the psychedelic renaissance
A cargo loading dock with maintenance equipment and trash cans inside.
Acquired, stored, forgotten: NYU Dentistry’s collection of Indigenous remains
A yellow N.Y.U. Athletics jersey hangs on a pole.
NYU Athletics: A look back on the 2022-23 season
A woman wearing a purple jacket with N.Y.U.’s name on it in white throws a silver shot put ball from behind a bar with the letters “J.C.S.” on it. Behind the player are multiple people standing in front of fencing.
Meet the NYU sophomore who broke a 23-year-old school record
A group of volleyball players wearing purple N.Y.U. uniforms huddled while standing in an indoor volleyball court.
NYU men’s volleyball falls at first hurdle in UVC quarterfinals
N.Y.U. swimmer Caitlin Marshall swims in a pool with other athletes in adjacent lanes.
A swimming star’s reflection on her NYU season
A golf player swings a club. He is wearing a black golf shirt, beige pants and a white cap.
Momentum builds as NYU golf heads into final stretch
An illustration of an aerial view of Washington Square Park overlaid with texts that read Welcome Home! and N.Y.U.
Welcome Home, Class of 2027
Evolution of NYU | Under the Arch Magazine
Evolution of NYU | Under the Arch Magazine
Mindful Living | Under the Arch Magazine
Mindful Living | Under the Arch Magazine
Giovanni (right) sits with his mentor on Bleecker Street. (Sheridan Smith for WSN)
Love Dissolution | Under the Arch Magazine
The Art of Storytelling | Under the Arch Magazine
The Art of Storytelling | Under the Arch Magazine
An aerial view of the Washington Square Arch with a crowd of NYU students wearing purple outfits in the background and holding up giant NYU letters.
A Photographic Welcome to Washington Square Park
Your Love-Hate Relationship with Bobst
Your Love-Hate Relationship with Bobst
Rob Benevides applies a white wig to an actor wearing a prosthetic costume face.
An inside look at the art and design process of behind-the-scenes artists
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has gold-painted palm tree marble pillars.
Travel with Rosh: Seeing the world through locals and their histories
Two people kneeling close to one another while on a stage. The person in the background is sitting behind the person in the foreground. She has her arms wrapped around the other person, who is crying.
NYU student production “Mariposa” brings Latina representation to the stage
An aerial view of the Washington Square Arch with a crowd of NYU students wearing purple outfits in the background and holding up giant NYU letters.
A Photographic Welcome to Washington Square Park
Your Love-Hate Relationship with Bobst
Your Love-Hate Relationship with Bobst
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has gold-painted palm tree marble pillars.
Travel with Rosh: Seeing the world through locals and their histories
A group of people roller skate in Central Park, the person in the front wears a black top, rolled up pants, and red skates. The skaters in the back wear jeans, t-shirts and black skates.
Central Park skating is back in full swing this spring
A blue psilocybin capsule inside a glass can placed on a windowsill.
NYU in the psychedelic renaissance
Rob Benevides applies a white wig to an actor wearing a prosthetic costume face.
An inside look at the art and design process of behind-the-scenes artists
Two people kneeling close to one another while on a stage. The person in the background is sitting behind the person in the foreground. She has her arms wrapped around the other person, who is crying.
NYU student production “Mariposa” brings Latina representation to the stage
An actor sitting in front of a mirror in a dressing room, wearing a black-and-white striped shirt and applying makeup with a brush.
Tisch Drama students call for cooling off exercises in acting classes
A reporter interview a rally attendee wearing a white shirt and a green jacket.
Video: Protesters, supporters clash ahead of Trump arraignment
A mother with her four children all wearing white outfits.
NYU alum helps daughters become mothers
New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News
New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer

Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor

Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer is a senior double-majoring in journalism and cinema studies. He has written for Le Cinéma Club and ScreenSlate, as well as programmed for Spectacle Theater and the Film-Maker's Cooperative. Nico is also an avid consumer of media: film, music, books — you name it! You can follow him over at @nicopedrero on Instagram, stalk his audiovisual habits by way of @nicolaspsetzer on Spotify and Letterboxd, or track his ramblings on Twitter at @NicoPSetzer.

All content by Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer
A photo of Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer eating ramen against a bookshelf.

In favor of smallness

Four years of editing the Washington Square News’ arts coverage have convinced me my task was trifling, but meaningful.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • May 5, 2023

Consider this my coda. I have edited the Washington Square News’ arts desk since early 2020 in varying capacities. At times distant, other times immersed, generally distracted,...

An illustration of a silver and black laptop which has on its screen a crucified man with a multi-eyed goat head.

Off the Radar: Magic mushrooms, monkeys and melodrama in ‘Altered States’

Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Altered States” is currently available to stream on Swank.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Apr 21, 2023

In 1980, the enfant terrible of British cinema Ken Russell decided to venture out to the United States and adapt Paddy Chayefsky’s novel “Altered States.” The book follows...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen To This: The Jonas Brothers drop ‘Waffle House’

Listen to this week’s most notable singles from The Paper Kites, Arthur Russell and more.
Ethan Beck, Katherine Manatos, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Pritheva Zakaria, Holden Lay, and Afnan Abbassi • Apr 13, 2023

From the talk-singing of Cheekface to the subdued vocals of Albert Hammond Jr., this past week saw a slew of exciting new singles to usher in the exquisite warm weather. Whether...

Five people take pictures in front of a mural that depicts green mountains, tan buildings and trees. A Chinese national flag is drawn in the foreground. Two Asian people are smiling at the camera as they point to the Chinese slogan “collective prosperity” on the bottom of the mural.

Q&A: Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke on China’s changing identity

WSN spoke with celebrated Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke about nationalism, the internet and capturing contemporary China.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Feb 20, 2023

Jia Zhangke is often seen as the North Star of Chinese independent cinema. His continued interrogation of the nation’s cultural changes ever since he took up filmmaking in 1997...

An illustration of books, albums, and a single D.V.D. case, placed on an all-red backdrop with a pattern of small, white, hand-drawn hearts.

Staff Recs: Schmaltzy art that’s worth it

WSN’s arts editors spotlight schmaltzy arts-related content to cling to this Valentine’s Day.
Stephanie Wong, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Natalia Palacino Carmago, Clara Scholl, and Sandy Battulga • Feb 14, 2023

What do we mean when we speak of schmaltz? Perhaps a little etymological digging might help answer our question. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (which you should use...

A childrens playground in Berlin, with a swing set, grass and bushes. In the background, a modern building, approximately five stories tall, with rows of windows and balconies.

Photo: Black students leave NYU Berlin early after reports of racism overlooked

Dec 15, 2022

A playground located near the student residences at NYU Berlin. (Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer for WSN)

A bearded man wearing a gray T-shirt and a black hat lies on a bed with gray sheets. His arm rests above his head.

