If you’re in New York City this weekend, join us for an evening of outdoor art and music — and a free screening of Bronx Princess. The film will be screened on Saturday, August 29 as part of the Rooftop Films Summer Series in Mullaly Park, just blocks from where it was filmed. (Rain: If the weather looks questionable, please call 718.417.7362 or check the Bronx Princess website for an update.)
Update: Because of rain on Saturday, the block party has been rescheduled for tonight, Tuesday, September 1st. All other details the same.
The evening’s festivities kick off at 6 PM with live music, storytelling and poetry performances by West African artists featured in the film (including hip-hop musician Blitz the Ambassador, who wrote and performed the music for Bronx Princess), hands-on arts activities for children and college resources for teenagers.
Then at 9 PM, Rooftop Films will present the Bronx premiere of Bronx Princess. The film tells the story of Rocky Otoo, the Bronx-bred teenage daughter of Ghanaian parents and a sassy high-achiever bound for college. With freedom in sight, Rocky rebels against her mother’s rules. When their relationship reaches a breaking point, Rocky flees to her father, a chief in Ghana. What follows is captured in Bronx Princess, a tumultuous coming-of-age story set in a homeland both familiar and strange. Her precocious — and very American — ideas of a successful, independent life conflict with her father’s traditional African values. Reconciling her dual legacies becomes an unexpected chapter in this unforgettable young woman’s education. Watch the trailer:
After the screening, Rocky and her family will join filmmakers Yoni Brook and Musa Syeed to answer audience questions. Learn more about the event at the Bronx Princess website.
And if you’re not in New York this weekend, don’t despair! The film will have its broadcast premiere on PBS on Tuesday, September 22 (check local listings).