Rooftop Films is proud to announce select feature films for their 2019 Summer Series in New York City. This year’s series begins May 17th and goes through to August 23rd. The eclectic lineup features more than 45 outdoor screenings in over a dozen spectacular outdoor venues. As per usual, the films will be accompanied by live music, filmmaker appearances, and special enhanced screenings of the best, new, independent films from around the world.
Founded in 1997, Rooftop Films is a non-profit organization with a mission to engage and inspire the communities of New York City by showcasing the work of emerging filmmakers. In addition to their annual Summer Series, Rooftop provides grants to filmmakers, rents equipment at low-cost to artists and non-profits, and supports film screenings citywide with the Rooftop Films Community Fund. During the summer months the number one priority at Rooftop is to bring underground movies outdoors. For more information and updates visit their website at www.rooftopfilms.com
The open-air festivities kick off on Friday, May 17th, at Green-Wood Cemetery with This is What We Mean by Short Films, an annual collection of some of the most innovative short films from the past year. Neighborhood celebrities, illegal Chinese Trap music, animated bungee dives and conga lines on the high seas, are featured in these daring and wildly entertaining works that aim to transport an audience to unexplored realities and display the creative potential of the cinematic short form. Feature Film highlights of the 23rd Summer series includes the Sundance smash that took home the fest’s U.S. Dramatic Audience Award, Brittany Runs a Marathon, My Days of Mercy starring Ellen Page, Kate Mara and Amy Seimetz, Mickey and the Bear, SXSW Audience Award winner, Saint Frances, The Sound of Silence with Peter Sarsgaard and Rashida Jones, Pink Wall with Jay Duplass, Premature, Sister Aimee, and the black comedy, Greener Grass (click on any title and see the imdb listing for that film).
Rooftop dedicates itself to inventive programming, integrated musical performances, and spectacular venues. This year the film society is building on their success and working to turn every screening into a truly one-of-a-kind event. The specially curated enhancements should make this Summer Series the most memorable yet. More than a Film Festival, Rooftop is an independent film celebration, with live musical performances, after-parties, and additional enhancements throughout the summer. One of the special attractions this year is a special free presentation of Melvin Van Peebles’ ground-breaking classic Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song in Fort Greene Park, with a live score performance by Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber.
The 2019 Summer Series is presented by SundanceTV, and supported by signature sponsors Corona Extra, Industry City, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Brooklyn Army Terminal, Ketel One Family Made Vodka, Lays Poppables, Jaguar, The Museum of Modern Art, and media partner WNYC. Summer outdoor screenings are something to remember, and make the hot months that much more bearable. With such an eclectic offering of the new and under appreciated, why not venture out during the hot summer nights and enjoy a unique cultural event under the stars and amongst the skyline of the greatest city in the world. It'll make your summer. Tickets for select 2019 Summer Series shows are now on sale. For first-access to events, memberships are available at rooftopfilms.com/memberships