Q&A: American auteur Andrew Bujalski explores the faith we put in films

WSN spoke with independent filmmaker Andrew Bujalski about mumblecore, Hollywood filmmaking and his time at Harvard University with Chantal Akerman and Dušan Makavejev.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Nov 16, 2022

Andrew Bujalski is a mainstay in contemporary American independent film. His directorial debut, “Funny Ha Ha” (2002), sent a rippling effect across the festival scene with...

A man with a short beard, wearing a gray T-shirt and a black hat, lies on a bed with gray sheets. His arm rests above his head.

Review: ‘There There’ shoots for real emotions, despite its fake portrayal of them

American auteur Andrew Bujalski’s latest tests its viewers’ faiths by pairing scenes from actors who were never in the same room. “There There” opens in select New York City theaters on Nov. 18.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Nov 15, 2022

A memory returns to me of my mother frustrated and crying after a Sunday trip to the movies. Such melodrama is to be expected of my family, but here, the source was of extreme...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen To This: Blu DeTiger dials up rhythm and funk on latest single ‘Elevator’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Sarah Kinsley, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and more.
Yas Akdag, Ethan Beck, and Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer • Oct 27, 2022

This week, we’ve got pop, funk, house and indie rock. Basically, we have a lot covered. Three of the artists this week also went to New York colleges — Blu DeTiger is a former...

(Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Staff Recs: Spooky Season

WSN’s Arts Desk highlights some Halloween favorites.
Yas Akdag, Natalia Palacino, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Clara Scholl, and Stephanie Wong • Oct 27, 2022

In the spirit of ghouls, WSN’s Arts Desk has decided to put together a list of spooky recommendations worth diving into this Halloween weekend. From Nick Cave to the latest nerve-wracking...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen To This: With a ‘Pang,’ Caroline Polachek is back

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Caroline Polachek, Katie Gregson-MacLeod and more.
Yas Akdag, Holden Lay, and Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer • Oct 20, 2022

Listen To This took a brief hiatus, but fear not — we’re back. This week, we’ve rounded up some of the best indie pop and rock singles from the last fortnight. Read on for...

A middle-aged male wearing a pair of sunglasses lies on a bed with white pillow. On the man’s chest is a glass with milk-like white liquid splattering over his clothes.

Review: ‘Tales from the Gimli Hospital (4K Redux)’ revives the eccentric beginnings of a contemporary cinematic

“Tales from the Gimli Hospital (Redux)” wrangles myth against a meager budget to create an epic of emotional hysterics. The film, preceded by “The Heart of the World,” will play at the IFC Center on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15 at 8:10 pm followed by a Q&A with the director.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Oct 13, 2022

“Tales from the Gimli Hospital (4K Redux)” is Canadian filmmaker Guy Maddin’s first film, a 64-minute experiment caught between amateurish technical approaches and emotional...

Guy Maddin wearing a beige scarf and a gray coat in the Center Georges Pompidou.

Q&A: Celebrated Canadian filmmaker Guy Maddin talks myths and personality in filmmaking

WSN spoke with experimental filmmaker Guy Maddin about diary-filmmaking, Winnipeg and John Cheever’s self-lacerating writing.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Oct 13, 2022

After 34 years of virtual invisibility, Canadian iconoclast Guy Maddin’s first feature film, “Tales from the Gimli Hospital,” has been restored in 4K and will receive a limited...

A cup of tea and a laptop displaying the film “Ruined Heart” on dark blue beddings.

Off the Radar: ‘Ruined Heart’ rides out the high and lows of love to a medley of moving melodies

Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Ruined Heart: Another Love Story Between a Criminal & a Whore” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Sep 22, 2022

“Ruined Heart,” or “Ruined Heart: Another Love Story Between a Criminal & a Whore,” embodies its title wholeheartedly. For one, its lovelornness is evident from the...

Black-and-white illustration of director Jean Luc-Goddard holds film in his hand while smoking a cigarette.

Remembering Godard: Formal innovator and revolutionary poet

In a career that spanned over sixty years of film history, Jean-Luc Godard revolutionized the art innumerable times. In light of his sudden passing, WSN revisits his life’s work and the indelible imprint he left on cinema.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Sep 21, 2022

In the week since his sudden passing, much has been done to remember French Swiss filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard. As critics worldwide pay him tribute, amateur archivists resurrect...

Against a light purple background lie pink headphones, a yellow backpack, a pair of black boots, two books and a picture.

Staff Recs: Back to school

The Arts Desk spotlights some of their favorite artworks dealing with the highs and lows of college life.
Yas Akdag, Natalia Palacino, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Clara Scholl, and Stephanie Wong • Sep 12, 2022

School is back, the semester is anew. Perhaps you’re still not in the mood for four-hour lectures, bulky worksheets or reading theory. If that’s the case, we’ve got you covered...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen To This: After five years, Björk returns with ‘Atopos’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by The 1975, FLETCHER and more.
Yas Akdag, Candace Patrick, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Abbie Thompson, and Amy Wang • Sep 8, 2022

Welcome back to Listen To This! Our first edition of the fall semester starts off strong with plenty of excellent releases spanning artpop, Britpop, electropop … well, just all...

A close up of a boy wearing a blue jacket, with his right hand on the wheel of a car.

Review: ‘Funny Pages’ finds soul between silliness and seediness

Owen Kline’s directorial debut hurls into the madcap world of underground comics with gleeful crassness. “Funny Pages” is currently playing at Film at Lincoln Center and is available for rent on video on demand.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Sep 7, 2022

From the studio that distributed contemporary coming-of-age classics like “Lady Bird” and “20th Century Women,” Owen Kline’s “Funny Pages” is A24’s latest spin...

Person holding a red-covered comic book is looking up, standing in front of a shelf of cartoon books.

Director & star of A24’s ‘Funny Pages’ talk comics, subversive mentors & trusting your voice

WSN spoke with director Owen Kline and actor Daniel Zolghadri about their recent raunchy comedy. “Funny Games” is currently playing at Film at Lincoln Center and is available for rent on video on demand.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Sep 1, 2022

Spoiler warning: This article includes spoilers for “Funny Pages.” Several years in the making, Owen Kline’s directorial debut “Funny Pages” offers a laugh that’s...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to This: beabadoobee maintains she’ll ‘See you Soon’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by MUNA, Flume and more.
Yas Akdag, Isabella Armus, Holden Lay, and Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer • May 5, 2022

Folks, here we are … the final edition of “Listen to This” of the semester. We’ve enjoyed writing up our favorite — and sometimes least favorite — singles of the week...

A portrait of a smiling Gaspar Noé wearing all black in front of a gray background.

