A generation ago, air conditioning drew
folks into movie theaters every summer. Nowadays, it’s cool to
stay outside and see a film. Out-of-doors movies have gone beyond
the suburban drive-in, and there are al fresco film programs
all over Brooklyn this summer.
Now in its seventh year, Rooftop Films is presenting weekly screenings
of short films atop a new venue, Office Ops. Founding Director
Mark Elijah Rosenberg puts together thematic programs of short,
independent works – animation, documentaries as well as dramas
and comedies.
Films range from the silly – "Don’t Touch the Ground (Pre-School)"
has the videomaker walking inside a pre-school without ever touching
the floor – to the serious: "Supermax Wisconsin" deals
with the many issues that surround the construction of a high-tech
maximum-security prison. Both of these films screen on July 11,
along with a lovely animated short, "Bike Ride." Against
white-on-black undulating line drawings, a guy cycles five hours
to impress his girlfriend only to be dumped upon arrival.
The July 18 program includes a short by Rosenberg himself, "Chill,"
documenting inner-city kids learning how to snowboard. And speaking
of the interaction between the inner-city and rural life, on
Aug. 8, the Sista II Sista benefit program of youth-produced
films includes "Rocking the Boat" about Bronx high
school students who combine wooden boat building with ecological
studies along the Bronx River. The production values may reflect
their inexperience, but the kids’ interest and fascination in
the work also shines through.
Another great work to look out for is "Kmart Confidential,"
on Sept. 5, a witty deadpan homage to the late, great, five-and-dime
stores.
Rosenberg admits he’s taken these films "out of the back
rooms of festivals. We get films to interact with the world.
They can be re-contextualized by the skyline, by the clouds,
by children’s voices." But Rosenberg also puts his money
(what little there is) where his mouth is. Part of the $6 admission
fee goes into a fund, and at the end of the year, grants are
given out to filmmakers as well as put towards equipment that
they can use to make more films. At Rooftop Films, there’s always
live music at 8 pm; the films start at 9 pm.
Brooklyn actors
Closer to sea level, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Coalition presents
weekly films at the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park for the fourth
year – all with a Brooklyn theme. This year, their poster advertising
films featuring male actors from the borough trumpets: "He
Came From Brooklyn!"
Woody Allen’s hysterical sci-fi romp "Sleeper" starts
the season on July 10.
The Coen Brothers may not be from Brooklyn, but they work with
a group of actors that includes borough residents. On July 17,
their dark satire "Fargo" has a cast that includes
Park Sloper Steve Buscemi, and his neighbor, John Turturro, is
featured in their Depression-era take on Homer’s "The Odyssey,"
"O Brother, Where Art Thou" on July 31.
Richard Dreyfuss hails from Brooklyn, and what better place to
see his work in Steven Spielberg’s "Close Encounters of
the Third Kind" than out of doors? This screening, on Aug.
14, seems a perfect match of film and venue.
"Kid Galahad," on July 24, features Edward G. Robinson,
who is buried in the borough. A bit of a stretch, but this classic
fight film, also featuring performances by Humphrey Bogart and
Bette Davis, is worth it.
According to Sharon Soons, deputy director of the Brooklyn Bridge
Park Coalition, the evenings are very relaxed. Films start at
8:45 pm, but "people start rolling in around 6 o’clock with
picnics," she told GO Brooklyn. "And our audience is
so well behaved. For instance, we don’t allow smoking during
the films and everyone respects that."
This year, there will be food available for purchase, as well
as chairs to rent.
And don’t come late, because in addition to the Hollywood movies,
Soons and her committee of volunteers will be showing shorts
made by local talent. Included will be Chase Palmer’s "Neo
Noir," fresh from the Sundance Film Festival, screened before
"Fargo." If you missed the animated "Tunanooda,"
by David Zackin at New Directors/New Films, this short will precede
"Kid Galahad."
And on Aug. 7, another animated film, "Nothing at All,"
by Candy Kugel and Brooklynite Vincent Cafarelli, will precede
"Coming to America," which stars Bushwick-born Eddie
Murphy.
’Celebrate’ celluloid
Now in its 25th season, Celebrate Brooklyn started showing movies
in Prospect Park six years ago. This summer there are four film
programs, so these are four opportunities to kick off your shoes,
sit on the grass and enjoy Hollywood classics.
"The Creature from the Black Lagoon" hails from the
days when special effects weren’t so special, but it is fun and
campy enough to make for a rollicking evening on July 17. Special
3-D glasses will be provided, and, although the film was made
in 1954, the sound will be turned off and the Jazz Passengers
will provide music AND voices – a fine example of turning an
old film into something new and lively.
Celebrate Brooklyn co-producer Rachel Chanoff told GO Brooklyn
that, although the quintet’s leader, Roy Nathanson (a standard
bearer for the Downtown jazz scene) is a Celebrate Brooklyn alum,
this will be the group’s first appearance.
Meanwhile, the Alloy Orchestra (making their sixth appearance)
has created a new score for the Douglas Fairbanks swashbuckler
"The Black Pirate." Alloy increases the thrill of this
1926 tale of revenge with their original, yet modern, orchestrations.
Clearly, Alloy is a festival favorite.
"They have a contemporary sound that captures the spirit
of classic films," Chanoff said. "The Black Pirate"
will be screened on July 24.
Live music isn’t necessary for "Guys and Dolls" on
Aug. 7. Suffice to say that it is a singular experience to watch
Marlon Brando, as Sky Masterson, sing.
"Vertigo," Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller with James Stewart
and Kim Novak, adds a chill to the air on Aug. 1.
"Guys and Dolls" starts at 8:30 pm; all others begin
at 8:40 pm and live concerts begin every program at 7:30.
All of these films are well suited to be seen under the stars,
and make for a summer of nights out in the dark.
Marian Masone is the associate
director of programming for the Film Society of Lincoln Center
and chief curator of the New York Video Festival at Lincoln Center.
Rooftop Films screenings take place
through Sept. 12 on the roof of OfficeOps, 57 Thames St., between
Morgan and Knickerbocker avenues in Williamsburg. Admission is
$6. In the event of rain, shows are indoors, same location. For
more information, call (718) 786-1912 or visit the Web site at
www.rooftopfilms.com.
Brooklyn Bridge Summer Film Series screenings take place July
10 through Aug. 7 at Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, between
the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges in Fulton Ferry. Admission
is free. Enter from Water Street at New Dock Street. Shuttle
buses are available from the Clark Street (2 train), High Street
(A and C) and York Street (F) subway stations. For rain dates
and information, call (718) 802-0603 or visit the Web site at
www.bbpc.net.
Celebrate Brooklyn screenings take place July 17-Aug. 7 at the
Prospect Park Bandshell, entrance at Prospect Park West and Ninth
Street in Park Slope. Admission is free, with a suggested donation
of $3. Screenings take place rain or shine. For more information,
call (718) 855-7882 or visit the Web site at www.celebratebrooklyn.org.
