Insane Clown Posse + Rooftop Films screening of 'Family' at The Well
photo by Edwina Hay

Rooftop Films announces opening night & May 2019 lineup

Rooftop Films returns later this month for its 23rd year of movies under the stars. The Summer 2019 edition kicks off on Friday May 17 at Green-Wood Cemetery, which was added as a new location last year, with its annual “This is What We Mean by Short Films” program. Egyptian artist Nadah El Shazly performs before the screenings, and tickets are on sale now.

The schedule for the rest of May includes David Modigliani‘s documentary Running with Beto, Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber performing a “Groiddest Schizznits” 20th anniversary set followed by a “live score remix” of Melvin Van PeeblesSweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, and short film program Dangerous Documentaries, preceded by a set from Emily Reo. See details and a couple of trailers below.

The schedule for the rest of the summer is still to be announced; stay tuned.

ROOFTOP FILMS MAY 2019

Friday May 17, 2019
Opening Night: This is What We Mean by Short Films
at Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th St, Brooklyn NY 11232

It’s been too long, so, come and get your Fest on! Rooftop returns for our 23rd Summer Series with a program of amazing new short films featuring our favorite neighborhood celebrities, illegal Chinese Trap music, animated bungee dives, and conga lines on the high seas. These daring and wildly entertaining works will transport you to heretofore unexplored realities and display the creative potential of the cinematic short form. Come experience the Magnitudinous Illuminous that is Rooftop Films’ opening night! (tickets)

Saturday May 25, 2019
Running with Beto (David Modigliani)
at New Design High School, 350 Grant St, New York, NY 10002

This behind-the-scenes HBO documentary follows Beto O’Rourke’s rise from virtual unknown to national political sensation as he barnstorms across Texas in a bold attempt to unseat Ted Cruz in the US Senate. Embedded with O’Rourke for the final twelve months of his campaign, Running with Beto follows the rising star’s journey in real time through intimate access with the candidate, his family, and a team of political newcomers who champion a new way of getting to know a candidate — one Texas county at a time. Modigliani reveals the challenges and triumphs of an unconventional campaign as Beto navigates an onslaught of negative advertising, inevitable strain on his family, and the pressure of delivering for legions of supporters. This film is creatively and financially independent from Beto O’Rourke and his campaign. An HBO Documentary Films release. (tickets)
Includes a Q&A with director David Modigliani & producer David Modigliani

Thursday May 30, 2019
Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Redux, Remix & Requiem (Melvin Van Peebles)
at Fort Greene Park, Washington Park St, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Melvin Van Peebles’ Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song was a cinematic milestone; within weeks of its April 1971 release it became the most successful independent feature in American film history. Van Peebles financed, wrote, starred in, edited, produced and distributed the film. He composed the score himself and got a band of upstarts he met through his secretary to play his tunes for the soundtrack. That group, uncredited on the vinyl release, became more well-known a couple years later as Earth, Wind & Fire. Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber revisit Van Peebles’ compositions, performing a live score remix with actors and band members reading from the original script while a silent print of Sweet Sweetback’s Badasssss Song is projected onto the big screen on Fort Greene Park’s Myrtle Avenue hill. (free with RSVP)
Includes a 20th anniversary “Groiddest Schizznits” set by Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber

Friday May 31, 2019
Dangerous Documentaries
at Metrotech Commons, 5 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201

The best short films are not just seen, but viscerally felt. The works in this program allow us to experience moments of human perseverance within worlds on the brink of collapse. Intrepid protagonists squeeze through perilous caves, shoot the shit in prison tattoo parlors, fight for their rights, stitch together felted caskets, and attempt to repair their shattered lives. Featuring stunning cinematography and innovative storytelling, these breathtaking short films will thrust us into perilous terrain alongside brave individuals who won’t give up until they reach the light at the end of the tunnel. (free with RSVP)
includes a performance from Emily Reo