Q&A: Filmmaker Gaspar Noé knows he won’t be remembered and doesn’t care

WSN spoke with Gaspar Noé about posterity, Andrei Tarkovsky’s “Solaris,” and how the film industry has changed since the pandemic.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • May 2, 2022

Spoiler warning: This article includes spoilers for “Vortex.” Everyone dies. Nothing will be remembered. These are the ideas circulating in Gaspar Noé’s head two...

An elderly couple holding hands sitting at the opposite end of a table accompanied by a middle-age male and an infant in a family living room.

Review: ‘Vortex’, a reminder that death is destiny

Gaspar Noé’s latest, “Vortex,” offers a simple, albeit heavy, meditation on death. “Vortex” opens in select theaters this weekend.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Apr 29, 2022

“Vortex,” the latest film from Paris-based Argentinian provocateur Gaspar Noé, is a poignant reflection on the material insignificance of dying. As is to be expected from...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to This: Dear CVS, Megan Thee Stallion is stocking up on ‘Plan B’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Laufey, PinkPantheress and more.
Yas Akdag, Isabella Armus, Holden Lay, Candace Patrick, and Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer • Apr 28, 2022

Everybody seems to be talking about Coachella this week, and, well, we’re going to give you more of that. Megan Thee Stallion debuted her latest single, “Plan B,” at her...

A man with a long beard and hair stares straight ahead, his eyes downcast. He’s wearing a plain white shirt and is against a background of painted sideways flames.

Review: ‘Los Conductos,’ a woozy ride through the sunken corridors of Medellín

Camilo Restrepo’s debut feature, “Los Conductos,” offers a wild ride through Medellín’s criminal underworld. “Los Conductos” opens at Film at Lincoln Center on April 29.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Apr 27, 2022

Camilo Restrepo announces himself to cinema in a blaze of glory with his feature film debut “Los Conductos.” Following Pinky’s (Luis Felipe Lozano) aimless parade across...

A still from the film of two women looking to the side and laughing. They are surrounded by metal bars on the side and are wearing saris.

Review: ‘Shorts Program II’ muses on death, memory and the fear of looming ecological disaster

New Directors/New Films 2022’s second program of short films collects a strong string of strange films concerned with humanity’s sense of impending death. “Shorts Program II” plays on Wednesday, April 27, at Film at Lincoln Center.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Apr 26, 2022

The New Directors/New Films Festival continues its showcase of innovative short-form filmmaking with “Shorts Program II.” The second and final installment of ND/NF’s short...

An animated still of twin sisters driving a car. One is clutching the steering wheel looking ahead, while the other looks out the window.

Review: ‘Shorts Program I’ shows the youthful side of cinema with an assemblage of global coming-of-age stories

New Directors/New Films 2022’s first program of short films collects a diverse sampling of stories from around the globe and touches on the pains of growing up in the modern world. “Shorts Program I” plays on Tuesday, April 26, at Film at Lincoln Center. 
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Apr 26, 2022

New Directors/New Films collects the most exciting voices of up-and-coming filmmaking. Although the festival’s feature-length titles, such as “Los Conductos” or “We’re...

Actress Joséphine Sanz wears a green sweater and a white turtleneck and holds a measuring cup with flour. Next to her, actress Gabrielle Sanz wears a green-and-blue sweater under overalls and holds a wooden spoon.

Review: ‘Petite Maman,’ a monumental miniature of magical moviemaking

“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” director Céline Sciamma’s latest effort indulges the act of seeing life through a child’s eyes. “Petite Maman” opens in select cinemas across New York City on April 22. 
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Apr 21, 2022

After the success of Queer Palm winner “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” at its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019, Céline Sciamma returns to the silver screen with an...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to This: Phoebe Bridgers expands her sonic palette on “Sidelines”

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Jamie xx and Shin Hae Gyeong.
Yas Akdag, Isabella Armus, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, and Annie Williams • Apr 21, 2022

Phoebe Bridgers, a veteran of the indie scene, has been riding a big high since releasing her 2020 Grammy-nominated album, “Punisher.” Now, she’s also proven her business...

An illustration of a purple heart-shaped bong, two Oreo cookies and a pair of Beats earbuds against a bright green background.

Staff Recs: Crunchin’ the munchies

The Arts Desk recommends the best movies and music for dozing off into high heaven as you celebrate 4/20.
Yas Akdag, Isabella Armus, and Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer • Apr 20, 2022

It’s twenty past four and you need something to do after toking and coughing on a spliff or devouring a brownie whose chemical makeup is a broken ratio of three parts cannabis,...

An illustration of a computer on a bed covered with a blue blanket. The computer’s screen displays a blue screen. Next to the computer is a small teacup.

Off the Radar: ‘Blue’ is 79 minutes of a single color addressing the injustices of the AIDS crisis

Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Blue” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Apr 15, 2022

Instrumentalist Martin Rev stands onstage with his left hand playing piano and his right hand raised. Behind him is a blue and neon-pink backdrop.

Review: ‘Surrender’ is Suicide at their best

“Surrender,” Suicide’s first compilation album, is a celebration of the anarchic synth-punk of a New York staple.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Apr 14, 2022
“Surrender,” Suicide’s first compilation album, is a celebration of the anarchic synth-punk of a New York staple.
An illustration of Yung Lean and FKA Twigs under teal fluorescent light.

Review: ‘Stardust’ sees Yung Lean strip rap back to its most guttural

The Swedish rapper’s latest mixtape packs a star-studded slew of features who take turns stabbing away at the triteness of rap’s current formulaity.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Apr 13, 2022

Yung Lean’s newest mixtape, “Stardust,” revives cloud rap by embracing its haziest features: its mumbled murkiness, vaporwave production and shape-shifting sonic grammar....

Workers on the picket line walking in an oval formation in front of the AFA theater hold signs saying “UAW on Strike” and “Reel Work is Real Work.”

Anthology Film Archives staff goes on strike

Anthology Film Archives, the renowned East Village film institution known for screening avant-garde cinema, shut its doors when workers took to the streets to protest stagnant wages and union-busting actions from its board of trustees.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Apr 4, 2022

Anthology Film Archives’ staff went on strike on March 31, 2022. AFA’s staff initiated labor contract negotiations back in September of 2021. Their demands focused on higher...

An illustrated portrait of Robert Patison’s Batman. The illustration is close up on his face and he is wearing heavy black under eye makeup.

The inescapable campiness of ‘The Batman’

With a whopping three-hour long runtime and a cast full of attractive faces in silly costumes, "The Batman" exemplifies the inherent silliness of Hollywood's attempts to transform comic book schlock into material worthy of criticism.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Mar 30, 2022

When Bill Finger and Bob Kane’s Batman first jumped from the comic book page to the silver screen, he did so wearing an excessively tight gray undershirt complemented by two...

