Bushwick Film Fest Press Releases
Bushwick Film Festival Celebrated 10th Anniversary With 109 Films & 3000+ Attendees
*View Official #Bushwick10 Photo Gallery*
Featured On: NBC New York, Black Girl Nerds, amNewYork, IndieWire, Another Magazine, Bushwick Daily, Greenpointers, QNS & More
“The Bushwick Film Festival shines a light on indie filmmakers and diversity in the film industry.”
— NBC NEWS
“The event brings together filmmakers, artists, and creative thinkers.”
— Fox News
“Get to know NYC’s next filmmaking generation at the Bushwick Film Festival.”
— Tribeca Film
“An opportunity to see amazing films that you won’t find in regular U.S. cinemas.
They are true gems!”
— Indiewire
Brooklyn, NY – October 26, 2017 – The Bushwick Film Festival (BFF) celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this month, with 109 films, 11 panels and events, and over 3000 registered attendees! Four exceptional filmmakers were chosen by BFF’s critically acclaimed and Oscar-winning and -nominated jury to accept awards for Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Short Film and Best Web Series. Winners include:
BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE: Pretty Far From Okay | Helena Hufnagel
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: Pedaló | Juan Palacios
BEST SHORT FILM: Arkabutla | Katori Hall
BEST WEB SERIES: Best Thing You’ll Ever Do | Catherine Fordham
Runners-Up: Tormenting The Hen (Theodore Collatos | Narrative Feature), We Are Mary (Julie Wiles | Documentary Feature), See You Yesterday(Stefon Bristol | Short Film), and The Feels (Tim Manley and Naje Lataillade | Web Series).
Programmer’s Choice Award: Sea to Shining Sea (Maximón Monihan | Feature Film), Coach Jake (Ian Phillips | Documentary Feature), and White Face (Mtume Gant | Short Film).
Honorable Mentions: Nowhere, Michigan (Robert Vornkahl | Narrative Feature), Black People Are Dangerous (Donaldo Prescod | Short Film), I Am Your Friend (Nicholas Santos | Short Film), Syskon (Aurora Alänge | Short Film), and I Am Her (Sasha Pezenik | Short Film).
Surrounding this celebratory anniversary, BFF presented the first ever Rising Star Award to BFF alum and actress/filmmaker Diarra Kilpatrick. The Rising Star Award was created to acknowledge Bushwick Film Festival alumni who have broken new ground in the film industry and are achieving notable levels of success. It’s a testament to the recipient’s hard work and to the festival’s continued commitment to give incredibly talented filmmakers and creators a spotlight. The festival screened Kilpatrick’s newest series American Koko, which is produced by Viola Davis and distributed by ABC. Currently, Kilpatrick is working on a new series for Amazon called The Climb.
BFF’s critically acclaimed and Oscar-winning and -nominated jury includes:
DOCUMENTARY JURY
Caroline Waterlow
Oscar Winner, ‘O.J.: Made in America’ // Producer
Sam Pollard
Oscar Nominee, ‘4 Little Girls’ // Director, Producer, Editor
Heidi Ewing
Oscar Nominee, ‘Jesus Camp’ // Director // Co-Owner of Loki Films
José Rodriguez
Director of Documentary Programs, Tribeca Film Institute // Writer, Director
NARRATIVE FEATURE JURY
Adam Kersh
Marketing and Publicity Strategist and Co-Founder of Brigade
Delena Turner
Multi-Platform Producer and Content Creator, ESPN
Molly O’Keefe
Senior Director of Artists Programs, Tribeca Film Institute
SHORT FILM AND WEB SERIES JURY
Jacquelyn Lobel
Emmy-Award Winning Producer & Director // Senior Producer, PopSugar
A.V Rockwell
Award-Winning Screenwriter and Director
Elizabeth J. Theis
Post-Production Coordinator, Viceland
Chung Tsang
Festival Director, KAFFNY Infinite Cinema
Kristian Mercado
Award-Winning Artist & Filmmaker
Sponsors for BFF 2017 include: 100 Bogart, Chemistry Creative, MCCG, Node, City Fresh Market, Brooklyn Fire Proof, Cutty Sark Whisky, Bruce Cost Ginger Ale, Braven Brewing Company, The Rookery, Montana’s Trail House, Lot 45, Terra Firma, Bushwick Daily, Radio Free Brooklyn, Explore Brooklyn, Backstage, QNS, Times News Weekly, Brokelyn, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Sebastian Printing, Syndicated Movie Theater, LightSpace Studios, House of Yes, Fine & Raw Chocolate, Zico, Bushwick Collective, Brooklyn Oenology, and McCarren Hotel & Pool.
Keep an eye out for BFF 2018! For more information, please visit www.bushwickfilmfestival.com
###
Press Contact:
Shoshie Aborn | Big Picture Media
40 W. 29th Street, Suite 401 | New York, NY 10001
Shoshie@bigpicturemediaonline.com | o: 212.675.3103
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Bushwick Film Festival Kicks Off This Week!
Brooklyn, NY – October 10, 2017 – The Bushwick Film Festival (BFF) will kick off its 10th-anniversary festivities this week! The full program of screenings, panels, parties, and networking opportunities will take place from October 12 through October 15. BFF looks forward to supporting and sharing the stories of emerging filmmakers and inspiring the audiences who view their films. For a full schedule of events, see below or visit https://goo.gl/KJc9Fi.
