BY KAREN KEMMERLE |
Spend Your Summer Up on the Rooftop
With another lineup set to raise the roof, the 2012 Rooftop Films Summer Series is off and running in a borough near you! Movies, meet summer. We think you're a perfect match.
In the summer, New York City movie fans have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and view exceptional movies simultaneously. The 2012 Rooftop Films Summer Series will screen 23 feature films and 183 shorts from all over the world in a number of venues throughout the Big Apple. All screenings will start at 8pm and cost only $12 per person. The line-up of films is delightfully eclectic, including off-beat independent fare, powerful documentaries, riveting dramas, and enjoyable comedies. In other words, there is something for every film taste. Most screenings will include live music, filmmaker Q&As, special surprise appearances, and after-parties with complimentary drinks.
The series began on May 11 at the Open Road Rooftop in the Lower East Side with This is What We Mean By Short Films and will run through August 18. In addition to their already amazing venues across the boroughs, the series is expanding to two new locations this year: Dekalb Market and MetroTech Commons. Screenings at MetroTech Commons, a gathering place for students and members of the local community, are all co-presented by the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. Movie lovers who venture to the Dekalb Market in Brooklyn will be delighted to find that the screenings take place in a collection of salvaged shipping containers. How cool is that? These unique screenings, special events and other surprises couldn’t be presented in a more creative location.
To check out the full line-up for the 2012 Summer Series, click here. Also, see below our picks for the 5 films you simply can’t miss!
Friday, June 8
Venue: Open Road Rooftop (Lower East Side)
Matthew Lillard’s (Scream, the descendants) directorial debut, Fat Kid Rules the World, is based on the bestselling novel about a overweight and suicidal teenager that forms an unlikely friendship with a street musician. Winner of the 2012 SXSW Audience Award for Narrative Spotlight, this film is a must-see for anyone who needs to get in touch with his or her inner rock star. You can also donate to their Kickstarter page.
Saturday, June 9
Venue: Open Road Rooftop (Lower East Side)
Written and directed by Amy Seimetz, Sun Don’t Shine is an indie flick with bite. The film follows Crystal (Kate Lyn Sheil) and her boyfriend Leo (Kentucker Audley) on a bloody and tension-filled road trip through the desolate yet hauntingly beautiful landscape of central Florida.
Wednesday, June 27
Venue: BAM Cinematek Outdoors (Fort Greene)
Tim Heidecker of Tim and Eric stars in this black comedy directed by Rick Alverson about a self-absorbed, filthy-rich hipster who belittles his friends and condescends to strangers. So how does he manage to end up as pitiable and even a tad likable? You'll have to watch the movie to find out! Presented by Rooftop Films and BAMcinemaFest.
The Tsunami and The Cherry Blossom
Saturday, July 28
Venue: The Old American Can Factory (Park Slope/Gowanus)
Co-funded by Rooftop Films, Lucy Walker’s Academy Award-nominated short documentary follows suvivors of the Japanese Tsunami as they prepare for the annual cherry blossom season. THE TSUNAMI AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM headlines a program of inspiring films that celebrate exquisite hope amidst ruin and sorrow.
Saturday, August 11
Venue: The Old American Can Factory (Park Slope/Gowanus)
Detropia, the lastest film from Jesus Camp directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, creates a eye-opening view of Detroit, a grand old city teetering on the brink of collapse. With the unemployment rate rising, institutions crumbling and crime everywhere, the film's eccentric characters refuse to leave their homes, even as they are being threatened with demolition.
Start planning your summer movie schedule now!
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