A wide-angle photograph of the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, where the 2022 Academy Awards were held. Hundreds of guests fill the auditorium. In the foreground, two guests sit at a table wearing red carpet attire. In the background, the Oscars logo is shown on a screen mounted onto the stage.

NYU alums and faculty garner Oscar wins for ‘CODA,’ ‘Summer of Soul’

Clive Davis faculty Questlove won best documentary feature award with “Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” and NYU alum Ged Dickersin took home an Oscar for production work on best picture winner “Coda” at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Mar 28, 2022

NYU alums and faculty won Oscars for best documentary feature and best picture and received nominations in multiple categories at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday, evidence of...

Misha Tyutyunik painting a colorful mural on a beige brick wall. He is wearing a black jacket, hoodie and beanie. He holds a paintbrush in his right hand and a cup of black paint in his left.

Ukrainian artist Misha Tyutyunik unveils a new mural in the Ukrainian Village

Citizens Bank, the Ukrainian National Women's League of America and Ukrainian artist Misha Tyutyunik put together an interactive mural painting in the Ukrainian Village to show solidarity for the community where the bank’s branch resides.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Mar 28, 2022

Ukrainian artist Misha Tyutyunik, 38, began painting a mural of Kyiv on the northeast corner of the Citizens Bank at the intersection of East 9th St. and 2nd Ave. to mark one month...

A black-and-white picture of director and actress Kinuyo Tanaka holding a movie camera.

Kinuyo Tanaka: master of melodrama

Kinuyo Tanaka’s career as a director has long been overshadowed by her extensive acting career. A new retrospective at Film at Lincoln Center exhibits her mastery over filmmaking with a set of illustrious restorations.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Mar 25, 2022

Kinuyo Tanaka first became involved in filmmaking at the age of 14. Over the course of her extensive career, she would appear in over 250 films, working alongside the likes of...

A Taiwanese woman dressed in formal attire is holding a phone as she lies down on an uncovered mattress.

Review: ‘Vive L’Amour’ chillingly conveys the ennui of the everyday

The new 2K restoration of Tsai Ming-liang’s second feature-length film “Vive L’Amour” is currently playing at Metrograph. The film follows three lovelorn denizens of Taipei unknowingly sharing the same vacant apartment to escape their daily grind.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Mar 22, 2022

The films of Taiwanese slow cinema pioneer Tsai Ming-liang capture so rigidly the minute motions of the everyday that they border on absurdism. His second film, “Vive L’Amour,”...

A close-up shot of bright orange lava.

Q&A with ‘Rock Bottom Riser’ director Fern Silva

WSN spoke with Fern Silva about Hawaii, Dwayne Johnson, colonialism and cinema as a point of inquiry.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Mar 7, 2022

At first glance, Fern Silva’s “Rock Bottom Riser” is a documentary about Hawaii. But through Silva’s tapestry of visceral sights and sounds, it becomes a sui generis piece...

A silhouette of swaying palm trees in front of a burnt orange sunset. In the center of the background is a giant golden sun surrounded by an orange cloudy sky.

Review: ‘Rock Bottom Riser’ rocks

Fern Silva’s feature-length debut is an electrifying documentary on Hawaii. “Rock Bottom Riser” opens this weekend at the Metrograph.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Mar 4, 2022

Through his exploration of myth, Fern Silva brings out the realness of places. His feature film debut, “Rock Bottom Riser,” digs deep into the long and complicated history...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to This: Nilüfer Yanya’s latest song confirms she’s an idol in the making

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Rosalía, BANKS and more.
Candace Patrick, Isabella Armus, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, and Yas Akdag • Mar 3, 2022

“the dealer” by Nilüfer Yanya Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor To list the music idols who have come from the United Kingdom would be to write a never-ending book....

An illustration of a frog wearing a red suit and magenta pants. The frog is playing the saxophone and is on top of a blue background speckled with stars and spotlight rays.

Review: ‘Strawberry Mansion’ is a sweet delight

“Strawberry Mansion” marks Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney’s second collaboration after the success of “Sylvio.” It is currently playing in select cinemas.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Mar 1, 2022

Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney’s “Strawberry Mansion” is like a René Magritte painting brought to life. Channeling the wild imagination of Terry Gilliam and filtering...

An illustration of Daft Punk wearing sparkling black suits in front of a blue ombre background. The figure on the left wears a golden helmet covering his entire head and the figure on the right wears a silver helmet.

Daft Punk: Robot rock for the world

Daft Punk’s debut album “Homework” recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. We revisited the legacy of the famous DJ duo.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Feb 28, 2022

Last year, Daft Punk released a video of themselves self-destructing to announce their retirement. This year marks the 25th anniversary of their debut album, “Homework.”  Electronic...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to This: Jack Harlow exudes confidence on ‘Nail Tech’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Sabrina Carpenter, Porridge Radio and more.
Alyssa Goldberg, Holly Grace Jamili, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, and Sunny Sequeira • Feb 24, 2022

After the music video for “INDUSTRY BABY” dropped, one thing became clear: Jack Harlow is hot — like, really hot — but he can also spit bars. Seven months later, Kanye...

Instead of subscription-based streaming services such as Netflix and HBO Max, NYU community members also have the option to stream films through video databases provided by Bobst Library. (Staff Illustration by Aaliya Luthra)

Free movies through Bobst: Navigating NYU’s wide range of streaming services

As competing streaming services become more expensive, it’s hard to know which ones to choose. Consider checking out the myriad of free streaming databases available through Bobst.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Feb 18, 2022

As new streaming services like Ovid.tv compete against old titans like Netflix, NYU students struggle to decide what service serves their taste in media and budget best.  Luckily,...

As lovers celebrate their romantic holiday, Valentine’s Day can be the perfect time to enjoy a heartbreaking breakup album. (Staff Illustration by Aaliya Luthra)

This Valentine’s Day, listen to a breakup album

If you’re bitter about being alone on Valentine’s Day, check out the breakup albums we rounded up so you didn’t have to.
Yas Akdag, Isabella Armus, Valentina Arrieta, Ethan Beck, Paree Chopra, Sarah John, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, and Jack Solomon • Feb 14, 2022

We’ve all been there — as Feb. 14 approaches, it seems impossible to escape anything red, pink or heart-shaped. If you’re single, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something...

If securing a Valentine’s date proves to be a failure, WSN has you covered with a list of movies to watch alone on Valentine’s Day. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Staff Recs: Anti-Valentine’s Day films

The Arts Desk recommends the best films to protest Saint Valentine’s Day.
Yas Akdag, Isabella Armus, JP Pak, and Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer • Feb 14, 2022

“The Living End” directed by Gregg Araki Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor Nothing says Saint Valentine’s Day like sex, death and hedonism. Gregg Araki’s New Queer...

