The Elevator Operator

A one and a half minute excerpt from the 8 minute documentary, The Elevator Operator. The Elevator Operator is a meditation on the simultaneous power and futility of hope. Eugene Sheiman runs a manual elevator in a New York City office building, trapped in his six by six foot cage. We discover that Eugene, a Ukrainian Immigrant, was a journalist in Kiev and has published a novel in Russian. Now that hes an American citizen, The Elevator Operator reveals his big dream.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Immigration
• Ukraine
• Work
• Labor
• New Day Films

[TheOrganiston9th]

I LOVE GURNEY ELEVATORS!!! Grew up with a freight Gurney (my building originally had 2 Gurneys but after WW 2, the passenger one was converted to push-button service - the building lost its' doorman & elv. op. YEARS before I was around)... it had 2 entrances diagonally situated in the cab, one for the fire stairs and one which opened onto the apartment halls. Must have been beautiful at one time but by the time I was aware of it, it had been painted. Great video - I wish the best for this man.

[Skurnik]

Thanks for the great comments. It's so gratifying to hear people have been moved by my video!

-Jonathan

[Skurnik]

BTW, if you'd like to see the full 8 minute video, let me know and I'll send you the link.

[casanoc]

@ Skurnik, I would love to see the link of the full video please. This looks awesome.

[newdayfilms]

Yes, and it's still there in the building in lower Manhattan, running off of DC power.

[Streetcar1743]

Listening to the sound of the gate at the begining of this elevator sounds grand!!! This elevator is a REAL elevator!!!

[TheOrganiston9th]

@Skurnik Yes, I WOULD like to see the full version - please send the link. Thanks!

[elevatorsonly]

That is an OLD ELEVATOR!!!!!

[NEXPAR]

I'm really diggin' that elevator!

[oneworldoneway]

Wow, he is so happy to be in America. When you see a Ukrainian smile it really means something. I would be just as proud if I became a Ukrainian citizen,