Surrounding this celebratory anniversary, BFF will be presenting the first ever Rising Star Award to BFF alum and actress/filmmaker Diarra Kilpatrick. The Rising Star Award was created to acknowledge Bushwick Film Festival alumni who have broken new ground in the film industry and are achieving notable levels of success. It’s a testament to the recipient’s hard work and to the festival’s continued commitment to give incredibly talented filmmakers and creators a spotlight. The festival will be screening Kilpatrick’s newest series American Koko at 6pm on Saturday, October 14 at Syndicated, followed by a Q&A with Kilpatrick. American Koko was produced by Viola Davis and distributed by ABC. Currently, Kilpatrick is working on a new series for Amazon called The Climb. To purchase tickets for the screening, please visit http://bit.ly/2yr3mSW.
BFF kicks off its 10th anniversary on Thursday, October 12 with a red carpet reception at House of Yes. Opening night will feature the world premiere of In Case of Emergency, directed by Stefanie Sparks. The festivities will continue throughout the weekend, with events ranging from feature screenings and short screenings, to networking parties and panels. The festival encourages filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences to engage each other in an eclectic and open-minded atmosphere while forming new alliances and sharing a common passion for independent film. For tickets and passes, please visit www.bushwickfilmfestival.com.
BFF is thrilled to announce the critically-acclaimed and Oscar-winning and -nominated filmmakers who will comprise its jury:
DOCUMENTARY JURY
Caroline Waterlow
Oscar Winner, ‘O.J.: Made in America’ // Producer
Sam Pollard
Oscar Nominee, ‘4 Little Girls’ // Director, Producer, Editor
Heidi Ewing
Oscar Nominee, ‘Jesus Camp’ // Director // Co-Owner of Loki Films
José Rodriguez
Director of Documentary Programs, Tribeca Film Institute // Writer, Director
NARRATIVE JURY
Adam Kersh
Marketing and Publicity Strategist and Co-Founder of Brigade
Delena Turner
Multi-Platform Producer and Content Creator, ESPN
Molly O’Keefe
Senior Director of Artists Programs, Tribeca Film Institute
SHORT FILMS AND WEB SERIES
Jacquelyn Lobel
Emmy-Award Winning Producer & Director // Senior Producer, PopSugar
A.V Rockwell
Award-Winning Screenwriter and Director
Elizabeth J. Theis
Post-Production Coordinator, Viceland
Chung Tsang
Festival Director, KAFFNY Infinite Cinema
Kristian Mercado
Award-Winning Artist & Filmmaker
In 2016, BFF welcomed a record 2,700 excited guests to the festival to enjoy indie cinema, share ideas, and connect with diverse groups of people. The festival is looking forward to welcoming even more people this year and celebrating its 10th Anniversary from October 12-15
Sponsors for BFF 2017 include: 100 Bogart, Chemistry Creative, MCCG, Node, City Fresh Market, Brooklyn Fire Proof, Cutty Sark Whisky, Bruce Cost Ginger Ale, Braven Brewing Company, The Rookery, Montana’s Trail House, Lot 45, Terra Firma, Bushwick Daily, Radio Free Brooklyn, Explore Brooklyn, Backstage, QNS, Times News Weekly, Brokelyn, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Print Out, Syndicated Movie Theater, LightSpace Studios, Fine & Raw Chocolate, Zico, Brooklyn Oenology, and McCarren Hotel & Pool!
For more information, please visit www.bushwickfilmfestival.com
###
BUSHWICK FILM FESTIVAL: FULL SCHEDULE
Thursday, October 12
10th Annual Bushwick Film Festival Opening Night
TIME: 6:30pm
VENUE: House Of Yes
INFO: http://bit.ly/2harzZE
Friday, October 13
SCREENING: Nana | Serena Dykman
TIME: 3pm
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2ycE22q
SCREENING: Tormenting The Hen | Theodore Collatos
TIME: 5:30pm
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2fhSQZT
SCREENING: Short Films: Alternative Horror #1 | Luke Williams, Ian Hurdle, Justin Gilman, Robin Comisar, Wynter Rhys, Justin Ulloa, Jamie Dwyer, Gil Choi, Zach Fleming, Angelita Mendoza
TIME: 6pm
VENUE: Lot 45
INFO: http://bit.ly/2xvHjgc
SCREENING: Medal of Victory | Joshua Moise
TIME: 7:45pm
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2hhht5M
SCREENING: Short Films: Alternative Horror #2| Adam R. Brown, Kyle l. Kelley, Michael Jackson, Nicholas Payne Santos, Ryan McGlade, Eileen O’Meara, Raquel Cedar, Syni Pappa
TIME: 8pm
VENUE: Lot 45
INFO: http://bit.ly/2xdTbDT
NETWORKING: Industry Happy Hour
TIME: 8pm
VENUE: The Rookery
INFO: http://bit.ly/2fAPLkh
PARTY: TAKEOVER Ladies Nite w/ DJ Scratch Nice.