The 94th Oscar nominations saw academy voters recognize streaming services, with Netflix, Amazon and Apple TV+ receiving close to 40 nominations. (Image courtesy of Kirsty Griffin/Netflix)

Oscar nominations 2022: Streaming takes center stage during the awards’ biggest test yet

The 94th Academy Award nominations were released on Tuesday. The full list of nominations is a strange mix of questionable picks haunted by a long list of snubs.
JP Pak and Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer • Feb 9, 2022

In an attempt to celebrate 2021’s lethargic return to theatrical moviegoing, Oscar voters chose to recognize streaming services’ growing command of the film industry. Together,...

Gene Hackman in the 1974 mystery-thriller film The Conversation.” (Image courtesy of Rialto pictures)

Review: ‘The Conversation’ and its musings on state surveillance are even scarier 50 years after its initial run

Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Feb 7, 2022
Francis Ford Coppola’s Palme d’Or-winning “The Conversation” remains an incredible investigation into the life of a man whose world is falling apart.
“XCXHXEXRXRXIXEXSX” is an experimental film exploring themes of sexuality and pornography. The film is the latest project from avant-garde filmmaker Ken Jacobs. (Staff Photo by Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer)

Review: ‘XCXHEXRXRXIXEXSX’ brings sex back to the big screen

Ken Jacobs' “XCXHEXRXRXIXEXSX” is part of the Roxy Cinema’s “The Carnal Screening: Erotic Visions,” a series devoted to exploring sexuality on the silver screen. Jacobs' experimental film delves into the cosmic nature of life and sex through a series of hallucinatory, pornographic images.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Feb 2, 2022

Pornography has never looked as psychedelic as it does under the careful editing of legendary experimental filmmaker Ken Jacobs.  Jacobs and the Film-Makers’ Cooperative...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to This: After teasing it on TikTok, Charlie Puth’s ‘Light Switch’ is finally here

Read about this week’s most notable singles from Father John Misty, Destroyer and more.
Ethan Beck, Holden Lay, Candace Patrick, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Jack Peterson, Brian Savino, and Jack Solomon • Jan 27, 2022

Welcome back to Listen to This! We’re back with the first edition of the spring semester. Spanning several genres, we’ve got nine great songs this week, which all came out...

“Wuhan Driver,” a short film directed by Tiger Ji, a Gallatin junior, follows a Chinese Uber driver experiencing racist interactions with several passengers in New York City during the pandemic. (Image courtesy of Tiger Ji)

Review: ‘Wuhan Driver’ loses its call to action, and itself, in vapid storytelling

“Wuhan Driver” is the latest short film by Tiger Ji, a Gallatin junior. The film follows a Chinese Uber driver dealing with a series of terrible riders at the onset of the pandemic in New York City.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Jan 25, 2022

Depicting an abysmal — and, perhaps, heartbreakingly recurring — night in the life of a Chinese Uber driver, Zhang (Wayne Chang), “Wuhan Driver” condenses a series of racist...

Mario Balmaseda and Yolanda Cuéllar are seen lying in bed during a scene from the Cuban film “One Way or Another.” This film was recently preserved by MoMAs “To Save and Project.” (Courtesy Arsenal – Institut für Film und Videokunst)

Review: ‘One Way or Another’ exposes the phoniness of so-called revolutionary men

Sara Gómez’s “One Way or Another” is part of the MoMA’s “To Save and Project,” a film series devoted to showcasing the latest in film preservation. Gómez’s film expertly documents Cuba’s ongoing crusade to align its citizens with the aims of the revolution.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Jan 24, 2022

Sara Gómez’s “One Way or Another” offers a feminist critique of the Cuban revolution that unmasks the so-called revolutionary qualities of the “new men” who supported...

Michael Steinhardt, after whom NYU Steinhardt is named, was recently ordered to surrender $70 million worth of stolen antiquities. Steinhardt student groups are demanding the name be removed after a similar demand was ignored after Michael Steinhardt’s sexual harrassment case in 2018. (Staff Photo by Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer)

Photo: Trustees will probe Michael Steinhardt’s conduct, NYU says

Dec 9, 2021

Michael Steinhardt, after whom NYU Steinhardt is named, was recently ordered to surrender $70 million worth of stolen antiquities. Steinhardt student groups are demanding the name...

The Steinhardt school was previously named the NYU School of Education before Michael and Judy Steinhardts donation. (Staff Photo by Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer)

Photo: Michael Steinhardt surrenders stolen antiquities worth $70 million 

Dec 7, 2021

The Steinhardt school was previously named the NYU School of Education before Michael and Judy Steinhardt's donation. (Staff Photo by Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer)

“The French Dispatch,” a 2021 film written, directed and produced by Wes Anderson, explores the separate storylines of three past articles being republished in honor of the dead editor of The French Dispatch Magazine. The image shows a scene between Zeffirelli (Timothée Chalamet) and Juliette (Lyna Khoudri). (Image courtesy of Searchlight Pictures)

Review: ‘The French Dispatch’ and the tyrannical tenderness of Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson’s 10th feature film, “The French Dispatch,” presents itself as an apogee of aesthetic redundancy.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Abroad Editor • Nov 2, 2021

Wes Anderson does not make films that take place on planet Earth. No, his films take place in the mind of the idealistic teenage wonderer who ponders atop the toilet for too long...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to this: Metallica covers growl alongside lush pop tunes

Read about the most notable singles this week by Mac DeMarco, Troye Sivan and more.
Yas Akdag, Victoria Carchietta, Holden Lay, Candace Patrick, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, and Sabiq Shahidullah • Sep 16, 2021

This week’s reviews range from covers of Metallica’s “The Black Album” to a slinky Big Thief song about certainty. They discuss Radiohead’s upcoming triple-album release...

Directed by Dan Shaw, Cryptozoo is a new animated adventure. Mythological creatures called cryptids star in the film, available in theaters beginning August 20. (Image courtesy of Magnolia Pictures)

Review: “Cryptozoo”

“Cryptozoo” is what you get when you give a four-year-old amalgamation of Robert Breer and Hunter S. Thompson a box of crayons. It is available on demand and in theaters starting on August 20.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Abroad Arts Editor • Aug 20, 2021

Dazzling does not cut it; Dash Shaw makes films that embody what Humphry Osmond must have envisioned when he coined the term “psychedelic.” Beautifully animated and gloriously...

Starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard, Annette is a Rock Opera centered around a chaotic artistic couple. Annette is now in theaters and Amazon Prime. (Image courtesy of Amazon Studios)

Review: “Annette”

Directed by Leos Carax and written by Sparks, “Annette” is as weird as you’d expect. “Annette” is currently playing in theaters and available via Amazon Prime.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Abroad Arts Editor • Aug 19, 2021

“Annette” is deranged. Adapted from a screenplay by odd bod duo Sparks — Ron and Russell Mael — and directed by Leos Carax, “Annette” is the first true rock opera since...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to this: Singles from July

In case you missed it, here are new tracks by Bo Burnham, Peggy Gou and more.
Caitlin Hsu, Alexandra Chan, Isabella Armus, Sasha Cohen, Ana Cubas, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Ashley Wu, and Julian Hammond Santander • Jul 30, 2021

WSN’s music desk is no longer on summer hiatus. While the staff took a short break, the music world delivered hundreds of singles to sift through and enjoy. And yet, through...

