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Rooftop News
INTERVIEW WITH HOLLY KLEIN
DIRECTOR OF "DUNCAN"
By Rooftop Films on 02/10/2009
Filed under: Animation, Rooftop News, Watch Short FilmsDuncan ( Holly Klein | 02:46 | Animation) callBrightcove(5724142001, 594, 445, "#ffffff"); Nonchalant animated protagonists rhyme their way through a grade school episode of getting the hots for someone as geeky as you. And then it gets kinda randy. Q&A Rooftop Films: Tell us about your film: Holly Klein: "Duncan" is a film I made back in 2000. It's the story of a boy who likes to knit. He likes girls, as well, and uses his passion for knitting to get the girl of his dreams. RF: What animated shows or films did you like as a child? HK: The... MORE »
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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 »
THIS WEEK ON ROOFTOP TV:
FOUND NEW YORK
(2/4/09 on MNN, Ch. 67 and www.mnn.org)
By Rooftop Films on 02/04/2009
Filed under: Rooftop News, Watch Short FilmsWed. 2/04/09, 9pm on MNN, Ch. 67 & www.mnn.org Found New York Sometimes odd aspects of New York's diversity intrude into your daily life--a falcon, a movie shoot, an anti-baby guerrilla art action on a public bus. (The companion episode to next week's Found New York.) Films: Bird Strikes (Chris Cassidy | Brooklyn | 7:00) When technology and nature collide, Bob Leporati uses the ancient art of falconry to clear the runways of JFK. Bodega (Casimir Nozkowski, Dallas Penn, Rafi Kam | Bronx | 4:00) A humorous look at food culture in the South Bronx--"the poorest urban county in the... MORE »
THIS WEEK ON ROOFTOP TV:
LOST NEW YORK
(1/28/09 on MNN, Ch. 67 and www.mnn.org)
By Rooftop Films on 01/28/2009
Filed under: Rooftop NewsWed. 1/28/09, 9pm on MNN, Ch. 67 & www.mnn.org Lost New York The city reveals its secrets in little pockets of forgotten cultures, abandoned caverns, and ubiquitous hovels we try to ignore. (The companion episode to next week's Found New York.) Films: Checkmate (Casimir Nozkowski, Dallas Penn, Rafi Kam | Brooklyn | 08:00) Why are there always jewelry stores next to check-cashing spots? Why is there only 1 bank per 50,000 people living in Bushwick? Is it actually fun to make it rain on the streets of Brooklyn with real dollar bills? Dallas and Rafi take us around check-cashing joints... MORE »
SOUND FIX LOUNGE IS CLOSING IN FEBRUARY
By Rooftop Films on 01/27/2009
Filed under: Rooftop NewsWe have sad news. Rooftop's music partners at Sound Fix Records will be closing their bar and venue at the end of February. The Sound Fix Record Store will stay open. Sound Fix has been consistently fighting with neighbors and the city over noise and other violations for a while now and was closed briefly last Spring. This time, they are forced to shut their doors permanently. This is a real shame. Sound Fix was a fantastic (FREE) venue for music and comedy, and there's really nothing else like it in the city. We hope you'll visit Sound Fix... MORE »
ROOFTOP FILMS @ SUNDANCE: OLD PARTNER REVIEW
By Rooftop Films on 01/26/2009
Filed under: Documentary, Rooftop NewsIn my last post, about The Yes Men Fix the World , I wrote about the more obvious manipulations in documentary filmmaking, acknowledging that every documentary contains subjective choices. Lee Chung-ryoul's wonderful film Old Partner contains more traditional manipulations. The film observes a 79-year-old Korean farmer, his wife, and the ox they've had for 40 years, and from a jumbled (and essentially banal) year in their life, the director crafts a narrative with multiple levels of significance, but with the simplicity, charm and clear emotional arc of a children's book. During the film, the central trinity--father, mother, and (surrogate child)... 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 »
TUES, JAN. 20TH: ROOFTOP FILMS/SOUND FIX OBAMAUGURATION CELEBRATION!