TIME: 10pm
VENUE: Lot 45
INFO: http://bit.ly/2f8GxeC
SCREENING: Land Of The Little People | Yaniv Berman
TIME: 10:15pm
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2wGafOo
Saturday, October 14
SCREENING Short Films: Midnight Alternative Horror | Donaldo Prescod, Adam R. Brown & Kyle l. Kelley, Robin Comisar, Ryan McGlade, Wynter Rhys, Justin Ulloa & Jamie Dwyer
TIME: 12:15am
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2fWPlEA
SCREENING: Short Films: Documentaries | Aline Pimentel, Sasha Pezenik, Patrick G. Lee, Marco Alessi, Jackson Devereux, Jon Bunning
TIME: 12pm
VENUE: LightSpace
INFO: http://bit.ly/2xdQ7Y1
PANEL: Branded Content | Clare Stein, Melanie Deziel, Cameron Farrelly, Sammi Mendenhall; Moderator: Natan Edelsburg
TIME: 12pm
Venue: Chemistry Creative
INFO: http://bit.ly/2f9t9qF
SCREENING: Short Films: The Coming of Age Mixtape | Kevin Rios, Lin Wang, Patrick Letterii, Emily McNeill, Travis Wood, Brandon Bloch, Tim Sessler, Brandon Bray, Dylan and Dakota Pailes-Friedman, Giulia Jiménez Tani, Fatema Abdoolcarim, Raquel Salazar
TIME: 1pm
VENUE: Lot 45
INFO: http://bit.ly/2w6ASfU
SCREENING: PEDALÓ | Juan Palacios
TIME: 1:30pm
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2xQqiye
PANEL: Industry Talk | Caroline Waterlow, Heidi Ewing, Diarra Kilpatrick, Kuye Youngblood; Moderator: Kweighbaye Kotee
TIME: 1:30pm
Venue: Chemistry Creative
INFO: http://bit.ly/2jJXLDY
SCREENING: Short Films: The Rebels | Mtume Gant, Tess Harrison, Nicholas Payne Santos, Jenny Groza, Stefon Bristol, Sarah Sitzler
TIME: 2:30pm
VENUE: LightSpace
INFO: http://bit.ly/2xcmUwO
PANEL: | Arturo Castro, Tamara P. Carter, Miles Orion Feldsott, Will Rowbotham; Moderator: Ramfis Myrthil
TIME: 3pm
Venue: Chemistry Creative
INFO: http://bit.ly/2kAaVUS
SCREENING: Who Is Earl Okin? | Joe Snelling
TIME: 3:30pm
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2ycDiKK
PANEL: Tribeca Film Institute: From Prison to Film Set, A Conversation/Works-in-Progress Screening | Moderator: Vee Bravo
TIME: 4:30pm
Venue: Chemistry Creative
INFO: http://bit.ly/2y4fa00
SCREENING: Short Films: Westerns, Space Odysseys, Social Thrillers, etc. | Tamara P. Carter, Donaldo Prescod, Tom Teller, Joey Grossfield, Nathan Campbell, Alec Cummings, Samantha Smith, Lana Boy
TIME: 4:45pm
VENUE: LightSpace
INFO: http://bit.ly/2fzGuZF
NETWORKING: Filmmaker Happy Hour
TIME: 5:30pm
VENUE: Terra Firma
INFO: http://bit.ly/2kzRUSq
SCREENING: Web Series: American Koko | Diarra Kilpatrick
TIME: 6pm
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2yr3mSW
SCREENING: Short Films: Bushwick & Chill | Anne Hu, Nancy Asiamah-Yeboah, Noah LePage, Maria Bunai, Erica Eng, Darin Quan, Alice Gruia, Thanos Topouzis, Paula Hämäläinen
TIME: 7:30pm
VENUE: LightSpace
INFO: http://bit.ly/2fzXgrK
SCREENING: Nowhere, Michigan | Robert Vornkahl
TIME: 8pm
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2yqYBsX
SCREENING: Web Series / New Media | Misha Calvert, Tim Manley, Naje Lataillade, Sonja O’Hara, Jaspal Binning, Chris Raddatz, Charlie Hoxie, Catherine Fordham, Liliana Tandon, James Boo
TIME: 9:308pm
Venue: Chemistry Creative
INFO: http://bit.ly/2ydOCWK
SCREENING: Short Films: Arthouse | Shayna Connelly, Haya Alghanim, Michael Litwak, Connor Burns, Dan Simolke, Raissa Contreras, D. Schmüdde, William D. Caballero, Ian Forster, Joseph Sulsenti, Amirhossein Kotobzadeh
TIME: 10pm
VENUE: LightSpace
INFO: http://bit.ly/2w88lXc
PARTY: Industry Happy Hour
TIME: 10pm
VENUE: Cape House
INFO: http://bit.ly/2y7C6cB
SCREENING: Pretty Far From Okay | Helena Hufnagel
TIME: 10:30pm
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2fjzW4J
Sunday, October 15
SCREENING: Short Films: Film as Critique / America | Michael Marantz, Katori Hall, Tyler Rabinowitz, Denzel Boyd, Joseph Webb, Erika Street Hopman, Anaiis Cisco, Shaka King, Alexandra Moye, Juan Carlos A. Sánchez Sosa
TIME: 12pm
VENUE: LightSpace
INFO: http://bit.ly/2w7GExW
SCREENING: We Are Mary | Julie Wiles
TIME: 12pm
Venue: Chemistry Creative
INFO: http://bit.ly/2fzVQ0e
SCREENING: The Valley | Saila Kariat
TIME: 1pm
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2xdYKC6
SCREENING: Tribal Justice | Anne Makepeace
TIME: 2:15pm
Venue: Chemistry Creative
INFO: http://bit.ly/2fiVyht
SCREENING: Short Films: This Woman’s Work | Laura Moss, Kenrick Prince, Gabriella Moses, Megan Brotherton, Karishma Dev Dube, Robin Cloud, McGhee Monteith
TIME: 2:30pm
VENUE: LightSpace
INFO: http://bit.ly/2wGLfGw
SCREENING: Sea to Shining Sea | Maximón Monihan
TIME: 3:15pm
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2hfYVq7
SCREENING: Double Screening: ‘Iman’ & ‘Syskon’ | Mia Bittar, Aurora Alänge
TIME: 4:45pm
Venue: Chemistry Creative
INFO: http://bit.ly/2xnhTAY
SCREENING: Short Films: Funny People | Chris McKee, Cullan Bruce, Todd Selby, Becca Roth, Laura Goehrke, Michael Goldburg, Kevin D’Angelo, Willy Berliner, Gregory Brecher
TIME: 5pm
VENUE: LightSpace
INFO: http://bit.ly/2hhR1MV
PARTY: Pre-Awards Reception
TIME: 4pm
VENUE: Montana’s Trail House
INFO: http://bit.ly/2fblh88
SCREENING: Coach Jake | Ian Phillips
TIME: 5:30pm
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2fjdN6J
PARTY: Awards Ceremony
TIME: 7pm
VENUE: Syndicated
INFO: http://bit.ly/2xwAmez
10th Annual Bushwick Film Festival Set To Take Place October 12 -15: Oscar Winning and Nominated Jury Includes Caroline Waterlow, Sam Pollard and Heidi Ewing
THE 10TH ANNUAL BUSHWICK FILM FESTIVAL SET TO TAKE PLACE OCTOBER 12-15
Oscar Winning and Nominated Jury Includes:
Caroline Waterlow (O.J.: Made in America)
Heidi Ewing (Jesus Camp)
Sam Pollard (4 Little Girls)
“The event brings together filmmakers, artists, and creative thinkers.”