“Mandibles,” written and directed by Quentin Dupieux, follows Manu (Grégoire Ludig), Jean-Gab (David Marsais), and a bug. This film is available on-demand and in theaters starting July 23. (Photo Courtesy of Magnet Releasing)

Review: “Mandibles”

Quentin Dupieux is back with another filmic reverie. His latest feature follows two friends coasting around France, getting into all sorts of hijinks and trying to tame a giant fly. The film is available on demand and in theaters as of July 23.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Abroad Arts Editor • Jul 23, 2021

“Mandibles” purports to be a film about two buddies and a bug; it begs to be bizarre. But the truth is, “Mandibles” is no more than a simple film about how friendship gets...

Paul Schrader’s directorial debut, Blue Collar, is a 1978 American crime drama film following three blue-collar workers. This film is currently playing at Film Forum until July 22. (Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures)

Review: “Blue Collar”

Paul Schrader’s 1978 directorial debut is a morality play from hell. “Blue Collar” is currently playing at Film Forum until July 22.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Abroad Arts Editor • Jul 20, 2021

As a hard cocktail of proletariat pornography and moral conundrums, Paul Schrader’s 1978 film “Blue Collar” contains enough muscular men hard at work to make Rivera jealous...

‘We’re All Going to the World’s Fair’ is an original coming-of-age horror film that explores the experience of a young girl coming up in todays lonely internet-age. (Illustration by Lucy Geronime)

‘We’re All Going to the World’s Fair’ offers a strange spin on the coming-of-age genre

Directed by Jane Schoenburn, “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” offers an alternative coming-of-age tale for horror aficionados. The film is currently playing as part ND/NF 2021.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • May 5, 2021

“We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” perfectly encapsulates the humdrum existence of the modern American teen who spends their time scouring the internet with the hopes...

“Dark Red Forest” is a documentary directed by Jin Huaqing. This documentary captures the annual retreat of thousands of red-cloaked Tibetan nuns to the Tibetan Plateau. (Photo Courtesy of Cinetic Media)

‘Dark Red Forest’ points you toward nirvana

Directed by Jin Huaqing, “Dark Red Forest” is a loving ode to religious perseverance in adverse conditions. The film is currently playing as part of ND/NF 2021.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • May 4, 2021

Thousands of Tibetan nuns retreat to the Tibetan plateau each year and live in small wooden houses under extreme weather conditions. Jin Huaqing’s directorial debut “Dark Red...

All Lights, Everywhere provides a stunning and insightful commentary on the development of cameras, and surveillance. The film delves deep into how the images produced are shaped not only by the camera but the people behind the lenses. (Image courtesy of NEON Productions)

‘All Light, Everywhere’ offers an enlightening viewing experience

Theo Anthony’s documentary on surveillance, policing and the strange relationship between the development of guns and cameras will close out this year’s New Directors/New Films Festival.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • May 3, 2021

Theo Anthony’s “All Light, Everywhere” is that rare type of film that forces viewers to reappraise their reality. It chips away at viewers’ preconceptions of authority...

The Mirror is a 1975 Russian film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, following a dying man in his forties as he remembers his past. There is a new restoration of Andrei Tarkovskys The Mirror at the Lincoln Center. (Photo Courtesy of Cinetic Media)

The recent restoration of ‘The Mirror’ and the need to resurrect cinematic discourse

Although movie theaters have reopened, film culture remains stagnant. A recent trip to experience Andrei Tarkovsky’s “The Mirror” at Lincoln Center revealed how issues of isolation currently threaten cinematic discourse.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Apr 27, 2021

It seems silly to write about Andrei Tarkovsky’s “The Mirror” after so much has been already said about his seminal masterpiece. It seems even sillier attempting to add to...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to This: Singles from April 17-23

In case you missed it, here are new tracks by Day6, Alanis Morissette and more.
Alexandra Chan, Candace Patrick, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Sasha Cohen, and Ana Cubas • Apr 23, 2021

The relationship between an artist and the listener can be a powerful one. Music often formulates or elicits emotions we cannot formulate as eloquently, or universalizes personal...

Wim Wenders’ directorial debut, “The Goalie’s Anxiety at the Penalty Kick,” is finally free to all via the Museum of Modern Art and Film at Lincoln Center’s New Directors/New Films festival. Based on a novel of the same name by Nobel laureate Peter Handke, this movie is a distinct investigation into a German generation consumed by a condition of aimlessness. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

‘The Goalie’s Anxiety at the Penalty Kick’ review: A languid look at aimlessness

This long-lost directorial debut by German director Wim Wenders about alienation in post-war Germany is playing for free as part of the 50th edition of the New Directors/New Films festival.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Apr 22, 2021

After decades of being inaccessible to cinephiles due to its rarity, Wim Wenders’ directorial debut, “The Goalie’s Anxiety at the Penalty Kick,” is finally free to all...

Bill Traylor was an African-American self-taught artist from Alabama. “Bill Traylor: Chasing Ghosts” by Jeffrey Wolf is a wonderful summary of this artists life and career. (Photo by Horace Perry, Courtesy of Kino Lorber)

‘Bill Traylor: Chasing Ghosts’ review: A dry overview of an incredible artist

Directed by Jeffrey Wolf, “Bill Traylor: Chasing Ghosts” acts as a comprehensive but unengaging documentary about outsider artist Bill Traylor.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Apr 15, 2021

Barely stretching itself out to a 75-minute runtime, “Bill Traylor: Chasing Ghosts” is the perfect example of a documentary whose subject matter outshines its depiction.  Directed...

“Working Together: The Photographers of the Kamoinge Workshop is an exhibition in the Whitney Museum of American Art, located in Lower Manhattan. This exhibition on the legacy of the Kamoinge Workshop comes to an end, after its opening in November. (Staff Photo by Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer)

The Whitney’s exhibition on the legacy of the Kamoinge Workshop comes to an end

“Working Together: The Photographers of the Kamoinge Workshop” animates the art and practice of the legendary Black photography collective from the 1960s.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Mar 29, 2021

A photograph featuring 14 Black photographers stands at the center of the Whitney Museum of American Art’s 8th floor. Some of them are laughing, others stand stoically, but they...

NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Developments female Music Technology students are taking note of the lack of representation and under-compensation for women in the music industry. The female music technology students are deprived of student diversity and role models within their field. (Staff Photo by Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer)

Photo: Music technology: not just a man’s world

Mar 29, 2021

NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development's female Music Technology students are taking note of the lack of representation and under-compensation for women...

Arab Straps latest album, “As Days Get Dark,” depicts statuesque bodies on its album cover. “As Days Get Dark” is Arab Straps first studio album in 16 years. (Staff Photos by Alexandra Chan, Manasa Gudavalli, Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

‘As Days Get Dark’ Review: Arab Strap’s Latest Offers Drab Diction and Lulling Lyrics

Arab Strap’s latest album, “As Days Get Dark,” comes at a depressing time with saddening songs. Featuring a bout of lackluster experimentation, the album doesn’t amount to much despite its intentions.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor • Mar 9, 2021

With their latest album, “As Days Get Dark,” Arab Strap doubles down on the thickness of their Scottish brogue while delivering deliberately dreary dance tunes. Fluctuating...

Originally released in 1991,“Thank You and Good Night” was restored by IndieCollect and acts as a love letter to Jan Oxenberg’s grandmother, Mae Joffe. Choosing to infuse the film with a childlike wonder, a sense of nostalgia blossoms that illustrates the beautiful dynamic between her existence as a child being attached to a notion of care bestowed by her grandmother (Photo Courtesy of Nico Chapin)

‘Thank You and Good Night,’ A Film Like No Other

Jan Oxenberg’s newest movie,“Thank You and Good Night”, acts as a love letter to the director’s grandmother as it grapples with themes of death and decay.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Film & TV Editor • Sep 25, 2020

It is rare for a filmmaker to be present in every single frame of a film, to envelop themselves in every speck of celluloid and convey themselves in their own art; yet somehow...

Movies like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro will transport you to new places without leaving the comfort of your bedroom. As the nights get colder and longer, the Washington Square News staff wants to make sure you have great movies to watch. (Staff Illustration by Chandler Littleford)

Staff Recs: Comfort Movies

Sometimes when the outside world becomes too much, a good movie is the best form of escapism.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Ana Cubas, Sasha Cohen, and Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer • Sep 24, 2020

“Fiddler on the Roof” by Norman Jewison Sasha Cohen, Arts Editor My grandma and I sing “If I Were a Rich Man” a lot. What can I say? We just love practicing our “biddy...

The New York Film Festival (NYFF) is an annual film festival held every autumn in New York City, presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center. This year, it will kick off with virtual accessibility for all and this guide should be your companion in deciding which film to check out. (Staff Illustration by Deborah Alalade)

NYFF: A Digital Celebration of Cinema

With New York Film Festival 58 offering unprecedented accessibility, WSN Film Editor Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer has created a guide to understand the festival’s many titles and lineups.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Film Editor • Sep 18, 2020

As New York Film Festival 58 kicks off with virtual accessibility for all, this guide might aid you in deciding what films are worth checking out. Due to the ongoing effects of...

Claire Denis’ re-write of a classic Herman Melville novel comes to life in ‘Beau Travail’ - a film about a South African troop stationed in Djibouti. The LGBT Drama showcases the love and jealousy between men in the group and how far they will go for the one they love. (Image Courtesy of Nico Chapin)

‘Beau Travail’s’ Restoration Re-animates the Beauty of Denis’s Cinematic Gem

Janus Films’ restoration of Claire Denis’s “Beau Travail” relivens the film for a new generation. Agnès Godard’s cinematography has never looked better and Denis’s style remains as remarkable as it did at the brink of the millennium.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Film Editor • Sep 10, 2020

Sunbaked bodies bustle under the African Sun in Claire Denis’s loose re-telling of Herman Melville’s “Billy Budd.” Under Officer Galoup’s (Denis Lavant) eyes, the aptly...

Bill and Ted seek to return peace and good vibes to the future with the help of their daughters. This film marks the third collaboration between Alex Winter, Keanu Reeves, Chris Matheson, and Ed Solomon. (Staff Illustration by Charlie Dodge)

‘Bill & Ted Face the Music,’ A Most Excellent Exercise in Pure Entertainment

20 years after their venture to Heaven and Hell, Bill and Ted prove they’ve still got it as they showcase an immense bout of cheesy charisma.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Film Editor • Sep 3, 2020

“Bill & Ted Face the Music” might be the only film in history that can boast about the fact that it contains a duet between Jimi Hendrix (DazMann Still) and Wolfgang Amadeus...

Ewurakua and Ewuradjoa Dawson-Amoah launched Melacast network, an organization aimed at bringing POC creators together eight weeks ago. The founders sought to create a space where under-represented voices are magnified and have the ability to diversity the film industry. (Image courtesy of The Melacast Network)

The Melacast Network: A Casting and Collaboration Platform for POC by POC

Melacast — recently created by NYU alumna Ewurakua Dawson-Amoah, Tisch sophomore Adrian Sobrado and Ewuradjoa Dawson-Amoah, a graduate from Rutgers University who currently works for a Fortune 500 company — aims to act as a casting and collaboration platform for creatives of color from all walks of life.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Film Editor • Aug 31, 2020

It was celebrated Senagalese filmmaker Djibril Diop Mambéty who stated, “I am interested in marginalized people because they do more for the evolution of a community than the...

The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week. (Staff Illustration by Charlie Dodge)

Weekly Radio Roundup: Final Edition of the Semester

The most exciting tunes as you get ready to let loose in the summertime.
Vanessa Handy, Alexandra Bentzien, Alexandra Chan, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, and Ethan Zack • May 7, 2020

The end is near and the statement isn’t necessarily foreboding. The end suggests the completion of finals and the freedom to wander the streets freely for the first time in months....

Artist Beth Million’s cover art is a familiar look to many people these days. Million’s new song drops on Friday. (Photo courtesy of Beth Million)

Tisch Senior Beth Million Is a Beacon of Light for Foggy Times

Beth Million spoke to WSN in anticipation of her new single “Rewind” that comes out on Friday, May 1.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Music Editor • Apr 30, 2020

The artwork for Beth Million’s latest single is all too familiar. Messy sheets, a plethora of pillows and a dressed-up body tied to the bed. It’s a portrait of everyday life...

Other Music, a record shop that used to stand on the corner of East 4th Street and Lafayette, closed its doors in 2016. Tisch alumnus Rob Hatch-Miller and co-director Puloma Basu pay tribute in a newly released documentary. (Photo by Lukas Sheehan)

Other Music, Other Times

Tisch Alumnus Rob Hatch-Miller and co-director Puloma Basu remember Other Music and the community it fostered.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Music Editor • Apr 27, 2020

After 20 years of musical wizardry, famed record shop Other Music shut its doors in 2016. With their latest documentary, Rob Hatch-Miller and Puloma Basu memorialize its magic,...

