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Rooftop Filmmakers
INTERVIEW WITH TALMAGE COOLEY
DIRECTOR OF "DIMMER"
By Rooftop Films on 02/05/2009
Filed under: Documentary, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop News, Watch Short FilmsDIMMER (Talmage Cooley | 12:12 | Documentary) callBrightcove(5663587001, 594, 445, "#ffffff"); Talmage Cooley's award-winning documentary short film presents a poignant and memorable snapshot of life within a gang of sight-impaired teenage boys who create their own world among the abandoned factories of Buffalo's rust belt. Q&A Rooftop Films: What was your inspiration? Talmage Cooley: The band Interpol was looking for short film ideas they could commission to accompany the release of their album ANTICS. One of my best friends had been home to Buffalo, NY, for Thanksgiving and his cousin told him about this gang of blind teenage boys who... MORE »
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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 »
ROOFTOP FILMS @ SUNDANCE: QUICK REVIEWS
By Rooftop Films on 01/21/2009
Filed under: Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop NewsSUNDANCE QUICK REVIEWS: Stay the Same Never Change, Old Partner, Humpday, Stingray Sam Like just about every other scribbler here at Sundance, I'm overwhelmed with all that I'm seeing and all that I want to write about. (In writing the previous sentence, I first was going to call myself a "journalist," but then I realized whom I was, and I'm sadly not a journalist. Then I was going to say "blogger," but I'm not exactly keeping blog form--my pieces are reviews appearing on a blog. "Writer" is too generic, "critic" too critical. So I'm using "scribbler," which Nicholas D. Kristof... MORE »
THIS WEEK ON ROOFTOP TV:
COMING APART AT THE SEAMS
(1/21/09 on MNN, Ch. 67 and www.mnn.org)
By Rooftop Films on 01/21/2009
Filed under: Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop News, Watch Short FilmsWed. 1/21/09, 9pm on MNN, Ch. 67 & www.mnn.org Coming Apart at the Seams A desperately romantic and wondrously deadly show about mending broken bones with tin and stitching broken hearts with shattered glass. Films: Carlin (Brent Green | Schuylkill Haven, PA | 7:00) "My Aunt Carlin moved in with us when I was a kid. She had diabetes and really wanted to die. She didn't think she'd ever die. I was pretty sure she would." Carlin was shot in stop-motion, with life-sized wooden characters and taxidermied chickens, in the farmhouse Brent Green grew up in. Take My Life Please... MORE »
MORE ROOFTOP ALUMS
AMONG THE SUNDANCE SHORTS
By Rooftop Films on 12/09/2008
Filed under: Animation, Documentary, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers' Fund, Rooftop NewsLast week we listed the Rooftop alums showing features at Sundance in January, but there are also a bunch of short films playing that were made by filmmakers who have shown films at Rooftop previously. Hopefully we will see you all out in Park City in January. "I Am So Proud Of You," Director: Don Hertzfeldt. Dark family secrets cast a shadow over Bill's recovery; in this second chapter to Don Hertzfeldt's 'Everything will be OK'. (Winner of the 2007 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Grand Jury Prize, U.S.). We gave a Rooftop Filmmakers' Fund grant to Don for I... MORE »
ROOFTOP ALUMS AT SUNDANCE
By Rooftop Films on 12/03/2008
Filed under: Call For Entries, Documentary, Drama, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers' FundSundance announced their films in competition today, and we're proud to say that there are three Rooftop Films alums in competition. With over 9,000 submissions, it's a pretty great honor for these filmmakers. The films are: • Humpday(Director and Screenwriter: Lynn Shelton)A farcical comedy about straight male bonding gone a little too far. Cast: Mark Duplass, Joshua Leonard, Alycia Delmore, Lynn Shelton, Trina Willard. World Premiere. Lynn's narrative film My Effortless Brilliance played at Rooftop in 2008, and is now available on pay-per-view from IFC.(Star and director, pictured left.) • Toe to Toe (Director and Screenwriter: Emily Abt)The story of an... MORE »
INTERVIEW WITH GREGORY KING,
DIRECTOR OF "MANHATTAN CANYON"
By Rooftop Films on 12/01/2008
