In conjunction with Samsung Mobile, the Brooklyn Film Festival kicked off their film season this year with some of the industries hottest movie tickets around. Their film line-up this year includes underground hits such as: Bedstuy: Do or Die, an 80 minute documentary directed by newcomer Daniel Bishop, who used credit cards, re-mortgaged, borrowed money and spent over 17 weeks documenting the courageous group throughout 2008 in order to get this powerful story completed. This documentary zooms in on a dedicated group of individuals who despite lack of funding and manpower continue to brave the still existent dark corners of the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, even if it’s on foot.
During the gripping documentary Commander James 'Rocky' Robinson reflects on how he and friend/colleague Joe Perez decided to start the Bedford-Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps (BSVAC), during the crack turbulent 1980’s. Bishop’s documentary turned out to be a tell tale story of the group's dedication and determination to provide care to people who were most often forgotten or delayed for help, as well as, providing a safe haven and training springboard for young African Americans who were completely lost, tempted or stolen by the streets. It was even mentioned in the film that one of the young ladies (Danielle) who volunteered for the (BSVAC) gave her last breath to the continuation and manifestation of the organization's goals. Bishop stated: “I wanted to work with them and see real life in a bad neighborhood where a few good natured people were trying to make a difference.”
Also, on the bill is MONEY DOG, a 14 minute film short written and directed by Michael Holman, one of NYC’s downtown art scene pioneers. He tells the story of two teenage boys starring: rapper Tim “Single” Braddock and Kody Glenn, who steal a pit-bull puppy from one of the local South Bronx bad guys ‘Paco the Psycho.’ The two pit-bull entrepreneurs decide to train the puppy to one day fight for money. While training the pup, a loving friendship with the dog develops, creating a conflict between the young friends; meanwhile, Paco the Psycho has picked up their scent and are hot on their trail. Holman stated during the screening that footage for this film was originally filmed in the South Bronx during the 1980’s, therefore; this film provides a rare window into a long lost New York world.
Day in Day Out offers you an in-depth look into the world of struggling workers living on different islands of Indonesia. Director Carl Valiquet, an advertising and travel photographer offers you a montage of still and moving images of a people who stretch their bodies strengths beyond capacity to grind out a living in the grueling fields of Indonesia.
The Brooklyn Film Festival offers a line-up of over 100 fantastic films to choose from this year, ranging from all over the globe. All screenings are being held at the following theatres through June 12th.
289 Kent Avenue, at South 2nd Street
Brooklyn, NY
Tel: 347.227.8030/7522
70 Henry Street
Brooklyn, NY
Tel: 718.596.7070
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