Underground movies outdoors.
October 2008
INTERVIEW WITH SARA POMERANCE,
DIRECTOR OF "RELAX AT HOME"
By Rooftop Films on 10/31/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Home Movies, Home Movies, Personal Narrative, Personal Narrative, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short Films, Watch Short FilmscallBrightcove(1683647535, 594, 445, "#ffffff"); One of the misfortunes of old age is revealed in this simple slice of life at a relaxing brunch.. Sara Pomerance's short Relax At Home, played as a part of Rooftop Film's "Home Movies" Program this past summer. We were happy to be able to ask her a few questions about her short film and her filmmaking process. Q & A RT: So tell us little bit about this film. What was your inspiration for the film? Were these people you knew personally? SP: My lens observes the behaviors and psychological coping mechanisms of people around... MORE »
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Rooftop Music: O'Death Record Release show at Music Hall of Williamsburg!
By Rooftop Films on 10/30/2008
Filed under: Rooftop MusicSound Fix presents O'Death at Rooftop Films on June 12th, 2008 (Sarah Palmer) On October 28th, Rooftop vets O'Death released their third album, Broken Hymns, Limbs and Skins via Kemado Records. The album, which was written over a span of three years, was co-produced with Alex Newport (Two Gallants, the Locust). Before heading out on a national tour, they're celebrating their album release at Music Hall of Williamsburg TONIGHT! Thursday, October 30th, 2008 O'Death, Hoots and Hellmouth, La Strada Music Hall of Williamsburg Doors 8pm / Show 9pm $12 advance / $14 day of show, 18+... MORE »
ROOFTOP RECAP - Indie Horror Night
with Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers!
By Rooftop Films on 10/30/2008
Filed under: Rooftop Music, Rooftop News, Rooftop News, Rooftop Weekend Recap, Rooftop Weekend RecapOn Wednesday, October 29th, Rooftop Films returned to Chelsea Market for the first of three off-season shows. This being Halloween week, we screened a madcap selection of independent horror shorts from around the world. Needless to say, it was a harrowing and bone-chilling event. Before the films, Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers played an energetic live set, all done up in face paint and robed in the vestments of the undead. Approximately 350 people packed the house. Many thanks to Metalbelly Michael Ginsberg from Chelsea Market for all his help, to Shilpa Ray and her Happy Hookers for... MORE »
INTERVIEW WITH IAN MARTIN
DIRECTOR OF "THE EUROPEAN KID"
By Rooftop Films on 10/30/2008
Filed under: Comedy, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short Films, Watch Short FilmsTHE EUROPEAN KID (Ian Martin | 22:03 | Comedy) callBrightcove(1745049853, 594, 445, "#ffffff");One night, the European kid turns up unexpectedly and wrecks havoc on all the relationships in the house. Q&A Rooftop Films: Tell us about your film. Ian Martin: I tell people that "The European Kid" is about a young man who is forced to have dinner with a family who hates him. I don't know if that's really what it's about but my hope is that explanation will get them to watch the film. RT: What was your inspiration? IM: Growing up, I had a lot of friends... MORE »
FREE SHOW! ROOFTOP FILMS PRESENTS
INDIE HORROR NIGHT AT CHELSEA MARKET!
OCT. 29TH, 2008
By Rooftop Films on 10/28/2008
Filed under: Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop NewsWednesday, October 29th, 2008, 7:00 PM On Wednesday, August 29th, Rooftop Films returns to Chelsea Market for a FREE screening of independent horror shorts from around the world. There will be surreal shorts about creepy drifters, terrifying thrillers about devious science experiments, nightmarish films featuring practical jokes gone bad, and also a few amusing films about ghostly Shetland Ponies and undead mariachi bands. Before the films, Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers will be performing their mysterious music live, and throughout the show we will have free bottles of beer courtesy of Radeberger Pilsner, so grab your Lil' Wayne... MORE »
INTERVIEW WITH E.S. WOCHENSKY
DIRECTOR OF "SHINER!"
By Rooftop Films on 10/28/2008
Filed under: Comedy, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short Films, Watch Short FilmsSHINER!(E.S. Wochensky | 05:20 | Comedy) callBrightcove(1743215060, 594, 445, "#ffffff");A black eye and a badass plan make for a rowdy revenge ride, pure and simple. Q&A Rooftop Films: Tell us about your film: E.S. Wochensky: Shiner is a simple moment of revenge. I like those turning point moments. I don't think you need to make too much more out of it. No super deep meaning. There's a little humor thrown in there as well. RT: What was your inspiration? ESW: A few things. You always see guys driving lawn mowers on the road in rural areas. They drive them for... MORE »
Made in NY announces 12th class of available PAs!