Filed under: Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmsManhattan Canyon (Gregory King | New York | 2:03) callBrightcove(2564679001, 594, 445, "#ffffff");For two full days in the summer of 2004, Gregory King strapped three cameras (two Super-8 and one video) onto his body and trekked up and down the length of Manhattan, taking one picture at each intersection. Music by Rachel's. Q&A Rooftop Films: Tell us about your film. Gregory King: It's an experimental/poetic portrait of Manhattan that highlights its architectural density and pace of life. I slung three cameras (two Super 8mm film and one mini-DV video) around my neck and shot either one frame of film or... 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 »
THREE DOCS FROM THE 2008 SUMMER SERIES
SHORTLISTED FOR THE ACADEMY AWARDS
By Rooftop Films on 11/18/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop NewsThree fantastic docs that we showed this year made the short list for an Academy Award nomination: Carl Deal and Tia Lessin's Trouble the Water; Steve James and Peter Gilbert's At the Death House Door; and Jeremiah Zagar's In A Dream. Congratulations to all those filmmakers and to everyone who made the list, especially Ellen Kuras (The Betrayal, which opens in New York this week--see our appeal below), Daniel Jung (They Killed Sister Dorothy, which I loved when I saw it at SXSW) and James Marsh (Man On Wire, which blew us away at Sundance). Good luck to all... 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 BRYAN WIZEMANN,
DIRECTOR OF "THE MORNING SUN"
By Rooftop Films on 11/14/2008
Filed under: Drama, Home Movies, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmsThe Morning Sun (Bryan Wizemann | Brooklyn, NY | 5:30)callBrightcove(1556133939, 594, 445, "#ffffff");A woman wakes up, takes a shower, gets dressed, and leaves the house. In this fascinating and ephemeral film -- a study in the use of available light and narrative restraint -- it's up the audience to string together the pieces of her morning, and the night before. Rooftop Films: Tell us about your film: Bryan Wizemann: The film up at IFC.com is actually from last year, called The Morning Sun, and it's really just a story of a girl waking up in an apartment that's not her... 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 »
"CAPTURED" SCREENS AT MAYSLES CINEMA
WED., NOV. 12, 7PM
By Rooftop Films on 11/12/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Home Movies, Political Films, Rooftop FilmmakersCAPTURED TRAILER Head to the Maysels Cinema tonight for a screening of Captured, an engaging and provocative documentary about vigilante-photographer Clayton Patterson and the sordid history of Manhattan's Lower East Side. Rooftop was thrilled to host the World Premiere of Captured as part of our Panorama Week in June. Over 1,000 people packed Open Road Rooftop, a graffiti-covered roof on the Lower East Side, to learn more about the ever-changing downtown community. Even former Mayor Ed Koch and former Parks Commissioner Henry Stern showed up, despite being portrayed in a not-so-positive light in the film. One of the goals paramount... 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 »
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 LAURA TERRUSO
DIRECTOR OF "THE LAST BUTCHER IN LITTLE ITALY"
By Rooftop Films on 11/05/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short Films, Watch Short FilmscallBrightcove(1873835562, 594, 445, "#ffffff");This shop is the last that remains of Elizabeth Street's Italian American history. At eighty two, Moe is the only employee. RT: Tell us about your film: LT: My film documents the changing landscape of Little Italy, told by Moe Albanese, an Italian-American butcher who has never left the famous Manhattan neighborhood. RT: What was your inspiration? LT: Moe was my inspiration for making the film. I interviewed him for an oral history course that I was taking at NYU and I was really taken with him. He is a true New Yorker in every sense. When... MORE »
INTERVIEW WITH LAURA TERRUSO
DIRECTOR OF "THE LAST BUTCHER IN LITTLE ITALY"
By Rooftop Films on 11/05/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short Films, Watch Short FilmscallBrightcove(1873835562, 594, 445, "#ffffff");This shop is the last that remains of Elizabeth Street's Italian American history. At eighty two, Moe is the only employee. RT: Tell us about your film: LT: My film documents the changing landscape of Little Italy, told by Moe Albanese, an Italian-American butcher who has never left the famous Manhattan neighborhood. RT: What was your inspiration? LT: Moe was my inspiration for making the film. I interviewed him for an oral history course that I was taking at NYU and I was really taken with him. He is a true New Yorker in every sense. When... MORE »