By Rooftop Films on 01/20/2009
Filed under: Rooftop News**FREE EVENT** Tuesday, January 20th, 2008, 8PM Rooftop Films and Sound Fix Present an Obamauguration Celebration! Rooftop Films and Sound Fix are thrilled to present Brooklyn's coolest and cheapest Obamauguration Celebration! Please join us in thanking and celebrating the Rooftop and Sound Fix staff members, filmmakers, and musicians without whom this historical moment would not be possible! We'll be rebroadcasting Obama's inaugural speech as Sound Fix comedians serve up penetrating blow-by-blow political commentary. Drink specials as always! Venue: Sound Fix Lounge Address: 110 Bedford Avenue (Williamsburg, Brooklyn) Directions: L to Bedford or G to Nassau Admission: No Charge... MORE »
ROOFTOP FILMS @ SUNDANCE: TYSON REVIEW
By Rooftop Films on 01/20/2009
Filed under: Documentary, Rooftop NewsMike Tyson has still got it. The ability to shock, excite, charm and terrify. When the audience found out before Saturday night's screening that Iron Mike would be at the Q&A, the atmosphere became even more electric than it already was. It felt like one of his heavyweight title fights, buzzing with tension and danger. Tyson has always been a hypnotic figure. For me, growing up in the 1980s, his rise and fall took me from junior high school through college, and his character was as engrossing and crucial to my development as that of Kurt Cobain. Both were flawed... MORE »
ROOFTOP FILMS @ SUNDANCE: O'ER THE LAND (REVIEW)
By Rooftop Films on 01/19/2009
Filed under: Documentary, Environmental Films, Rooftop NewsDeborah Stratman's film O'er the Land is not likely to get a multi-million dollar deal out of Sundance. There is no hot-button issue, no unbelievable scenario, no celebrities, crazy characters, or even much dialogue at all. But to me, this is the type of film I'm most pleased to see at Sundance, the type of film that keeps festivals vital. Stratman's experimental documentary explores America's relationship to nature, technology and violence in a way that is smart, poetic and darkly humorous. At the start of the film, man drifts fleetingly through the landscape. A static shot of the woods... MORE »
ROOFTOP FILMS @ SUNDANCE: REPORTER REVIEW
By Rooftop Films on 01/19/2009
Filed under: Documentary, Political Films, Rooftop NewsNew York Times reporter Nicholas D. Kristof is walking through an impoverished village in central Africa. Little kids are swarming up to him, flies on their faces, bellies distended. The director of Reporter, Eric Daniel Metzgar, says in voice over, "Kristof is here for one reason: to make you care about what's on the other side of that hill." Whether that's a starving child, an adult wracked with disease, or a village slaughtered by a warlord, Kristof wants his readers -- wants the world -- to pay attention. And to help. This curious documentary is operating on multiple levels in... MORE »
ROOFTOP FILMS @ SUNDANCE: Johnny Mad Dog Review
By Rooftop Films on 01/19/2009
Filed under: Rooftop NewsJean-Stephane Sauvaire once directed a documentary about the soldiers of FARC (the revolutionary army in Colombia), and brought the same intensity and intimacy to his narrative film about a loose battalion of child soldiers in Liberia, Johnny Mad Dog. The opening sequence, with a murder that is stomach-churning for its ability to bring an deep and meaningful emotional resonance within seconds, thrusts you into the flashing chaos of these young killers' lives -- tight shots, loud noises, a battering of screamed and chanted dialogue, and constant tension and violence. There are but a few moments throughout the film when... MORE »
Rooftop Films @ Sundance: Traveling Light to Park City
By Rooftop Films on 01/19/2009
Filed under: Rooftop NewsAnother year, another trip to Park City, Utah, another trip somewhere else for my luggage. Two years ago my bag -- including my boots, sweaters, winter coat -- went on a lovely trip to Honolulu. Ironic. This year it would seem that my bag has gone to Detroit, where at least it would be useful if the TSA ends up giving it away. Fortunately, this time I had the foresight to bring warm clothes and my phone charger on the plane. Part of the challenge of Sundance is the location, so I guess this should be considered part of... MORE »
THIS WEEK ON ROOFTOP TV:
STRANGE CREATURES
(1/14/09 on MNN, Ch. 67 and www.mnn.org)
By Rooftop Films on 01/14/2009
Filed under: Rooftop News, Watch Short FilmsWed. 1/14/09, 9pm on MNN, Ch. 67 & www.mnn.org Strange Creatures They're small. They're sweet. They're mysterious. They might kill you, convert you to communism, or just heckle your orange juice. Films: A Catalogue of Anticipations (David Patrick Lowery | USA | 5:00) An ominous fable about a young girl and her collection of dead things. Puppet (Patrick Smith | New York | 7:00) A young man fabricates a simple sock puppet, not knowing the abuse the entity will soon inflict upon its creator. Through an escalating series of torture, the possessed puppet takes on the embodiment of fear, chaos,... MORE »
MON, JAN. 12TH ROOFTOP FILMS PRESENTS CRAWFORD: A SPECIAL FAREWELL TO W SCREENING!
