for the first half of the twentieth century, ellis island stood as the gateway to america. for some twelve million people, it was their first encounter with the land they hoped to call home.
directed by acclaimed artist jr, ellis tells the story of one such migrant. starring robert de niro, the film winds its way through the crumbling hallways of the abandoned ellis island hospital complex, now home to jr’s unframed art installation. it’s a place that reverberates with the hopes and fears of those who passed through it, the echoes especially resonant today.
entwined with the narrative is a score composed by woodkid, performed and co-written by nils frahm. the delicate piano motifs of winter morning i culminate in a crescendo of strings, while the harmonium swells on the b-side are the foundation for de niro’s narration: an encomium for those who shaped modern america. there’s perhaps never been a more fitting time for this story, with all the proceeds going to the sea watch initiative, a non-profit charity dedicated to the protection and rescue of civilian refugees.
pressing on 180g vinyl, includes 12x12” foto booklet and download code.