East Hampton - A sneak preview of the work-in-progress HBO documentary "Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags" will be held at the Jewish Center of the Hamptons on Aug. 31 at 8 p.m., in the sanctuary. All are welcome and the event is free of charge.

The documentary feature film (a Blowback Production) is produced and directed by Marc Levin, a pioneer in the art of merging fiction and non-fiction filmmaking. It explores the Garment Center, called the "schmatta business" (schmatta means rags in Yiddish), that was the heart and soul of Midtown Manhattan and the backbone of the fashion industry for many decades, and is in danger of disappearing.

The Garment Center was the gateway for thousands of immigrants to the American Dream. In many ways it represents microcosm of the economic and social forces transforming the U.S. over the past 100 years. This film brings to life the vibrant, unexpected history, the stories of transformation and decline, and the voices of those who have lived through it all.

Filmed during the 2008 economic downturn, the filmmaker wove the threads of a wide variety of characters connected to the schmatta business into a collective portrait. As Americans tried to make sense of the profound economic and social forces that were changing their lives, it became clear to Levin that there were valuable lessons to be learned from all of them and this once vibrant, now fading, Garment Center.

The documentary premieres on HBO television in late Fall 2009.

For more information, contact the Jewish Center of the Hamptons, 631-324-9858.