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Comedy
INTERVIEW WITH KEITH WILSON,
DIRECTOR OF "CRACKBABY"
By Rooftop Films on 01/26/2009
Filed under: Comedy, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmsCRACKBABY: FOLSOM STREET (Keith Wilson | 0:55 | Comedy) callBrightcove(5581668001, 594, 445, "#ffffff"); The continuing adventures of one f***ed up looking doll. Directed by Keith Wilson. Q&A Rooftop Films: Where did you get the Crackbaby doll? Did it look like that when you found it or did you have to mess it around? Keith Wilson: I was late arriving to the flea market in Concord, CA and only the trash from the day remained. One man's trash is another man's treasure, right? So I rummaged a bit and buried under a pile of unwanted, mangled and dirty Barbie-esque dolls was... MORE »
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INTERVIEW WITH ROB TYLER,
DIRECTOR OF "MAGIC HOSTESS"
By Rooftop Films on 12/11/2008
Filed under: Comedy, Documentary, Watch Short FilmsMAGIC HOSTESS (Rob Tyler | 3:50 | Experimental) callBrightcove(2688433001, 594, 445, "#ffffff");Rob Tyler's playful tribute to the wonders of 20th-century technology (and vintage can labels). www.archmotion.com and www.vcr100.com Q&A Rooftop Films: Tell us about your film. Rob Tyler: Well, Magic Hostess: The Electric Can Opener is a short movie about one of the most powerful and commanding kitchen appliances around - the can opener. Basically its a highly stylized portrait of domesticated technology. RF: What was your inspiration? RT: Unsure really. One part boredom and one part interest in industrial design. It is part of a video series I created... MORE »
INTERVIEW WITH DALLAS PENN,
CO-WRITER AND STAR OF "CHECKMATE"
By Rooftop Films on 11/26/2008
Filed under: Comedy, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmsCheckmate (Casimir Nozkowski, Dallas Penn, Rafi Kam | New York City | 9:43)Why are there always jewelry stores next to check-cashing spots? Why is there only 1 bank per 50,000 people living in Bushwick? Q&A Rooftop Films: Tell us about your film Dallas Penn: Checkmate was a video we developed as a response from one of our viewers who after viewing our film 'Bodega' asked us to make a film about another one of the center city's ubiquitous retail locations - the check cashing store RF: What was your inspiration? DP: SInce Rafi and I had used check cashing stores... MORE »
AN EVENING WITH DON HERTZFELDT!
WED., NOV. 19TH AT THE IFC CENTER.
By Rooftop Films on 11/17/2008
Filed under: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Home Movies, Personal Narrative, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers' FundAN EVENING WITH DON HERTZFELDT:Wednesday, November 19 at 7:00, 9:15 and 11:15pm at IFC Center. Don Hertzfedlt comes to New York's IFC Center on Wednesday, November 19th to present three screenings of his work. The highlight of the program is the New York premiere of I AM SO PROUD OF YOU, the sequel to his Sundance winning short Everything Will Be Ok. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU was funded in part by the Rooftop Filmmakers Fund. Tickets are on sale now and quickly selling out - $15 general admission/$12 for IFC Center members. You can purchase tickets on... MORE »
INTERVIEW WITH BECKY JAMES,
DIRECTOR OF "SNAKE"
By Rooftop Films on 11/13/2008
Filed under: Animation, Comedy, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmscallBrightcove(1634709670, 594, 445, "#ffffff");Deceptively playful, Snake is a film about stubbornness in the face of change. Rooftop Films: What was your inspiration? Becky James: I wanted to make something about growing up and I was kind of feeling like people were forcing me into situations that made me have to change. And then I knocked out nine teeth falling down the stairs. So I had the premise and then I just figured out each scene as I wrapped up the previous one. Animating by hand is so slow that you have lots of time to get to know the character... MORE »
wawawawawawawawawawawawawawawawa:
AN EVENING OF INSANE SHORT FILMS
by ROOFTOP ALUM zZalgern0n
By Rooftop Films on 11/06/2008
Filed under: Comedy, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short Films, Watch Short FilmsThis is borderline offensive, but insanely bizarre and brilliant. Made by a mysterious dude named zZalgern0n, who showed his film The Loneliest Probe at Rooftop in 2006. If you like that, check out zZ's show in LA this weekend: Wawawawawawawawawawawawawawa:An Evening of Insane Short FilmsSaturday, November 8th -- 8pm**A Los Angeles METROMIXPick-of-the-Week** ZZalgern0n film retrospective, featuring selects from the 150+ short films he's made! Existential kids cartoons, documentaries, music videos, cooking shows, and much more! Program features a great deal of not-as-yet-aired TV work, films unavailable on the internet, and a vegan halftime snack! Steve Allen Theater 4773 Hollywood Blvd.... 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
A FILM ABOUT VIOLENCE
(Ethan Knecht | 1:05 | Drama)
By Rooftop Films on 07/30/2008
Filed under: Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Home Movies, Watch Short FilmsIf you like this film, see similar ones this Saturday, August 2, at Rooftop's unique and wonderful "Home Movies" show!callBrightcove(1683828054, 594, 445, "#ffffff");The simple and powerful example of the ways the film frame shapes (and distorts) our understanding. Like many great short films, this one starts by making you laugh. A Film About Violence presents us with the awkward situation of the filmmaker, on camera, undergoing a series of slaps to the face while he spills his thoughts on what exactly violence is. It's all about the context--how we would feel if there was a context in this situation, if... MORE »