– Fox News
“Get to know NYC’s next filmmaking generation at the Bushwick Film Festival.”
– Tribeca Film
“An opportunity to see amazing films that you won’t find in regular U.S. cinemas.
They are true gems!”
– Indiewire
New York, NY – September 14, 2017 – The Bushwick Film Festival (BFF) will celebrate its 10th anniversary from October 12th through October 15th. After receiving over 600 submissions, BFF looks forward to supporting and sharing the stories of emerging filmmakers and inspiring the audiences who view their films. For tickets and passes to the 10th Annual Bushwick Film Festival visit: www.bushwickfilmfestival.com
Located in Bushwick, the bustling center of Brooklyn’s artistic and cultural community, the festival offers four days full of screenings, panels, partiesand networking opportunities. BFF encourages filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences to engage, share and collaborate in an eclectic and open-minded atmosphere to form new alliances, expand horizons and share common passion for independent film.
With excitement towards this milestone anniversary, Founder and CEO Kweighbaye Kotee explains, “It took a village to build and sustain the Bushwick Film Festival. I’m so grateful to all the filmmakers for telling their stores, to the community for all its support, to our amazing sponsors, for my incredible team and all the volunteers that have walked in and out of our doors over the years. After 10 years, I still love finding good films and presenting them to people. I love getting inspired by filmmakers and also having them inspire the audience.”
BFF is thrilled to announce the critically acclaimed and Oscar winning and nominated filmmakers that will comprise its jury. This year’s jury proves to be especially exciting, as it is comprised of distinguished filmmakers who have been making compelling films about the social and political climate of the country. These jurors not only have extensive experience in filmmaking and production but also come from backgrounds that mirror the diversity that BFF strives for in its own festival. The jury includes:
Caroline Waterlow: 2017 Academy Award winner for O.J.: Made in America and producer of many feature length documentaries including Cutie and the Boxer and Supermensch
Heidi Ewing: an Academy Award nominee for her 2006 documentary Jesus Camp as well as a co-founder of the production house Loki Films.
Sam Pollard: an Academy Award nominee for his film 4 Little Girls, together with Spike Lee he produced and edited HBO’s When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts and the follow up If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise.
In 2016, BFF welcomed a record 2,700 excited guests to the festival to enjoy indie cinema, share ideas, and connect with diverse groups of people. The festival is looking forward to welcoming even more people this year and celebrating its 10th Anniversary from October 12th-15th.
Sponsors for BFF 2017 include: Cutty Sark Whiskey, Braven Brewing Company, Bruce Cost Ginger Ale, 100 Bogart, Brooklyn Fire Proof, Node, and City Fresh Market. BFF is proud to be teaming up with Backstage and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce as Community Partners, along with Bushwick Daily as the festival’s official Media Partner. Syndicated, House of Yes, Lot 45, LightSpace Studios, The Rookery Bar and Montana’s Trail House are the festival’s Venue Partners. For more information, please visit: www.bushwickfilmfestival.com
###
We are now accepting Press Accreditation Applications for Bushwick Film Festival. Press interested in receiving credentials should fill out this form and will receive a response closer to the event: http://bit.ly/2vUIS3D
Follow Bushwick Film Festival
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BushwickFilmFestival
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BushwickFilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bushwickfilmfest
About Founder, CEO Kweighbaye Kotee
Kweighbaye Kotee is Founder & CEO of Bushwick Film Festival (BFF) and MCCG; and host/creator of Indie Cinema New York on BRIC TV. Now in its 10th year, BFF is hailed as one of Brooklyn’s most celebrated events; recognized for its contribution to the borough’s artistic and economic growth. MCCG is a boutique public relations firm that specializes in media/tv programming, film production, event producing and content management/creation. Dedicated to her community and the arts, she is the Executive Director of two Brooklyn-based non-profit organizations and is a Bushwick Community Board member serving on the Land Use Committees and co-chair of the Arts, Culture and Technology committee.
Born in Liberia, she and her family immigrated to the U.S. at the brink of the Liberian Civil war. She attended public school in Newark, NJ where she was awarded a scholarship from the Wight Foundation to attend Blair Academy. She moved on to receive her B.S in Media, Culture, and Communications from New York University.
About the Bushwick Film Festival
Founded in 2007, The Bushwick Film Festival (BFF) is a leading independent film and media company in Brooklyn. A decade into its mission, BFF is hailed as one of Brooklyn’s most influential cinematic events for its contribution to the borough’s artistic, cultural, and economic growth. The festival attracts film and entertainment industry leaders at national and international levels and showcases films created by the best emerging independent filmmakers in Brooklyn, including the works of international filmmakers from over 30 different countries. In addition, BFF proudly shines a spotlight on diverse filmmakers. Its mission is to inspire filmmakers to harness the spirit of entrepreneurship, give them a platform to grow an audience, help strengthen their networks, increase their chances to connect with industry professionals, and present them opportunities to make a living doing what they love. Its mission to its audiences is to provide spaces where people from all backgrounds can gather and enjoy new and exciting niche films that are not typically made available and/or accessible to them, along with opportunities to attend educational and cultural events.
