NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
A Film Series by Short Stay Studios
Some of the best conversations
happen right after the credits roll.
Neighborhood Watch is a community film series rooted in one belief: watching something together changes the way you experience it.
We didn’t build this for passive audiences. We built it for people who want to feel something and talk about it afterward.
Born in a Newark apartment, built into a cultural institution — three years in, the series continues to grow because the community keeps showing up.
WHAT STARTED AS A HANGOUT
BECAME A CALLING
WHERE IT STARTED
It started with a couch, a projector,
and the premiere of The Vince Staples Show.
Kaishon Way, founder of Short Stay Studio, opened his apartment to a small group of friends in the spirit of something simple: quality film, real company, good food.
No tickets. No pretense. Just people gathered around something worth watching.
Within a year, that apartment held a monthly audience of 20–25 regulars. A resident chef. Handcrafted charcuterie. Specialty sandwiches. Hot food from local restaurants.
Hospitality was always part of the experience.
THREE YEARS.
300+ ATTENDEES.
35+ FILMS.
ONE COMMUNITY.
None of the intimacy left when we scaled.
That’s what we’re the most proud of.
HOW IT GREW
Year two pushed the series into its first major chapter.
A 12-week residency, with our first formal sponsor and partner, Mentor Newark. Through collaboration, we programmed a larger, community-driven venue with theater-style seating for up to 50 people.
We added:
Short Stay Shorts
Weekly DJ sets
Local Vendors
Curated Taste Experiences
Post-screening Conversations
Safe, Late-Night Community
What started in an apartment has become a space for artists, designers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, musicians, and neighbors across the greater Newark, New Jersey.
SHORT STAY SHORTS
A dedicated short film platform spotlighting local and emerging filmmakers whose work deserves a room full of people paying attention.
WHAT NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH IS
Film is the catalyst.
Community is the point.
Neighborhood Watch is not:
a networking mixer
a bar with a projector
the every day movie night
It is an atmosphere. A room full of people who came to be present — to watch, react, talk, and connect.
This is what three years of building look like,
when an idea finally makes it out the group chat
THIS SUMMER, WE OUTSIDE.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
AT THE YARD
Outdoor screening
Short Stay Shorts
Live DJs
Featured Vendors
Signature Raffle
Food Proudly Provided by 'The Yard’
JUNE 26, 2026
7PM - 11PM
The Yard — Newark, NJ
Part of the North To Shore Festival.
Limited capacity. Community first
Come for the movie,
stay for the conversations
ABOUT SHORT STAY STUDIOS
Short Stay Studios is a multidisciplinary platform
rooted in hospitality, design, art, and intentional gathering.
We create environments where artists, entrepreneurs, makers, and culturally curious people can meet, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships in real life.'
SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Neighborhood Watch started with a projector, a few friends, and a belief that some experiences are better shared.
Three years later, we're still building.
If this series has resonated with you, consider supporting its next chapter.
Your contribution helps us create more screenings, support more artists, partner with more local businesses, and continue building spaces where people can gather with intention.
Thank you for being part of the story.