By Rooftop Films on 01/09/2009
Filed under: Rooftop News**FREE EVENT**Monday, January 12th, 2008 Rooftop Films and B-Side Present Crawford: A Special Farewell to W Screening! "... a poignant account... populated with colorful, contrasting characters..." --Variety Rooftop Films returns to the halls of Chelsea Market for a free screening of Crawford . An extraordinary documentary by first-time filmmaker David Modigliani, Crawford provides a unique perspective on the Bush presidency: through the eyes of the 705 residents of Crawford, Texas. To celebrate the changing of the guard in Washington, B-Side Entertainment is presenting screenings of Crawford all across the U.S., and on Monday, January 12th, Rooftop Films will be... MORE »
ROOFTOP SEEKS BANDS AND MUSICIANS
FOR THE 2009 SUMMER SERIES!
By Rooftop Films on 12/12/2008
Filed under: Call For Entries, Rooftop Music, Rooftop NewsROOFTOP SEEKS BANDS AND MUSICIANS FOR THE 2009 SUMMER SERIES The Rooftop Films 2009 Summer Series will run from May through September and will feature more than 200 daring new films and 40 of NY's best and brightest musical acts. Held in outdoor settings throughout New York City, the series features live music and screenings of independent films that couldn't otherwise be seen in NY. More than 15,000 people attended Rooftop events in 2008, making it one of the most popular festivals in New York City.The 2009 Summer Series will feature bigger crowds, even more beautiful venues and more incredible... 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 »
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 »
SUBMIT YOUR WORK TO ROOFTOP FILMS!
By Rooftop Films on 11/18/2008
Filed under: About Rooftop Films and This Blog, Call For Entries, Rooftop NewsRooftop Films is now accepting submissions for the 2009 Summer Series! (Please help us out by forwarding this post to filmmakers and/or posting it to relevant websites) Submit your movies! In May 2009 we will begin celebrating our 13th year of bringing the best underground films in the world outdoors and to the rooftops of New York. Submit your films and videos now and participate in one of the most unforgettable, unique, filmmaker-friendly, independent film events in the world! • A complete list of rules and regulations are available on the Rooftop Films Website. • Films can be submitted via... MORE »
The Betrayal (Nerakhoon) Opens at IFC Center on November 21st
By Rooftop Films on 11/14/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Home Movies, Political Films, Rooftop NewsA truly beautiful and heartbreaking new documentary is opening at the IFC Center on November 21st, and we recommend you all go check it out. I saw Ellen Kuras' film at Sundance this past January and everyone who I spoke to was as moved by the film as I was. Filmed over 23 years by Kuras (the cinematographer for countless fantastic films, including the miraculous Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), The Betrayal (Nerakhoon) tells the story of Thavisouk Phrasavath and his family. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. government conducted a secret war in the neighboring country of Laos.... MORE »
MEERKAT MEDIA MIXER / FUNDRAISER
SAT., NOV. 15, 8-11PM @ DCTV
By Rooftop Films on 11/11/2008
Filed under: Home Movies, Personal Narrative, Political Films, Rooftop NewsRooftop Alums Gina Telaroli and Eric Phillips-Horst, who both screened short films at our 2008 edition of "New York Non-Fiction," are part of a couple of very cool film collaborations: The Brooklyn Filmmakers Collective, and Meerkat Media. As technology makes it easier and easier to make and share media, the key challenge these days is making good media. Having a group of like-minded artists to collaborate with is key, so getting involved with groups like Meerkat or BFC makes a lot of sense. And it's fun. To raise money for Gina's next feature film, they're having a party this weekend... MORE »
CELEBRATE ELECTION NIGHT WITH ROOFTOP FILMS AND STRANGER THAN FICTION!