The festival is looking forward to celebrating its 10th Anniversary from October 12–15.
Press Contact:
Shoshie Aborn | Big Picture Media
40 W. 29th Street, Suite 401 | New York, NY 10001
Shoshie@bigpicturemediaonline.com | o: 212.675.3103
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Live Coverage of the 6th Annual Bushwick Collective Party Featuring Busta Rhymes, Foxy Brown, and Cam'ron Will be Provided by the Buswick Film Festival
LIVE COVERAGE OF THE 6TH ANNUAL BUSHWICK COLLECTIVE BLOCK PARTY FEATURING BUSTA RHYMES, FOXY BROWN AND CAM’RON WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE BUSHWICK FILM FESTIVAL
Everyone everywhere now has the opportunity to experience one of Bushwick’s most electrifying event as it unravels via Facebook Live.
Brooklyn, NY— The Bushwick Film Festival and the Bushwick Collective announced today that live coverage of the 6th Annual Bushwick Collective Block Party will be produced by the BFF and available to watch on facebook live!
The Bushwick Film Festival is incredibly excited to be the official production partner of the Block Party. In this capacity, BFF will capture the overall electrifying energy of the weekend by live-streaming content throughout the day and documenting important events, including backstage exclusive interviews with headliners Busta Rhymes, Foxy Brown, and Cam’ron. Furthermore, the festival will cover the concert, conduct Person-on-the-Street live interviews with Block Party-goers, explore street vendors and nearby local restaurants and bars, provide amazing rooftop shots of Bushwick, and of course, document the stars of the weekend in action: the graffiti artists! All coverage will be available to watch on both The Bushwick Collective and The Bushwick Film Festival’s Facebook pages.
The Bushwick Collective founder Joe Ficalora and Bushwick Film Festival founder Kweighbaye Kotee are both thrilled about this new collaboration. The two founders have established deep roots in the community: Ficalora as a lifelong Bushwick resident, and Kotee who has been living and directing the festival in Bushwick for a decade. Both of their organizations have long-held missions of creating spaces for the neighborhood to celebrate the community and its art and culture.
“This weekend is all about people who live their lives with passion and dedication. That's what The Bushwick Collective is about and that’s what The Bushwick Film Festival is about. Partnering with them was the perfect fit to the puzzle and I’m honored to have them capture and share the rare and special moments that are going to take place here in Bushwick,” says Ficalora.
“Joe is such an inspiring individual, and I have so much respect for what he’s been able to accomplish through The Bushwick Collective. We live around the corner from each other, and we’ve talked about working together in the past. I’m looking forward to finally making it happen and capturing the excitement of the weekend,” says Kotee.
The Bushwick Collective Block Party is a lively annual event in June that hosts concerts, live mural painting, food trucks, local businesses and vendors, and more! Everyone everywhere will now have the opportunity to experience one of Bushwick’s most electrifying events as it unfolds. Be sure to like and subscribe to the Facebook pages of both the Bushwick Film Festival and The Bushwick Collective for up-to-date notifications when the Block Party goes live. Don’t miss a minute of the action!
Follow Bushwick Film Festival on Facebook here: http://bit.ly/2r1zkElFB
Follow The Bushwick Collective on Facebook here: http://bit.ly/2rlKN2kFB
Click Image To Watch Best of 2016 Video
10TH ANNUAL BUSHWICK FILM FESTIVAL IS FROM OCT 12 - 15!
As we journey towards what will surely be our best festival yet, we are sharing nostalgic photos and videos of years past on social media to commemorate a decade of presenting independent films in Bushwick!
Be sure to follow our story.
Copyright © 2017 Bushwick Film Festival, All rights reserved.
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
The Bushwick Film Festival Announces Monthly Short Film Screening Series at Guadalupe Inn Restaurant in Bushwick Starting Tonight, May 16, 2017
THE BUSHWICK FILM FESTIVAL
ANNOUNCES MONTHLY SHORT FILM SCREENING SERIES
AT GUADALUPE INN RESTAURANT IN BUSHWICK
STARTING TONIGHT, MAY 16, 2017
Audiences now have the opportunity to look back at the festival’s extensive archives before its much-anticipated 10 year anniversary, which takes place from October 12-15 this year
Brooklyn, NY - The Bushwick Film Festival is gearing up for its tenth anniversary and has partnered with Guadalupe Inn in Bushwick to host a monthly short film screening series. This series will feature a collection of the best short films from the festival’s archives, alongside some of the best Mexican cuisine that Bushwick has to offer. BFF is excited to give audiences a chance to look back on many of the incredible shorts that the festival has screened over the past nine years, as well as an opportunity to meet the amazing filmmakers who created them. A filmmaker Q&A session will follow each screening.
The series screening tonight, May 16, is tilted “Her Point of View” and features a collection of short films directed by fierce female filmmakers. Tickets for the screening can be purchased here: http://bit.ly/2qeOWon. Future screenings will be taking place on June 13, July 11, August 8, and September 12.
In addition to monthly movie nights, the Bushwick Film Festival will be celebrating the big event from October 12-15, 2017: its milestone 10 Year Anniversary, marking a decade of bringing independent stories to audiences from all walks of life. The festival will offer four days of screenings, panels, workshops, parties, and networking opportunities. To date, the festival has showcased the work of over 300 filmmakers, most of them Brooklyn- and New York-based, as well as international films from 30 countries across the globe. Submissions are currently still being accepted, with a deadline of June 15 for regular submissions, and late entry submissions accepted until July 15. To review videos from the 2016 festival, please see the links below.
