BFF IN THE NEWS

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The Culture Lover’s October Guide

In 2020, the Bushwick Film Festival became part of a larger cultural shift as arts organizations worldwide adapted to virtual experiences during the pandemic. We reimagined our 13th annual festival as a fully online event, bringing together global audiences through film screenings, filmmaker conversations, and industry programming—proving that even in isolation, storytelling could still create connection and community.

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13th Bushwick Film Festival is October 21-25

In 2020, I led the Bushwick Film Festival through its first-ever virtual edition, transforming challenges into opportunities to connect audiences worldwide through film. Guided by the theme of Transformation, we created a global experience with virtual screenings, filmmaker Q&As, live performances, and industry conversations—proving that even in uncertain times, storytelling continues to bring people together and inspire resilience.

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Bushwick Film Festival Announces 2020 Program

In 2020, I led the Bushwick Film Festival through an unprecedented pivot as COVID-19 pushed us fully virtual for the first time in our history. Despite the challenges, we showcased over 100 films from 30 countries, launched a secure streaming platform, and created meaningful connections through filmmaker Q&As, industry conversations, and community-centered programming. That year reminded me that storytelling doesn’t stop in difficult moments—it evolves.

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Bushwick Film Festival seeks submissions as organizers adapt to COVID-19

In 2020, I led the Bushwick Film Festival through one of our biggest challenges yet—reimagining the festival during COVID-19. We adapted with virtual screenings, online programming, and safe community experiences, proving that storytelling can still bring people together even in uncertain times. The experience reinforced my belief that art and community are essential, especially during moments of disruption.

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Bushwick Film Festival seeks submissions as organizers adapt to COVID-19

Amid ongoing restrictions for most gatherings due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, organizers of the annual Bushwick Film Festival are looking at ways to showcase moviemakers in the north Brooklyn nabe in the fall.

https://www.brooklynpaper.com/bushwick-film-festival-seeks-submissions-as-organizers-adapt-to-covid-19/

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Weekend Art Events: September 27-29 (DUMBO Drop, Ladies Of Sorrow, Bare Men & More)

In 2019, the Bushwick Film Festival continued to grow as a major cultural event in Brooklyn, featuring over 100 films and 40+ events across five days. Through screenings, panels, art, food, and community programming, we created a platform that celebrated independent filmmakers while bringing people together through creativity and conversation.

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After Anti-Trans Sermon, True/False Film Fest Divests From Its Church Partner

After a decade-long partnership, the True/False Film Fest ended its sponsorship relationship with a local megachurch following backlash over an anti-trans sermon by one of the church’s pastors. The festival’s nonprofit organizer stated that it would not publicly align with organizations that discriminate against or devalue LGBTQ+ communities, reaffirming its commitment to inclusion and progressive values.

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mark wantoe mark wantoe

Weekend Art Events: October 11-13 (Crown Heights Film Fest, Red Hook Open Studios, Open Mic Night & More)

Brooklyn’s arts scene is packed this weekend with film screenings, live music, literature, and visual art. Highlights include Red Hook Open Studios, the Crown Heights Film Fest, and an opening celebration for The Balloon Project. It’s also the final chance to experience select theater productions and exhibitions before they close.

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Flipping the Script and Screen on Stories About Race

The 12th annual Bushwick Film Festival welcomed “Other Colors” — a new web series made for your mobile device.

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Brooklyn Horror Film Festival 2019: Everything You Need to Know

The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival returns for its fourth year with a weeklong celebration of independent horror cinema across venues in Brooklyn. Running Oct. 17–24, the festival challenges traditional horror stereotypes by showcasing innovative films and directors who push the genre beyond clichés, offering fresh takes for both die-hard fans and skeptics alike.

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Oktoberfest and odd couplings: 10 things to do in Brooklyn this weekend

The Bushwick Film Festival returns for its 12th year with more than 100 independent films and over 40 events across Brooklyn. From feature and short film screenings to panel discussions, parties, and community programming, the five-day festival celebrates bold storytelling, creativity, and filmmakers from around the world.

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Reel Healing: Brooklyn Film Festival Provides an Outlet for Women of Color

The Reel Sisters Film Festival creates space for stories often overlooked in mainstream cinema, showcasing films written, directed, or produced by women of color. Featuring over 40 diverse works, the festival emphasizes healing, identity, and authentic storytelling—offering audiences a richer, more personal alternative to Hollywood’s familiar narratives.

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