By Rooftop Films on 10/27/2008
Filed under: Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop NewsBrooklyn Workforce Innovations and the New York City Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting are proud to announce the certification of the twelfth class of "Made in NY" PAs. Since the program's inception in February 2006, "Made in NY" has graduated 149 production assistants. The "Made in NY" PAs program offers an intensive four-week training program taught by NY industry professionals. This time around, trainees worked with some illustrious guest instructors including Becky Chin, Roni Wheeler, Marcia Mule, Eva Radke, Joy Lane, Jason "Rowdy" Rody, Becky Morrison, Tom Gaito, Kofi Candela and Gina Cascino. Included in the training... MORE »
INTERVIEW WITH MAX FINNERAN
DIRECTOR OF "PUMPKIN HELL"
By Rooftop Films on 10/26/2008
Filed under: Comedy, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short Films, Watch Short FilmsPUMPKIN HELL(Max Finneran | 21:42 | Horror-Drama) callBrightcove(1701198733, 594, 445, "#ffffff");A short coming-of-age horror film about sons, fathers and the roles they play and imagine for one another. Abandoned by his father at a highway-side pumpkin patch, an eleven year-old boy spends a peculiar and life changing night. Q&A Rooftop Films: Tell us a little bit about the film, and how did you come up with the story? Max Finneran: "Pumpkin Hell" is a short coming-of age horror film about the roles sons and fathers play and imagine for one another. Eleven-year-old Terry is abandoned by his father at a... MORE »
INTERVIEW WITH SAM MORRISON
DIRECTOR OF "ROCKET SCIENCE!"
By Rooftop Films on 10/23/2008
Filed under: Animation, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmsROCKET SCIENCE!(Sam Morrison | 14:58 | Animation-Comedy) callBrightcove(1745049826, 594, 445, "#ffffff");When mystery comes calling at Grime City, captain Jack Hersey is forced to confront his darkest fear--people from out of town. Q&A Rooftop Films: Tell us about your film. Sam Morrison: My film is called Rocket Science! and it's part B-Movie homage and part contemporary satire. RT: What was your inspiration? SM: Narratively, fantastic genre movies like Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Incredible Shrinking Man. My co- writer and I loved the aesthetic and the fact that, often because budgets were tight, other-worldly stories had to be conveyed... MORE »
JENNIFER REEVES' NEW FILM & LIVE MUSIC
OCTOBER 29-30 at THE KITCHEN (NYC)
By Rooftop Films on 10/21/2008
W H E N I T W A S B L U E 2008, Dual-Projection 16mm film, b&w / color, 67-68 min approx. Image / Editing / Sound by JENNIFER REEVES Music by SKÚLI SVERRISSON Live Music by SKÚLI SVERRISSON, ANTHONY BURR, EYVIND KANG Wednesday, October 29, 8 PM Thursday, October 30, 8 PM at THE KITCHEN 512 W. 19th Street Tickets: $10 (advance tickets on Ticket Web, or through the Kitchen site) Jennifer Reeves is a filmmaker in the richest sense of the word, doing hands-on work with celluloid to create elaborately gorgeous motion pictures. Her screening of Light.Work.Mood.Disorder... MORE »
THE BRAGGART
(David Andalman | 12:43 | Drama)
By Rooftop Films on 10/19/2008
Filed under: Drama, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmscallBrightcove(1745049791, 594, 445, "#ffffff");The melancholy tale of a lonely little girl being raised by a single mom. This heartbreaking short film directed by David Andalman follows the solemn, lonely wandering of a little girl, Mona, who is left to her own devices by a neglectful single mother. The scene is set in a quiet, suburban town, one where whimsy and adventure is not readily available but must be sought in bubble filled bathtubs and abandoned couches near the polluted riverbed. Not surprisingly, Mona's melancholic existence manifests itself in the form of compulsive lying, lies to draw her out of her... MORE »
CELIA MAYSLES' WILD BLUE YONDER
OCT. 24TH, 2008 - RVSP NOW!