COURT 13 PRODUCTIONS ("GLORY AT SEA")
MAKE VIDEOS FOR OBAMA
By Rooftop Films on 11/04/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Documentary, Political Films, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers' Fund, Rooftop Filmmakers' Fund, Watch Short Films, Watch Short FilmsMany of the filmmakers from Court 13 Productions, the team behind the amazing Rooftop-co-funded film Glory At Sea, have been working for Barack Obama's campaign for months. I can't think of a better group of artists to craft inspirational films with a poignant social message. Check out a couple short samples of their work. If this doesn't make you weep with hope and joy, and get out of your seat to help change America, I don't know what will: Rooftop Films is immensely proud to have supported filmmakers doing such honorable work. Want more? Check out another wonderful video on... MORE »
COURT 13 PRODUCTIONS ("GLORY AT SEA")
MAKE VIDEOS FOR OBAMA
By Rooftop Films on 11/04/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Documentary, Political Films, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers' Fund, Rooftop Filmmakers' Fund, Watch Short Films, Watch Short FilmsMany of the filmmakers from Court 13 Productions, the team behind the amazing Rooftop-co-funded film Glory At Sea, have been working for Barack Obama's campaign for months. I can't think of a better group of artists to craft inspirational films with a poignant social message. Check out a couple short samples of their work. If this doesn't make you weep with hope and joy, and get out of your seat to help change America, I don't know what will: Rooftop Films is immensely proud to have supported filmmakers doing such honorable work. Want more? Check out another wonderful video on... MORE »
INTERVIEW WITH ETHAN CLARKE
DIRECTOR OF "PRINCESS"
By Rooftop Films on 11/03/2008
Filed under: Animation, Animation, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop News, Rooftop News, Watch Short Films, Watch Short FilmsPRINCESS (Ethan Clarke | 7:05 | Animation) callBrightcove(1683793530, 594, 445, "#ffffff");A likely story of an unbreakable friendship between a woman and her cat. We need them. Do they really need us? Q&A Rooftop Films: Tell us about your film: What was your inspiration? Ethan Clarke: I attempted to write 'Princess' after reading a blurb in the newspaper about an old woman who was found dead in her apartment. The police discovered several bite marks on her that they concluded were from her cat. Her cat was found emaciated but still alive. The whole story fleshed itself out immediately in my... MORE »
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 »
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 »
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 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 »
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 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
ROOFTOP ALUM ANDREW BERENDS
BACK IN THE US
By Rooftop Films on 09/19/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Political Films, Rooftop FilmmakersAndrew Berends, whose film When Adnan Came Home played at Rooftop in 2006, has returned home himself. Andy had been in Nigeria working on his new documentary for six months when he was suddenly detained for 10 days without charges. He was then released and deported. Andy was at Rooftop the other night, and told me that the endeavor was frightening, but that he was mostly just annoyed, though certainly very glad to be home. That kind of bravery is what makes Andy's films so unflinchingly powerful. Here's more from the Free Andrew Berends website: Andrew Berends, the American filmmaker... MORE »
ROOFTOP WEEKEND RECAP - September 5th & 7th
TWO SHOWS ON COMING TO AMERICA
By Rooftop Films on 09/08/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Home Movies, Personal Narrative, Political Films, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Weekend RecapFRIDAY SEPTEMBER 5: La Frontera Infinita at El Museo del Barrio (East Harlem) The rain threatened all night, but never came, and Rooftop Films concluded an excellent run of shows at El Museo del Barrio. The museum, which is committed to exhibiting the work of Latino artists from East Harlem and abroad (even while under renovation and expansion), made an excellent partner for Rooftop Films, where we don't screen in theaters, we screen in communities. In 2008, we hosted three evenings of music and film, focused on the local and international Latino community. Each show, including this one, was... MORE »
DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER ANDREW BERENDS
STILL DETAINED IN NIGERIA
By Rooftop Films on 09/06/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Political Films, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop NewsAnother update, straight from D-Word. To read the original report, and a call for action, scroll down or click here. We are now in the fifth day of [Rooftop alum] Andrew Berends' detainment in Port Harcourt, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Andrew's friends, family and colleagues are outraged about his situation and find it incomprehensible that more has not been done to secure his release. The U.S. State Department has been aware of Andrew's detainment since day one. Yet he still has not been visited by a State Department official. We believe it is beyond acceptable protocol for an American citizen to... MORE »
ROOFTOP ALUM ANDREW BERENDS
DETAINED IN NIGERIA
By Rooftop Films on 09/03/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Political Films, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop NewsTroubling news from D-Word: Andrew Berends, an established, award-winning American filmmaker and journalist from New York, was detained Sunday, August 31st by the Nigerian military along with his translator, Samuel George. Andrew entered Nigeria legally in April 2008 to complete a documentary film. Back in 2006, Rooftop hosted the first US screening of Andrew's film When Adnan Comes Home. Andrew was held in custody without food, sleep, or representation, and with limited water for the first 36 hours. He has been questioned by the army, the police, and the State Security Services in Port Harcourt. The State Security Services has... MORE »
Interview With Kelly Sears, Director of "The Drift"
By Rooftop Films on 09/03/2008
Filed under: Animation, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmsQ & A Rooftop Films: Tell us about your film. Kelly Sears: The Drift is the tale of a 1960s space journey that goes awry and launches the counter culture revolution at the end of the decade. It's made up of collected images that are slowly animated and make you wonder if you are seeing astronauts and dropouts float away from you. RT: What was your inspiration? KS: I am interested in dystopic manifests destiny fables that draw largely on American history but uses fictional hinges to connect moments of time. I mine pop history images, National Geographic's, cultural... MORE »
Cave Flower (Sam Fleischner | 19:31 | Drama)
By Rooftop Films on 07/31/2008
Filed under: Drama, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmscallBrightcove(1701198742, 594, 445, "#ffffff"); Sam Fleischner's story about an unlikely romance sprouting between two people living at polar opposite ends of society. Cable lives in an abandoned building and operates a freight elevator, while Claire with her suit, bluetooth and PDA, appears to be all business. Shot in both HD and Super 8, Cave Flower captures how New York is an amalgamation of people living in distinct and separate social spheres. Fortunately for Cable and Claire, its also a city where chance often conspires to create opportunities for people to connect despite the gaps between their respective worlds. Cave Flower... 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 »
SNAKE
(Becky James | 3:03 | Animation)
Screening at Rooftop Films on August 1
By Rooftop Films on 07/23/2008
Filed under: Animation, Rooftop Filmmakers, Watch Short FilmscallBrightcove (1634709670, 594, 445, "#ffffff") ; Deceptively playful, Snake is a film about stubbornness in the face of change. Charming. When a simple snake goes out for some snacking adventures (which reminds me of course of the ever-popular Snake video game), it seems as if nothing can stop it from reaching the next carrot. But when some obstacles come its way that it's never encountered before, well, we see sadness and pain in its line-drawn form. What seems like a simplistic cartoon gives way to much more as the snake deals with the tools it is left with, and deals... MORE »
Rooftop Trailers!