- Bushwick Film Festival 2016 Official Trailer:
- Best of 2016 video:
- 2016 award winners:
http://bushwickfilmfestival.com/2016-festival-winners/
For all screening info and submissions guidelines, please visit www.bushwickfilmfestival.com
About The Bushwick Film Festival:
Now in its tenth year, the Bushwick Film Festival has become an industry staple for new talent and a premiere voice for independent cinema in Brooklyn. BFF has showcased local and international filmmakers from more than 30 countries, and we continue to provide a platform for stories from diverse groups of people, especially women, people of color, and the LGBT community. Located in Bushwick, the bustling center of Brooklyn’s artistic and cultural community, the festival offers four days full of screenings, panels, workshops, parties and networking opportunities. We encourage our filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences to engage, share, and collaborate in an eclectic and open-minded atmosphere; to form new alliances, expand horizons, and share our common passion for independent film. After a decade full of fantastic screenings, people, and moments, we are as driven as ever to continue our quest to share amazing stories with an ever-growing audience, and we hope you will join us!
About Guadalupe Inn Brooklyn
Named after the bohemian Guadalupe Inn neighborhood in Mexico City, the 80-seat restaurant evokes the warm and vibrant feelings of a 1940s era supper club. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a 16-seat bar with a copper inlay, floral wallpaper, and custom brass lighting fixtures. The restaurant features cactus-green banquettes, a large bar and floors of dark oak wood, and maple wood tables. Guadalupe Inn is sound-engineered for superior acoustics and hosts live musical performances on the main dining room stage, ranging from mariachi bands to Brooklyn’s most talented singers and bands.
###
The Bushwick Film Festival Celebrates Its Milestone 10 Year Anniversary on October 12-15
THE BUSHWICK FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ITS MILESTONE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY ON OCTOBER 12 -15 AND ANNOUNCES CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Female-Founded Festival Marks a Decade of Bringing Diverse Stories to Bushwick Audiences
Brooklyn, NY—From October 12-15, 2017, the Bushwick Film Festival will celebrate its milestone 10 year anniversary, marking a decade of bringing independent stories to audiences from all walks of life. Located in Bushwick, the bustling center of Brooklyn’s artistic and cultural community, the festival will offer four days of screenings, panels, workshops, parties, and networking opportunities. To date, the festival has showcased the work of over 300 filmmakers, most of them Brooklyn and New York-based, as well as international films from 30 countries across the globe.
In addition to a wide range of genres and topics, the festival’s programming continues to highlight films directed by and starring women, along with stories from underrepresented groups. Filmmakers and web series directors who want the unique opportunity to screen their work in front of Bushwick audiences can now submit their film through July 15th, with an early bird budget-friendly deadline of February 28th.
The Bushwick Film Festival has a cinematic history: founded in 2007 by Kweighbaye Kotee who, at a young age, fled from Liberia to the U.S. with her family to escape violence from an emerging civil war. With determination and perseverance, she received a full scholarship from the Wight Foundation to attend Blair Academy, later graduated from New York University with Media Culture and Communications degree, and moved to Bushwick when the neighborhood was becoming popular for its arts and cultural scene. “I have a deep love for storytelling and film, especially indie films, because they tend to be more true to life. Because the industry suffers from a lack of diversity, I wanted to create a unique platform where all stories — including immigrant stories like mine — could be shared,” says Kotee.
Today, the festival is hailed as one of Brooklyn’s strongest cinematic events and has been featured in major news outlets, including The Huffington Post, Fox News, News 12, Tribeca, IndieWire, and Brooklyn Magazine. With a mission to foster the growth of independent filmmaking outside the Hollywood system, the festival is now an industry staple for emerging talent and screens the work of the most promising filmmakers of today. Past BFF directors, starring actors and special guests who have successful careers include Issa Rae, Lucy Mulloy, Brandi Cyrus, Arturo Castro, Diarra Kilpatrick, Kevin Corrigan, Ira Sachs and Elizabeth Wood. Festival jury and panelists include industry professionals from Tribeca, Sony Pictures, Vimeo, Kickstarter, Reelworks, UnionDocs and ESPN Films.
After a decade full of incredible screenings and moments, the festival is as driven as ever to continue its passion for sharing amazing stories with its forward-thinking audience. Growing and sustaining the Bushwick Film Festival for all these years would not have been possible without its wonderful community of talented filmmakers, passionate volunteers, dynamic audiences, and generous sponsors.
More news to come via the festival's website www.bushwickfilmfestival.com, instagram: @bushwickfilmfest, twitter: @bushwickfilm, and on Facebook at Bushwick Film Festival.
###
Important 2017 Dates:
Early Bird Deadline: February 28, 2017
Regular Deadline: May 31, 2017
Late Deadline: July 15, 2017
Notification Date: August 15, 2017
Festival Dates: October 12 - 15, 2017
Best of 2016 Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjA-uOflT_0
2016 Winning Films:
http://bushwickfilmfestival.com/2016-festival-winners/
About The Bushwick Film Festival:
Founded in 2007, The Bushwick Film Festival exhibits independent film and media in the heart of New York City’s new locus of eclectic creativity and contemporary culture: Bushwick. Our programming runs year-round with classes, workshops, and content open to the community and distributed via digital and broadcast networks. Our competition, now in its tenth year, attracts industry leaders, submissions of international note, and culminates in a four-day festival of screenings and events.
