Katie Dellamaggiore’s debut feature Brooklyn Castle tells the extraordinary story of New York City middle school I.S. 318, home of the nation’s most successful student chess team. Though 70% of the school’s students come from low income families, most of their player rankings would beat out Albert Einstein. Katie spent over a year with the kids, documenting their hard work, their challenges and their success. Rooftop recently had a chat with her about her experiences making the film, her inspiration, and exciting plans for the future.

Jessica contributed to the Rooftop project Orbit(film),” and her next project brings us back down to the outer fringes of Earth. Jessica spent a year in Finland with the Aatsinki family, but she needs your help bringing their story to the screen!

On August 10 Rooftop is screening the stunning documentary, ‘At The Edge of Russia.’.The film follows six soldiers stationed in one of Russia’s furthest northern outposts. We spoke to director Michal Marczak about realising the film and found out what it’s like to live and work at -40 degrees.

Farmlandia: Growing a Documentary has been almost a decade in the making and now filmmaker Jan Weber needs your help to make it a reality. Pledge now and kick start this important project which explores the changing agricultural industry of America and asks where our food really comes from.

One of our favorite films from Rooftop Summer Series 2009 is screening tonight at Union Docs in Williamsburg