By Rooftop Films on 07/17/2008
Filed under: Animation, Rooftop FilmmakersWe've gotten a lot of response from the first 45 seconds of our shows...so we have decided to post the Rooftop Films trailers. This year's trailer was conceived by Mark Elijah Rosenberg, animated by Fran Krause, and features music from Drew Henkels, with his band, Drew & the Medicinal Pen. Rooftop Films 2008 Trailer Here is the 2007 trailer, with Rooftop Films in miniature! Rooftop Films 2007 Trailer We owe this 44-second gem to: Ryan McFaul - Direction Lothar Osterburg - Models Dan Nuxoll - Music Matt Elkind - Cinematography Mark Elijah Rosenberg - Concept and Production Enjoy!... MORE »
THE MORNING SUN
(Bryan Wizemann | 05:32 | Drama)
By Rooftop Films on 07/15/2008
Filed under: Drama, Home Movies, Rooftop FilmmakerscallBrightcove(1556133939, 594, 445, "#ffffff");A study in available light and narrative restraint. A one-night stand. Friends with benefits. No stings attached. Call it what you will, but the sun always rises and someone has to go back home in the morning. In this beautifully crafted film (using only available lighting) it's up to the viewer to decide what events lead up to a woman waking up alone, in someone else's bed. Later on this summer we'll be featuring another film by Rooftop favorite Bryan Wizemann in our Home Movies Program. According to Wizemann, the short film titled Film Makes Us Happy... 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 »
ROOFTOP WEEKEND RECAP - July 11-12
TWO MORE SOLD-OUT SHOWS
By Rooftop Films on 07/13/2008
Filed under: Environmental Films, Personal Narrative, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Weekend RecapDiverse crowds flock to Rooftop FRIDAY This past weekend at Rooftop Films highlighted why diversity matters, and how much fun it is when it works. Friday, we were back on the roof of El Museo Del Barrio, in East Harlem. In 2007, Rooftop hosted the first ever public screenings on the roof, and this year, even though the museum is closed for renovations, we'll be hosting three screenings on their gorgeous roof, overlooking Central Park on 104th Street and 5th Ave. Friday's show began with a brilliant performance by Yerbabuena. It can be hard to create a full sound when... 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 »
ROOFTOP WEEKEND RECAP - July 4
SOLD-OUT AMERICAN BIRTHDAY BASH
Introducing Rooftop's Presidential nominee - Sparrow
By Rooftop Films on 07/07/2008
Filed under: Political Films, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Weekend Recap, Watch Short FilmsOver 800 people attended Rooftop's annual 4th of July "Un-American Films" party--which is the only word to describe the "screening" which featured two hours of free wine and beer, great food, three bands, a program of short, political films, and the best fireworks view to be found in the entire city. Despite a flurry of rain storms, the crowd was dancing on their chairs for Frances, Aleks and the Drummer and Titus Andronicus . And the hardy crowd was astonishingly eager for the films, even as the hardest rain of the day poured down on them. A sea of umbrellas... MORE »
ROOFTOP WEEKEND RECAP - JUNE 26
SOLD-OUT FOR SURREAL SOUNDS AND SHORTS
By Rooftop Films on 06/28/2008
Filed under: Drama, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Weekend Recap, Watch Short FilmsA successful collaboration with MoMA and The Premiere Commission If you thought that Rooftop Films was just for young hipsters, or that "classical" music and retrospective MoMA exhibitions were out of touch with contemporary culture, the huge crowd and dynamic synergy at Rooftop's Friday night "Surreal Sounds and Shorts" show proved you wrong. Over 700 people packed the sold-out event, which began with a piano performance by Bruce Levingston, one of the most acclaimed classical concert pianists in the world. Bruce has been a dear friend and supporter of Rooftop Films for years, and has served on our Board of... MORE »
ROOFTOP WEEKEND RECAP - June 12-14
3 SOLD-OUT SHOWS
By Rooftop Films on 06/16/2008
Filed under: Animation, Documentary, Home Movies, Political Films, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop Filmmakers' Fund, Rooftop Weekend Recap, Watch Short FilmsThe First Annual Rooftop Panorama a huge success Rooftop Films is more than a film festival--we are a community, a collaboration between filmmakers and audience members, between movies, venues and neighborhoods. We not only screen films outdoors; we also foster collaborations by renting equipment, teach filmmaking to young people at partner schools, and co-produce new films through The Rooftop Filmmakers' Fund. But because our festival runs through five months (weekends and more from May 31-September 27), as opposed to many that last a weekend or a week, there's not always the same opportunity for filmmakers, distributors, critics, and audience members... 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 »
Welcome to the Rooftop Films Blog on IFC.com!
By Rooftop Films on 05/02/2008
Filed under: About Rooftop Films and This Blog, Rooftop Filmmakers, Rooftop News, Rooftop Weekend Recap, Watch Short FilmsWatch short films and read about all things related to Rooftop. Look for: + Film Notes: Read insightful thoughts about the films, and exclusive interviews with the filmmakers. Post a comment or question to join the discussion. + Weekend Recaps: On-The-Roof reporting, giving you a sense of the scene at all our shows. Comment here to tell us about your Rooftop experience.+ Rooftop News: The latest word about upcoming Rooftop events, and updates about Rooftop alumni filmmakers and bands. + And much more! For those of you who know don't know much about Rooftop Films, we are a non-profit film... 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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