We don’t screen in theaters — we screen in communities.
Rooftop Films transforms public spaces into dynamic cultural hubs, bringing vibrant film experiences to communities with limited access to the arts. By connecting the works of emerging filmmakers to wider audiences, we strengthen community bonds, spark meaningful dialogue, and amplify underrepresented voices that deserve to be heard.
29 Years
Supporting Independent Film Since 1997
2,750+
Filmmakers Supported
$2.3M
Granted to Independent Filmmakers
The New Yorker
“A New York mainstay.”
The New York Times
“If you don’t know about Rooftop Films… let’s change that. This nonprofit screens culturally relevant flicks on site-specific rooftops around the city all summer long.”
People Magazine
One of the “100 Reasons to Love America in 2023”
Cultivating Tomorrow’s Visionaries
IndieWire
“Rooftop Films has become an essential institution in the indie film world, helping top directors get their work seen while connecting undiscovered artists to the resources that they need.”
The Wall Street Journal
“The Brooklyn-based nonprofit has built a reputation for nurturing new independent filmmakers, many of whom are moving toward wider discovery with their latest projects.”
The Hollywood Reporter
“The outdoor festival, known for staging unique events throughout New York City, has a reputation for financially supporting indie film and building buzz for up‐and‐coming filmmakers”
Investing in Independent Vision
The Rooftop Filmmakers Fund transforms potential into achievement, providing crucial support for unique creative voices at pivotal moments in filmmakers’ careers. Our grants for features and short films help launch and sustain voices that are reshaping contemporary cinema.
$2.3M
Total Filmmaker Support
2,750+
Alumni Filmmakers
$200K
Awarded Annually
Remarkable Career Journeys: Selected Grantee Achievements
Nikyatu Jusu
“Nanny” (Winner of Sundance Grand Jury Prize)
Lee Isaac Chung
From “Lucky Life” to “Minari” (Six Academy Award nominations including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay)
Reinaldo Marcus Green
From “Monsters and Men” to “King Richard” (Six Academy Award nominations including Best Picture)
Shaka King
From “Newlyweeds” to “Judas and the Black Messiah” (Five Academy Award nominations, Two wins)
Kitty Green
From “Casting JonBenet” to “The Assistant” (Multiple Spirit Award nominations)
David Lowery
From “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints” to A24’s acclaimed “The Green Knight”
Benh Zeitlin
“Beasts of the Southern Wild” (Four Academy Award Nominations)
John Wilson
From “The Road to Magnasanti” to acclaimed HBO series “How To with John Wilson”
Taika Waititi
From “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” to “Jojo Rabbit” (Academy Award Winner)
Acclaimed Filmmakers Share Their Rooftop Films Screening Experience
Greta Gerwig
Lady Bird, Little Women, Barbie
“I love Rooftop Films. I’ve been coming here to watch films I think since I’ve been in New York. I just always thought it was beautiful to be up here and see the city and feel the breeze and also I can’t imagine a more perfect place… to show this movie.”
Terence Nance
Oversimplification Of Her Beauty, Random Acts of Flyness
“These people love what they do… That is the most important thing. They bring a celebratory energy to showcasing films and that is necessary to the artist. We are insecure people and need to feel like someone out there loves us for indulging our fantasies on celluloid.”
Robert Greene
Procession, Bisbee ’17, Actress
“My Rooftop Films experience was literally one of the best experiences of my life. When it was over I told my wife that it was the greatest night ever, but I quickly realized I probably needed to rank it below my wedding night and the birth of our children or there might be a problem… Never again will my film be treated so special, be seen by so many rabid fans or be a part of such an awesome, communal experience.”
David Lowery
Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, A Ghost Story, The Old Man and the Gun, Pete’s Dragon, The Green Knight
“Since 2008, Rooftop has continued to support my work, by helping my films find some of the best audiences in the country, and also by making sure those films get made in the first place.”
Building Community Through Film
The 2024 Rooftop Films Summer Series
50
Events
80%
Free Programs
21
Unique Locations
133
Films Presented
36
Feature Films
97
Short Films
For nearly three decades, The Rooftop Films Summer Series has transformed New York City’s public spaces into vibrant cultural destinations, breaking down barriers between art, audience, and community. As the nation’s largest outdoor showcase of independent cinema, we bring powerful stories to communities across all five boroughs. With 80% of our events free to the public and a focus on neighborhoods underserved by cultural organizations, we ensure independent cinema reaches audiences who might otherwise lack access to cultural programming.
Working collaboratively with local partners, we create experiences that reflect and celebrate New York City’s diversity. From Latinx communities in Corona to Bengali neighborhoods in Kensington, from Coney Island’s beaches to Bronx parks, each event is carefully curated for its location and audience, combining film with performances and dialogue.
The result: transformative experiences that strengthen neighborhood bonds and amplify diverse voices in film.
Explore a presentation of our programs in action here.