I know it’s a few days after the fact (I definitely can’t keep up with blogger Brooklyn Vegan, who blogged about the event later that night) — but I want to write about what a great time I had at the Rooftop Films premiere in New York City for the summer season. A program of short films aptly titled “This Is What We Mean By Short Films” was projected high over the Lower East Side, on the roof of the New Design High School. One of my favorite new bands, Cymbals Eat Guitars, kicked off the evening with a short set. The sightlines were awful — with hundreds of people in attendance, my group was one of many who were stuck watching the band from around a corner — but the overall atmosphere was top-notch.
The first film of the evening was Beholder, a short doc by POV alum Eric Daniel Metzgar (The Chances of the World Changing, Life. Support. Music.), who was in the audience. Rooftop called it “A perfect opening film… crafted in our signature style… and investigating our home town.”
I might be biased, but overall I felt the doc shorts in the program stood out. Ken Waldrop‘s The Herd was a particular highlight for me, as he returned to Rooftop after a couple of memorable showings last year.
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If you’ve been to a Rooftop Films screening, you know the night is usually just getting started when everyone folds up their blankets and climbs down from the roof. Friday was no exception, as much of the audience headed to a party at Fontana’s. I’ll spare you the details of that event, but let it be known that I’m looking forward to a full summer of Rooftop Films screenings.
Take note of the POV films in their May-June lineup (below) and stay tuned for the announcement of their full summer schedule, at rooftopfilms.com!
Saturday, June 20
New Muslim Cool
(Jennifer Maytorena Taylor | San Francisco | 82 min.)
A Puerto Rican Muslim rapper fights oppression and finds peace in Pittsburgh.
Venue: On the roof of El Museo Del Barrio
Address: 1230 Fifth Ave. @ 104th St. (East Harlem)
Filmmaker and subjects will be in attendance.
Thursday, June 25
William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe
(Sarah and Emily Kunstler | Brooklyn, NY | 85 min.)
He might have been the most hated and most beloved lawyer in the world, but did anyone really know William Kunstler?
Venue: Outdoors across from BAM Cinematek
Address: Parking lot across from BAM @ Fulton and Ashland (Ft. Greene, Brooklyn)
Filmmakers will be in attendance.