By Rooftop Films on 11/03/2008
Filed under: Political Films, Rooftop News, SparrowThis Election Night, join Rooftop Films and Thom Powers for a special Stranger Than Fiction screening of Shola Lynch's revealing documentary, Chisholm '72: Unbought & Unbossed. In 1972, when Shirley Chisholm, a brilliant black congresswoman from Brooklyn boldly bid for the presidency, women had barely made it out of the kitchen, and the Civil Rights Act was still new. But, here was eloquent, composed, audacious Shirley Chisholm -- not only the first black woman in Congress, but the first woman to run for the nation's highest office -- demanding that the body politic actually represent all of the American... 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 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Rooftop Music: CHAIRLIFT to Play Closing Night!
By Rooftop Films on 09/23/2008
Filed under: Rooftop Music, Rooftop NewsFriday, September 26th is the final Rooftop Films event of the year. Please come and enjoy highlights from the 2008 Summer Series! Prior to the films, Sound Fix presents live music by Brooklyn based trio Chairlift. Show up early to catch their super danceable live show! Having already played with Ariel Pink and MGMT, Chairlift is revving up for an upcoming tour with Yeasayer and will release their first full-length album Does You Inspire You on October 28th. You may have heard their single "Bruises" in the new "nano-chromatic" iPod ad!... MORE »
ROOFTOP PROGRAMMERS AT APEXART
Cell Phone Videos: Screening and Discussion
By Rooftop Films on 09/22/2008
Filed under: Documentary, Home Movies, Rooftop Newsapexart Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 6-8pm 291 Church St (btw. Walker & White, NYC) FREE In conjunction with the exhibition Scrawl. Please join apexart, Mark Elijah Rosenberg (Founder & Artistic Director of Rooftop Films) and Dan Nuxoll (Rooftop's Program Director) in a discussion on the technological movement in cell phone capability that is influencing and altering the public's ability to capture moments, generate content, and create entirely new modes of communication. The event also includes a screening of selected videos from apexart's open call for cell phone videos that present moments that are an intimate snapshot of a city's inhabitants... 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 »
ROOFTOP WEEKEND RECAP - July 25-26
ANIMATION, FAMILY DRAMA, AND A VISIT FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Rooftop Films on 07/28/2008
Filed under: Animation, Documentary, Drama, Home Movies, Personal Narrative, Political Films, Rooftop News, Rooftop Weekend Recap, Sparrow, Watch Short FilmsFRIDAY: Animation Block Party at Automotive High School We always have an amazing turnout for our partnership with the exuberant Animation Block Party but this week we set a record: two screens at Automotive High School allowed some 1,000 people to check out the packed program. The night began with comments from AHS teacher Jenny Kessler, who has started a student gardening program at this uber-urban school, growing vegetables on the very lawn we were watching films. She was selling a lush selection of produce to fund student activities, and our wonderfully supportive audience was thrilled to learn a little... MORE »
ROOFTOP WEEKEND RECAP - July 18-19
ANOTHER HOT WEEKEND AT ROOFTOP FILMS
By Rooftop Films on 07/22/2008
Filed under: Rooftop Music, Rooftop News, Rooftop Weekend RecapFRIDAY: RURAL ROUTE SHORT FILMS Friday Night temperatures were still hovering in the 90s, which often dampens people's spirit for going out. But we had yet another huge crowd at Rooftop Films, as people packed the lawn at Automotive High School to cool off in the pastoral grass for our annual collaboration with the Rural Route Film Festival. Sound Fix Records helped book Goddamn Rattlesnake a wild acoustic indie honky tonk band, who playfully batted each other around the head as they flicked bugs from each other's faces in between songs. A big group of people sat right up at... 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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- “Look for more announcements soon about Rooftop alums and friends in the other sections of Sundance, ...”
- Rooftop Films on ROOFTOP ALUMS AT SUNDANCE - 12/03/2008
- “As you guys know, we love your work. A few topics I'd love to see you cover with your special brand ...”
- Rooftop Films on INTERVIEW WITH DALLAS PENN,
CO-WRITER AND STAR OF "CHECKMATE" - 11/26/2008