Copyright © 2018 Bushwick Film Festival, All rights reserved.
2016 BFF Award Winners Announced and Festival Photos Posted!
Brooklyn, New York (October 7, 2016) – Last weekend the 9th Annual Bushwick Film Festival (BFF) opened at the House of Yes with a glitter-studded red carpet, live performers, stilt walkers, and a sold-out screening of I Am Gangster! The night was presented by festival sponsor Brooklyn Fire Proof. Bushwick’s Council Member Antonio Reynoso, along with the 83rd Precinct’s Deputy Inspector Maximo A. Tolentino and Sergeant Damarys Franco, joined the red-carpet festivities; their attendance demonstrated their continued support of the festival, its founder, Kweighbaye Kotee, and the Bushwick community.
Sold-out screenings continued throughout the four-day weekend, resulting in the festival’s ninth year achieving its highest attendance numbers to date. In addition to the filmmakers and attendees from around the world who flew into Bushwick for the festival experience, a large majority of filmmakers and audiences were from Bushwick and other NYC neighborhoods, making the festival feel like a true home-grown event.
The BFF weekend boasted 27 screenings total: 11 Documentaries, 10 Narratives, 4 short film screenings, a web series screening, and an art house film selection. Audiences also had the opportunity to attend a series of panels and events including a Women In Film & TV Day, featuring leading women in the industry and films highlighting women's stories. In addition, Tribeca Film Institute® hosted a panel during the festival’s Industry Series, and other panels were seated by industry professionals from ESPN, Vimeo, BRIC TV, Kickstarter, HBO and more.
The festival wrapped on Sunday, October 2nd with an awards ceremony at Syndicated Theater in Bushwick, where award ceremony sponsor LightHouse Films announced festival winners and- for the first time in the festival’s history - runners-up! I Am Gangster, directed by Moritz Rechenberg, won Best Narrative Feature; Arlette: Courage Is a Muscle, directed by Florian Hoffmann, won Best Documentary; Smoke That Travels, directed by Kayla Briet, won Best Short Film; and Undone, directed by Lili Lopez, won Best Web Series. The festival winners received up to $2,000 in rentals from LightHouse Films, along with mentorship opportunities and consideration for future funding from The Tribeca Film Institute®.
The runners-up for each category were You Can’t Escape Lithuania, directed by Romas Zabarauskas, for Feature Narrative; The Giant’s Dream: The Making of The Iron Giant, directed by Anthony Giacchino, for Documentary; There's Too Many Of These Crows, directed by Morgan Miller, for Short Film; and No Strings Attached, directed by Emma Watts, for Web Series.
The BFF was extremely proud to have produced another successful festival and is already incredibly eager to start planning for its upcoming landmark year—The 10th Annual Bushwick Film Festival.
The full listing of this past year’s festival program and trailers for all of the participating films can be found at www.bushwickfilmfestival.com.
World Premiere of Vegan-Friendly LGBTQ Film @ 9th Bushwick Film Fest This Week!
BUSHWICK FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES WORLD PREMIERE OF VEGAN-FRIENDLY LGBTQ FILM : YOU CAN’T ESCAPE LITHUANIA
View trailer and purchase tickets here: http://bit.ly/2cj2KZI
Brooklyn, New York (September 26, 2016) – The 9th Annual Bushwick Film Festival (BFF) announces the world premiere of You Can’t Escape Lithuania. The Vegan-Friendly LGBTQ Feature Film will screen at the new Bushwick movie theater, Syndicated, on Friday, September 30th, at 7pm. You Can’t Escape Lithuania is about a fictional version of the director, Romas Zabarauskas, as he tries to help actress and good friend, Indre, after she kills and robs her mother. Romas also brings his hot boyfriend Carlos along for the ride as the trio attempts to leave the country. On the road, Romas gives Indre an ultimatum: if she doesn’t agree to perform in one last experimental film, he will turn her over to the police.
This is the third appearance that Lithuanian director and LGBTQ rights activist Romas Zabarauskas will make at the festival. His short film Porno Melodrama was a festival favorite in 2013 and won the Best Short Film Award. In 2014, Zabarauskas returned to BFF to screen his first feature film, We Will Riot. It played to a sold-out audience that included legendary Lithuanian director Jonas Mekas. As a ground-breaking director, Zabarauskas uses his unique voice to champion the LGBTQ cause in his native homeland and around the world.
“We are so happy to have Romas back at Bushwick! I consider him a true auteur. His work is distinctive and meticulously thought out that it is clear he is growing into one of the great indie film directors of our times,” says festival director Kweighbaye Kotee.
Another interesting element to You Can’t Escape Lithuania is that the film is a vegan-friendly movie. Only vegan materials were used for the clothing and art design, and the cast and crew even ate all vegan food throughout the entire shoot, to show true dedication to the principle.
You Can’t Escape Lithuania will be screening at Syndicated Movie Theater, located on 40 Bogart Street in Brooklyn, NY 11206, on Friday, September 30 at 7pm. To see trailer and purchase tickets to the screening, please visit http://bit.ly/2cj2KZI
Tribeca Film Institute® Partners with The 9th Annual Bushwick Film Festival
Tribeca Film Institute® Partners with The 9th Annual Bushwick Film Festival
[Brooklyn, New York (September 22, 2016)] - Today the Bushwick Film Festival announced a partnership with Tribeca Film Institute® (TFI) for the 2016 festival. Both organizations are driven by their support and celebration of independent filmmakers, and this joint effort will serve to further inspire the talents of the indie film community.