By Rooftop Films on 10/17/2008
Filed under: DocumentaryRooftop Films is proud to announce the New York Premiere of Celia Maysles debut feature documentary, Wild Blue Yonder. Just seven years old when her father David Maysles (Salesman, Grey Gardens, Gimme Shelter) died in 1987 from an unexpected stroke, Celia Maysles grew up having no idea her father and his brother Albert were pioneers of verité documentary filmmaking. Determined to uncover the secrets surrounding her background, Celia set out on a quest to rediscover her father by using his own artistic process: verité filmmaking. In Wild Blue Yonder, Celia takes us on a daring journey to the past,... MORE »
ROOFTOP MUSIC: FRANCES
RELEASES DEBUT FULL-LENGTH ALBUM
By Rooftop Films on 10/16/2008
Filed under: Rooftop MusicRooftop favorites Frances released their first full-length album All the While via Gigantic Records this week. Produced by Chris Zane (Les Savy Fav, The Walkmen, White Rabbits, Asobi Seksu), the record is replete with catchy pop arrangements profiling the virtuosic stylings of the each member of this versatile sextet. The group will be celebrating their album release and the end of a busy and successful summer (which included two awesome Rooftop events at Solar One!) at three of the most hyped shows at the CMJ Music Marathon. Buy tickets now before they sell out! All the While is available... MORE »
VON VON VON
(Alex Castle I 18:43 I Comedy)
By Rooftop Films on 10/16/2008
Filed under: Comedy, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmscallBrightcove(1745049836, 594, 445, "#ffffff");A candid look into the life and mind of Antwerp's sexiest native son and one of New York's great imported jewels, the inimitable and irrepressible Von Von Von. Von Von Von: Von on Von follows the ups and downs of the musical career of international pop superstar Von Von Von . Through the film we a granted a rare, intimate view of Von Von Von as he speaks frankly about his liaisons with Persian nymphomaniacs, his failed attempts to star in a self titled situation comedy, flipping schnitzels at Bitchen Schnitzel, and reveals to the audience his... MORE »
RURAL ROUTE FILMS - OCTOBER 17-19
AT ANTHOLOGY FILM ARCHIVES
By Rooftop Films on 10/15/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Drama, Environmental Films, Personal Narrative, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop NewsSince 2005, Rooftop Films has been proud to collaborate with the enchanting Rural Route Film Festival, an urban fest dedicated to showing the greener side of life. We've hosted selections from Rural Route during our Summer Series, and collaborated on screenings at their festival. Now Co-Founder Alan Webber is preparing to embark on a year-long, world wide Rural Route tour--The Year of the Nomad--jetsetting to major cities and strolling down country lanes to find and show the world's most idyllic cinema. This weekend, catch this amazing festival one last time in NYC! THE RURAL ROUTE FILM FESTIVAL Friday-Sunday, October 17-19... MORE »
PUMPKIN HELL
(Max Finneran | 21:42 | Horror / Drama)
By Rooftop Films on 10/15/2008
Filed under: Drama, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmscallBrightcove(1701198733, 594, 445, "#ffffff");A short coming-of-age horror film about sons, fathers and the roles they play and imagine for one another. Abandoned by his father at a highway-side pumpkin patch, an eleven year-old boy spends a peculiar and life changing night. With Halloween looming over us, our guilty desire for horror films seems hardly satiated by late-night viewings of Nightmare on Elm Street (for the umpteenth time). What to do? Perhaps one might dim the lights, lock the doors, and watch Pumpkin Hell , the dark comedy short centered around a young boy, Terry, who has a rather strange experience... MORE »
BRENT GREEN WITH DREW & THE MEDICINAL PEN
AT THE STONE (NYC) ON TUE. OCT. 14
By Rooftop Films on 10/13/2008
Filed under: Animation, Home Movies, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Music, Watch Short FilmsRooftop Films events are more than just a movie screening--there's films you won't see anywhere else, live music, filmmakers in attendance, and a communal energy that exceeds just about anything you'll get in a theater.Which is why we're so crazy about Brent Green--his shows have all that magic and passion, pinched together with wires and duct tape, and blasted forth though old phonographs, scratchy woodcuts, and a creaking, plaintive voice. Brent makes astonishing and inspiring animated films about strange old houses, alcoholic Santas, and bringing our soldiers home from an unnecessary war one piece at a time, and he sings... MORE »
Wed. 10/15 - Watch the Debate with SPARROW
By Rooftop Films on 10/09/2008
