Get high and get an eyeful!
The Rooftop Films series kicks off its 20th season of outdoor films in Industry City on May 18 with a sneak peek at the upcoming documentary “Weiner,” about the former congressman Anthony Weiner’s 2013 mayoral campaign, and the sexting scandal that brought it crashing down. Organizers of the summer film series say this year will be its biggest yet. They made the dangerous choice to select “Weiner” to start because it speaks to the impact of politics — which anyone can relate to during a presidential election year.
“People often see these twists and turns from the outsides, and they don’t see the impact that these scandals have not only on the working lives of the candidates, but of their aides and the people around them,” said Dan Nuxoll, program director of the series. “Anyone working for a candidate or a cause is something that everyone should pay attention to.”
For the organizers, the rooftop venue is key to presenting that message.
“We’re presenting movies in such a way that they’re not merely just screenings,” Nuxoll said. “It’ll be hopefully more impactful than just going to a movie theater.”
The opening night will be followed by a discussion with “Weiner” filmmakers Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg, and by a dance party sponsored by beer company Stella.
“Weiner” will open in theaters May 19.
Nuxoll said that Rooftop Films is honoring its anniversary by making things bigger and grander than before, with screenings at four locations in Brooklyn: Industry City, Downtown’s Metrotech, the Old American Can Factory in Gowanus, and the Bushwick Generator.
Highlights of the series include music documentaries “Goodnight Brooklyn — the Story of Death By Audio,” about the recently closed Williamsburg music venue, and “The Music of Strangers” about cellist Yo-yo Ma.
“Weiner” sneak preview at Industry City [220 36th St., #2-A between Second and Third avenues in Sunset Park, (718) 417–7362, www.rooft