This relationship will encompass a number of collaborations. TFI will present a featured panel at the 2016 Bushwick Film Festival on Sunday, October 2nd during the festival’sIndustry Series. The Industry Series is a short series of panels for emerging industry professionals searching for opportunities to take their careers to the next level. Tickets to the event can be found here: http://bit.ly/2cwu8A7
TFI’s panel will include Molly O’Keefe, Director, Scripted Programs; Vee Bravo, Vice President, Education Programs; and Zeina Abi Assy, Coordinator, Interactive Programs. Amy Hobby, Vice President, Artist Programs at TFI, will be the moderator. Ms. Hobby has more than 20 years of experience as an award-winning feature and documentary film producer. Her work spans across a broad range, including feature-length dramas starring A-list Hollywood stars, documentaries, international features, television pilots, and webisodes. Ms. Hobby personifies the fully diverse producer, with producing projects that include Secretary, Hamlet(with Ethan Hawke), and What Happened, Miss Simone?, for which she won both a Peabody Award and an Emmy Award.
In addition to the panel, TFI will be awarding a mentorship opportunity to the winning filmmakers of the 2016 Bushwick Film Festival, in the categories of feature narrative and feature documentary. The winning filmmakers will also be considered for future funding in one of TFI’s programs.
“We are proud to be partnering with the Bushwick Film Festival to support their excellent programming in their ninth year,” said Amy Hobby, VP of Artist Programs at TFI. “Our mission to champion storytellers from a variety of backgrounds directly aligns with Bushwick Film Festival’s mission, and we are excited to collaborate on the Industry Series panel and more.”
“This partnership is a big step forward for us. Tribeca Film Festival is what inspired me to start the Bushwick Film Festival. In addition, after working at the Tribeca Film Institute® during its 2013 Festival season, I had the opportunity to learn more about the importance of film education in schools, and now we are currently developing a Youth Film Program in Bushwick!” said Kweighbaye Kotee, Bushwick Film Festival Founder & Director.
The Bushwick Film Festival is scheduled from Sept 29th - Oct 2nd in Bushwick, Brooklyn. For tickets and a full program to the festival, including its Industry Series featuring Tribeca Film Institute®, please visit the festival’s website at www.bushwickfilmfestival.com
The 9th Annual Bushwick Film Festival has been made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and partners: Sebastian Printing, Bushwick Car Service, Brooklyn Fire Proof, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Slate Property Group, CSI Rentals, Queens Brewery, BRIC, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, LightHouse Films, Fine & Raw Chocolate, Bruce Cost Ginger Ale, Braven Brewery, Terra Firma, Montana’s Trail House, The Rookery, House of Yes, Syndicated, Lot 45, InLove Magazine, Bushwick Daily, QNS, and Times News Weekly.
About Tribeca Film Institute®
Tribeca Film Institute® champions storytellers to be catalysts for change in their communities and around the world. Through grants and professional development programs, TFI supports a diverse, exceptional group of filmmakers and media artists, providing them resources needed to fully realize their stories and connect with audiences. The Institute’s educational programming leverages an extensive film community network to help underserved New York City students learn filmmaking and gain the media skills necessary to be productive citizens and creative individuals in the 21st century. Featuring hands-on training and exposure to socially relevant films, the Institute administers programs to more than 25,000 students annually. TFI was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in the wake of September 11, 2001 and is a 501(c)(3) year-round nonprofit arts organization.
About the Bushwick Film Festival
Founded in 2007, The Bushwick Film Festival exhibits independent film and media in the heart of New York City’s new locus of eclectic creativity and contemporary culture: Bushwick. Our programming runs year-round with classes, workshops, and content open to the community and distributed via digital and broadcast networks. Our competition, now in its ninth year, attracts industry leaders, submissions of international note, and culminates in a four-day festival of screenings and events.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams Welcomes the 2016 Bushwick Film Festival Filmmakers at Borough Hall
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams Welcomes the 2016 Bushwick Film Festival Filmmakers at Borough Hall This Thursday, August 11th.
BROOKLYN, NY, August 8, 2016 – This Thursday, August 11, 2016, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, in partnership with Bushwick Film Festival (BFF), will host its annual, invitation-only, Filmmaker Welcoming Ceremony to announce all 2016 accepted films, thank festival sponsors and celebrate festival participants. The Borough President is very enthusiastic to see what new talent will be spotlighted at the festival and is proud to support the efforts of its founder and Bushwick resident, Kweighbaye Kotee.
“Brooklyn's ready for its close-up,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. “As this borough continues to set the standard as an international center for the arts, the Bushwick Film Festival honors the many contributions of talented filmmakers to our culture as well as our economy, all at a time when the number of Brooklynites working in creative industries continues to increase. The festival’s founder Kweighbaye Kotee has been integral to that achievement, as she continues to support the independent filmmakers whose cutting-edge work defines the character of our community. I encourage everyone to come out to Bushwick and support this incredible celebration of independent film and media this fall."
The Festival’s Annual Welcoming ceremony marks the official kick-off to its 2016 season. The event will be catered by Remarkable Cuisine with beverages sponsored by Bruce Cost Ginger Ale and Queens Brewery. In addition, artisan chocolates will be provided by Fine & Raw Chocolates. Industry professionals, community members, press and previous festival guests can request an invitation by clicking the link below.
This year, the 9th Annual Bushwick Film Festival is scheduled from September 29 to October 2 and is emerging as one of the best festivals in NYC for independent filmmakers to showcase their work. Since its debut in 2007, the festival has become one of the most talked about events in Bushwick and is hailed as "one of the borough's strongest cinematic events,” by Tribeca Film. Last year’s best picture, Wallabout, was highlighted on Fox News.
The festival unites the community and the support it receives from its residents and public figures alike will only add to its ever-growing success. With the excitement mounting for the festival’s 9th edition, the BFF team is working hard to make sure this year is another year to remember.