Bronx World Film: A Night at La Nacional Celebrates Creativity, Unity, and Cultured Focus Awards 2025
- Kimberly Porter
- Dec 7
- 4 min read
Tribute to Tribeca Lab Caps Nine-Month Cultural Residency at La Nacional for Bronx World Film
On Tuesday, November 18th, 2025, the final evening of A Night at La Nacional brought together artists, musicians, filmmakers, and community leaders for a heartfelt celebration of creativity, culture, and remembrance. The event, hosted at the historic La Nacional – Spanish Benevolent Society, marked the conclusion of a nine-month pilot series that has revitalized downtown Manhattan’s cultural scene. The night was held in honor of Tribeca Lab co-founder and artistic director Alfonso Ramos, Esq., a lifelong champion of the arts whose vision and leadership inspired countless creatives before his passing in 2024. The evening celebrated not only his legacy but the enduring influence of Tribeca Lab, a beloved creative space that from the 1990s through the early 2000s nurtured generations of performers, dancers, writers, and filmmakers who continue to shape New York’s artistic identity.
Founded by filmmaker and cultural advocate Walter Krochmal, A Night at La Nacional was conceived as a monthly world cinema and arts event to spotlight independent voices while reconnecting audiences to the city’s multicultural roots. Over its nine-month run, the series built strong bridges between established artists and emerging talents, drawing audiences eager to experience genuine creative exchange in an intimate setting. Honoring Heritage and Community
As the lights dimmed on the final evening, Krochmal opened the program with a heartfelt reflection on the venue’s history. He reminded guests that La Nacional was founded by members of New York’s Spanish immigrant community, many of whom fled fascism in Europe and sought refuge in the city.
For decades, the society offered newcomers meals, housing, employment connections, and a sense of belonging. Today, it stands as one of the last living links to what was once affectionately known as “Little Spain” in Manhattan. “This place,” Krochmal noted, “remains a vital cultural home and one that continues to nourish the creative spirit, just as it did for generations before us.”
Music, Performance, and Poetry in Motion
The evening began with the warm, soulful lounge music of Nick Colt, setting the tone for a night that felt both celebratory and deeply communal. Hosts Walter Krochmal, Diane Specioso, Lynn Berg, and Meredith Brosnan guided the audience through a rich program blending live music, poetry, performance, and film. Musical highlights included performances by Mercantillers, Ann Osmond, and the vibrant collaboration between Laura Fay Lewis and Fitz Fitzsimmons, known as FitzyFitz. Each act brought its own energy to the stage, from acoustic storytelling to avant-garde experimentation, creating a tapestry of sound that reflected the cultural diversity the event aimed to celebrate.
A standout portion of the evening was the “Poetry, Performance, and Reminiscences” segment, which featured talented artists from the New School for Leadership and the Arts. Participants included Paul Allman, Stuart Rudin, John Sarich, Lori Seliger, and Teddy Jefferson, all culminating with a headline performance of Al’s Lear, which captured the spirit of Tribeca Lab’s experimental origins. Their pieces merged personal storytelling with performance art, turning memory and movement into shared expression.
Celebrating Visionary Leaders with Bronx World Film
The centerpiece of the evening came with the presentation of the Cultured Focus Magazine Awards, honoring individuals whose work embodies the spirit of creative leadership and humanitarian commitment. Cultured Focus CEO Taylor Re Lynn presented the 2025 Leadership in Film & Culture Award to Walter Krochmal for his ongoing contributions to independent cinema and cultural advocacy. Through his Bronx World Film organization—a roving cinémathèque dedicated to showcasing global voices—Krochmal has elevated women, youth, filmmakers, musicians and artists while bringing diverse perspectives into the community. Accepting the award, Krochmal shared a heartfelt message about perseverance, collaboration, and the creative drive. He thanked his peers and collaborators who, as he said, “work quietly without resources, without much time, yet still bring us genius that endures.” His remarks underscored the idea that success in the arts often grows from mutual support and the courage to create new frameworks for collaboration.
The Cultured Focus Magazine 2025 Humanitarian Award was presented to Congressman Adriano Espaillat, whose lifelong commitment to social justice, equality, and opportunity has profoundly shaped lives in New York and beyond. Representative Espaillat has championed bipartisan legislation to increase healthcare transparency, invest in infrastructure, and make Social Security more accessible for all Americans. His record includes introducing more than fifty bills and resolutions aimed at advancing small business competitiveness, protecting immigrant and minority rights, and expanding educational opportunities for diverse youth. Among his signature achievements is HR 6852, the Holcombe Rucker Park National Commemorative Site Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden. The bill honors Harlem as the mecca of Black culture, preserves the legacy of basketball visionary Holcombe Rucker, and empowers New York City youth for generations to come. In honoring Congressman Espaillat, the program recognized not only his policy leadership but also his profound humanity and dedication to building stronger, more inclusive communities. Rep Rolando Cespedes was in attendance for the awards. Independent Film Showcase and Audience Exchange
Following the awards, the event transitioned into a film showcase featuring Un Pote Nain by Lynn Berg, One Bridge Lane by Nick Colt, and Al Performing Titanic by Bob Berger. Each screening was followed by a lively Q&A, with artists and guests sharing reflections on process, inspiration, and the creative drive that connects their work. The conversations illustrated the continuing need for spaces where independent filmmakers can meet their audiences directly and exchange ideas that push artistic boundaries.
The Power of Cultural Gatherings
As applause filled the room, it became clear that the evening had achieved something larger than performance—it had reinforced the bonds that sustain New York’s cultural ecosystem. Events like A Night at La Nacional highlight the continued importance of preserving venues and programs that unite artists, audiences, and communities. By fostering collaboration among organizations like Bronx World Film, Cultured Focus Magazine, and La Nacional, New York ensures its creative pulse remains strong and inclusive. Through such collaborations, art does more than entertain; it becomes a living dialogue reflecting heritage, innovation, and shared humanity.