ROOFTOP'S FAVORITE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
- SPARROW -
TO APPEAR LIVE AT ROOFTOP ON JULY 25
- SPARROW -
TO APPEAR LIVE AT ROOFTOP ON JULY 25
By Rooftop Films on 07/24/2008
Filed under: Comedy, Documentary, Political Films, Rooftop Filmmakers, Sparrow, Watch Short FilmsOn July 4, America's holiest of days, a day of patriotism and political awareness, celebrated by setting off fake bombs and drinking enough beer to ruin a lesser nation, one man towered above the thick and rowdy crowd at Rooftop Films, and gloriously announced his 5th successive run for President (that is, every election since 1992). The much-heralded campaign was met first with disbelief, then astonishment, then wild laughter. Which is good. Because Sparrow doesn't want you to vote for him. He wants you to revolt! Sparrow is a poet, a politician, a plebe. He writes bumper stickers ("I'm crazy... MORE »
ERIC THE SECRET
(Joe Quinn | 04:05 | Comedy)
By Rooftop Films on 07/15/2008
Filed under: Comedy, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmscallBrightcove(1556133936, 594, 445, "#ffffff");Lonely and bored, two friends mess with their head (the one hidden behind the couch). A story of pathos, perversion and secret pals. Most people have forgotten coins and dust collecting behind their sofa, not a two-headed secret named Eric One day, a weird creature came and totally gave birth to him. But don't judge, he has feelings...we think. We at Rooftop love this film! How often to you get to see a giant hand-spider giving birth? Enter the weird and wonderful world of filmmaker and Rooftop alum Joe Quinn. His incredibly clever use of mirror effects... MORE »
HOT DOG MAN
(Joyce Ventimiglia & Jim Haverkamp | 5:45 | Comedy, Documentary)
By Rooftop Films on 07/10/2008
Filed under: Comedy, Documentary, Home Movies, Rooftop FilmmakerscallBrightcove(1556197798, 594, 445, "#ffffff") ; A hilarious and poignant home movie about an absurd American icon, a giant self-devouring hot dog statue in downtown Durham, North Carolina. What goes through your head when you drive downtown and one day, there is a giant and somewhat sinister looking statue of an anthropomorphic Hot Dog? Joyce Ventimiglia and Jim Haverkamp, a husband and wife filmmaking team, gave people a chance to talk about it in their short documentary. Some people are attached to the statue, and say the town wouldn't be the same without it; and of course, some hate it--but there... MORE »
CRAZY EYES DOLPHIN VS. THE MAD COWS
(Ian Stewart | 4:35 | Animation)
By Rooftop Films on 06/05/2008
Filed under: Animation, Comedy, Home Movies, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmscallBrightcove(1556197793, 594, 445, "#ffffff"); A sobering animated expose about how Mad Cow Disease is now killing dolphins. Via karate. Okay, this is seriously one of the funniest films we've ever shown in the 12 years of Rooftop Films. Ian was a camp counselor, and he used to have his kids tell a part of a story, and then pass it on to the next kid. When you start off with an energetic loony ranting about a bovine/porpoise kung-fu battle, you know you're in for a great tale. This is one you'll watch over and over, and email to all your... MORE »
ROSWELL
(Bill Brown | 19:17 | Documentary)
By Rooftop Films on 06/05/2008
Filed under: Comedy, Documentary, Home Movies, Personal Narrative, Political Films, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers' Fund, Watch Short FilmscallBrightcove(1557911184, 594, 445, "#ffffff");In this action-packed experimental documentary, Bill Brown drifts through New Mexico trying to find out what caused that lonely spacecraft to crash land in a tiny town in the American desert half a century ago.Bill has been one of Rooftop Films' favorite filmmakers for years. He covers an astonishing and amusingly diverse range of topics--including aliens from outerspace (here in Roswell) and aliens from across the border (in The Other Side)--with an low-fi aesthetic and an extremely personal touch. It's really a thrill to have unique and thoughtful film art like this online. Two whole DVDs of... MORE »
About the Rooftop Films Blog on IFC.com
By Rooftop Films on 05/01/2008
Filed under: About Rooftop Films and This Blog, Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Environmental Films, Home Movies, Personal Narrative, Political Films, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Music, Rooftop News, Watch Short FilmsFor those of you who know don't know much (or anything) about Rooftop Films, here is a brief introduction: Rooftop Films is a non-profit film festival and production collective that has been screening and producing independent films since 1997. We are most famous for our annual Summer Series, a summer-long outdoor film festival that features more than 35 screenings each year. All of our summer screenings take place in stunning outdoor locations--either on rooftop or in parks, along piers, or in other scenic outdoor locations all over New York City (and occasionally beyond). We have screened more than 1,500 films... MORE »
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CO-WRITER AND STAR OF "CHECKMATE" - 11/26/2008