Filed under: SparrowComedy • Politics • Documentary Film • Drink Specials • Drinking Games A serious forum for political debate, with drinking games and radical outsider hijinks. Wed., October 15, 8-11PM Watch the Debate with Sparrow! Lunatic Comedian Poet Presidential Candidate! At Sound Fix Records and Bar 110 Bedford Ave at N11th St. (Williamsburg, Brooklyn) Drink Specials all night long! 2 PBRs for $5, $5 pint size Bloody Marys and Pickletinis 8-9:00 PM - Comedy Free Williamsburg 9-10:30 PM - Mainstream Presidential Debate (on the Big Screen), with drinking games! 10:30- 11 PM - Alternative Debate with Sparrow (Live!) Like Ralph... MORE »
Rooftop Music: 21st Century Music Videos
By Rooftop Films on 10/07/2008
Filed under: Rooftop MusicA new trend in interactive music/performance has found its home on the internet. The Black Cab Sessions, They Shoot Music Don't They, and Possibly 4th Street are just a few of the web shows that capture live performances in intimate and unique locations for an online audience. The eponymous Black Cab Sessions are all filmed in the back of, you guessed it, black cabs (usually in London). They Shoot Music records live sets in unconventional spaces in Vienna while the latter asks musicians to meet at an undisclosed NYC location where they then shoot impromptu jam sessions. Not to... MORE »
Sparrow'08 - NEW WEB SERIES
By Rooftop Films on 10/03/2008
Filed under: SparrowAward-winning veteran Rooftop filmmakers tackle thorny issue of presidential politics with a comic outcast. Rooftop Films and Rumur Inc., the filmmakers behind Horns and Halos, announce the release of six webisodes about the poet Sparrow's fifth attempt to lose the presidential election. The comedic documentary series can be seen at www.sparrowforprez.com and www.rooftopfilms.com. Filmmaker Michael Galinsky says, "We came to know of Sparrow because Soft Skull Press, the publisher we chronicled in Horns and Halos, had published his campaign diary, Republican Like Me. He has a very unique take on politics and we thought that amplifying his work could... MORE »
Media That Matters & PDX Fest - CALL FOR ENTRIES
By Rooftop Films on 10/03/2008
Filed under: Call For EntriesIt's that time of year again! As the cooler weather approaches, so does the call for entries from a number of film festivals. Submit your film to these two wonderful film festivals! Media That Matters is the premier showcase for short films with big messages. Submit your short film to make a real impact. Short Films: Keep it short! Under 12 minutes is good, but under 8 is even better. All Genres: Documentary, animation, PSA, narrative, music videos - be creative! Social Issues: Any and all. This year we are looking for films on Media Literacy, Human Rights, Elections &... MORE »
Rooftop Music: Deertick signs to Partisan Records and returns to NYC to play @ Spiegelworld!
By Rooftop Films on 10/02/2008
Filed under: Rooftop MusicDeertick played to a sold-out crowd at Rooftop's June screening of Romance Shorts on the Lower East Side and since then has been touring nearly non-stop with both Jenny Lewis and The Felice Brothers. The group recently announced that they've been signed to the Brooklyn-based Partisan Records and will re-issue their debut album War Elephant on November 25, 2008. Songwriting prodigy John McCauley III wrote and recorded War Elephant at the age of 20, and plays every single instrument on the album. [Brooklyn Vegan] Deer Tick is scheduled to return to the NYC area on Sunday, November 2nd to... MORE »
VOTE ROOFTOP FILMS
IN THE VILLAGE VOICE "BEST OF NY" POLL
By Rooftop Films on 10/02/2008
Filed under: Rooftop NewsRooftop Films has never cared too much about awards (we don't give them out ourselves), but winning a Village Voice "Best of NY" poll would be pretty cool. So go online and vote for Rooftop Films as "Best Local Arts Organization." Vote here: http://www.villagevoice.com/readerspoll Newspaper ballots and online ballots must be submitted or received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2008. MORE »
22ND AMENDMENT
(Andrew Sloat I 1:02 I Political)
By Rooftop Films on 10/01/2008
Filed under: Comedy, Political Films, Rooftop Filmmakers, SparrowcallBrightcove(1683793564, 594, 445, "#ffffff");Sometimes the Constitution is our best friend. Brooklyn based filmmaker Andrew Sloat's brilliant short, 22nd Amendment played this summer as a part of Rooftop's Annual 4th Of July "Un-American Films" Program. With the Vice Presidential Debate just around the corner, there is no better time to enjoy this little masterpiece. Andrew Sloat's newest and equally brilliant short A More Perfect Union can be found by clinking HERE, and many other works by Andrew can be seen by visiting his website. If you are feeling extra political today, make sure you learn all you can about Rooftop's friend,... MORE »
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CO-WRITER AND STAR OF "CHECKMATE" - 11/26/2008