The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week. (Staff Illustration by Charlie Dodge)

Weekly Radio Roundup: April 3 – April 9

The most exciting singles that came out over the course of the week.
Izzy Salas, Henry Carr, Isabella Armus, Ana Cubas, Alexandra Bentzien, and Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer • Apr 10, 2020

Another week in isolation, another opportunity to explore great music. Here at the Music Desk, we’re celebrating the fact that this is the 10th edition of this column that hopes...

The New School is located at 72 5th Ave. Recently, Students at the New School have called for an academic strike starting April 6 in response to how the university has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo Courtesy of Mercedes Pedrero)

Photo: Students at The New School Stage Academic Strike

Apr 8, 2020

The New School is located at 72 5th Ave. Recently, Students at the New School have called for an academic strike starting April 6 in response to how the university has dealt with...

The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week. (Staff Illustration by Charlie Dodge)

Weekly Radio Roundup: March 27 – April 2

The most exciting singles that came out over the course of the week.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer and Alexandra Bentzien • Apr 3, 2020

The world’s halt has driven many creatives to fully involve themselves in their craft. Whether it be Arca taking over Twitch or Nick Hakim announcing a new album, the music world...

The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week.(Illustration by Rachel Buigas-Lopez)

Weekly Radio Roundup: March 18 – March 26

The most exciting singles that came out over the course of the week.
Charles Smith, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, and Destine Manson • Mar 27, 2020

First and foremost, we hope everyone’s doing well. Whether you’re stuck at home or stuck in bed, we’re still devoted to covering the singles that came out over the course...

Childish Gambino just dropped his newest album 3.15.20 on March 21st. Despite the unprecedented drop, 3.15.20 failed to offer anything new or worthwhile. (Staff Illustration by Alex Tran)

Childish Gambino’s Latest Is A Full-Blown Disaster

To everyone’s surprise, Childish Gambino released his new album in the midst of a quarantine. Maybe he shouldn’t have.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer , Music Editor • Mar 25, 2020

On March 21, Childish Gambino spontaneously dropped a new album. Unfortunately, the surprise factor did not arise from the fact that the drop had been unprecedented; most Gambino...

Online gift cards, donations, live streams and more are still viable options during this time. The WSN Arts desk lists some ways you can still support independent artists from a safe social distance. (Staff Illustration by Charlie Dodge)

How to Support New York’s Vibrant Independent Arts Scene

Even though New York is on pause, that doesn’t mean you still can’t support your favorite local bookstore or movie theater from home.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Ethan Zack, Fareid El Gafy, Sasha Cohen, Ashley Wu, and Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer • Mar 23, 2020

One week ago, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio ordered New York City movie theaters to shut down as part of many initiatives to hopefully “flatten the curve.” Earlier in...

The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week.(Illustration by Rachel Buigas-Lopez)

Weekly Radio Roundup: March 7 – March 13

The most exciting singles that came out over the course of the week.
Ethan Zack, Izzy Salas, Isabella Armus, Ana Cubas, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Charles Smith, and Alexandra Bentzien • Mar 13, 2020

It’s National Women’s History Month! But we’re also navigating a global pandemic and the constant presence of hovering parents at a time when we should be enjoying the blessedness...

Max von Sydow was a Swedish actor with an extensive career in both European and American cinema. During his acting years, he was famous for not only the roles in The Seventh Seal, The Exorcist and Flash Gordon. (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

In Memory of Max von Sydow

An ode to one of the greatest actors to ever grace the silver screen.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Music Editor • Mar 11, 2020

Two nights ago, I watched “The Seventh Seal.” In it, Max von Sydow faces Death and finds himself in a constant battle of wits with the ominous entity only to be gracefully...

The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week.(Illustration by Rachel Buigas-Lopez)

Weekly Radio Roundup: Feb. 29 – March 6

The most exciting singles that came out over the course of the week.
Ian Reid, Ashley Wu, Henry Carr, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Charles Smith, and Emily Nicole Glass • Mar 6, 2020

The transition to March and change in weather beckons a sonic shift. Thus, this edition of Weekly Radio Roundup showcases musical experimentation on behalf of well-known artists...

Live punk concerts. such as alternative band Model/Actrizs act in Brooklyn, are places that foster creative expression. Rising pop artists such as Charli XCX and Rico Nasty raise an interesting question as to whether they represent a new manifestation of pop and punk, or a new melding of the two. (Staff Photo by Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer)

The End of the World Beckons Pop’s Death

A wave of punk appears to be consuming the sounds of pop, pointing to a zeitgeist full of anxiousness manifesting itself through anarchic experimentalism in the music scene.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Music Editor • Mar 2, 2020

Recent releases by artists rising in popularity who might’ve been considered fringe artists a mere three years ago like — Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, Rico Nasty, King Krule,...

The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week.(Illustration by Rachel Buigas-Lopez)

Weekly Radio Roundup: Feb. 22 – Feb. 28

The most exciting singles that came out over the course of the week.
Ashley Wu, Ian Reid, Alexandra Bentzien, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, and Destine Manson • Feb 28, 2020

A wave of lovely strangeness prevails in this week’s edition of Weekly Radio Roundup. From The Weeknd’s latest late-night atmospheric melody to the airy sounds of The 1975’s...

Chief Keef and Roddy Ricch performed at V100s latest event. The duo filled students with fun and chaos in a uniquely cathartic concert. (Staff photo by Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer)

Chief Keef and Roddy Ricch Orchestrate Chaos for Happiness’ Sake

The Chief Keef and Roddy Ricch combination at V100 created chaos and fun for everyone.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Music Editor • Feb 26, 2020

To mosh means to dance violently to harsh noise. Chief Keef and Roddy Ricch’s performance at V100 made students mosh. Hard. It became clear from the beginning that V100’s...

The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week.(Illustration by Rachel Buigas-Lopez)

Weekly Radio Roundup: Feb. 14 – Feb. 21

The most exciting singles that came out over the course of the week.
Ian Reid, Ana Cubas, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Izzy Salas, and Alexandra Bentzien • Feb 21, 2020

For a week leading up to the releases of the new music from King Krule and Arca, there was also a beautiful bouquet of singles ranging from the likes of Grimes to The Strokes....

In the mood for love? WSN recommends some Valentine singles you may have missed this week.(Illustration by Rachel Buigas-Lopez)

Staff Recs: Valentine’s Day Edition

The Arts Desk recommends the best films, music and galleries for you to enjoy this Valentine’s Day.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Ethan Zack, Sasha Cohen, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Ashley Wu, and Fareid El Gafy • Feb 14, 2020

Ashley Wu, Deputy Arts Editor  Even though Valentine’s Day was invented by Hallmark to sell greeting cards, let’s try to forget about capitalism for a second and celebrate...

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