Short Film Program

Docs on the Edge

PLEASE NOTE: Online RSVPS are now closed, but walk-ups are welcome!

Find light in darkness and meaning in struggle with this program of non-fiction films presented on the Brooklyn Army Terminal Pier.

FREE w/ RSVP

Sat Jul 9 8:00 PM

In a modern world full of falsehoods, documentary filmmakers are essential purveyors of unfettered truths, so join us on the pier of Brooklyn Army Terminal for a program of new documentaries that upend expectations, uncover past horrors, dispel official fabrications, and take us to perilous and under-explored corners of the world. Videographers hawk Satanic prevarications, Romanian poetry draws a young man to an unknown land, interpreters translate atrocities, prison walls are pierced by calls of the wild, and an artist embarks on a new artistic journey to escape a creative stockade of his own… Join us on the dock to witness these perilous moments, and people dangling between worlds.

The Films

Blue Room

Merete Mueller | US | 11

In two prisons in the Pacific Northwest, incarcerated men and women watch nature videos on loop, prompting reflections on isolation and the wilderness.

In Flow of Words

Eliane Esther Bots | Netherlands | 22

In Flow of Words follows the narratives of three interpreters of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. They interpreted shocking testimonies from witnesses, victims and perpetrators, without ever allowing their own emotions, feelings and personal histories to be present. Contrary to their position at the tribunal, this film places their voices and experiences center stage.

The Joys and Sorrows of Young Yuguo

Ilinca Calugareanu | US, UK | 31

16-year-old Yuguo, who has a passion for Eastern European romantic poetry, makes a pilgrimage from his home in China to the foothills of Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. There are not many 16-year-olds in China that spend their days reading 19th century Eastern European romantic poetry, but Yuguo is not like most 16-year-olds. This intimate film follows Yuguo’s own teenage romanticism and adventurous spirit as he travels to Bacau in Romania to begin a study abroad programme. Yuguo’s sincerity and open heartedness is infectious and hard for the people of Bacau to resist. Across just 80 days, we share the beautiful adventure of Yuguo’s journey, and witness the profound impact one person can have in the lives of others. Courtesy of Netflix.

The Law Enforcement Guide to Satanic Cults

Scott Calonico & Harmon Leon | US | 11

An investigation into a 1990s satanic cult training videotape for the police takes a turn for the weird when the filmmaker encounters real believers in satanic cults.

Shut Up and Paint

Alex Mallis & Titus Kaphar | US | 20

Painter Titus Kaphar looks to film as a medium in the face of an insatiable art market seeking to silence his activism.

What the Pier Gave Us

Luna X Moya | US | 7

Many immigrants spend their evenings fishing on an undisclosed pier in New York City. In this poetic experimental film, a Mexican fisherman’s ordinary day becomes a metaphor for the brutal beauty of the immigration experience in the US.

Muchos inmigrantes pasan su atardecer pescando en un muelle en la ciudad de Nueva York. En este cortometraje experimental y poético, el día ordinario de un pescador mexicano se convierte en una metáfora de la brutal belleza de la experiencia migratoria en Estados Unidos.

Event Details

8:00 PM

Doors Open

8:30 PM

Live Music

9:00 PM

Films Begin

10:30 PM

Q&A

11:00 PM

After-Party

RSVP DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY. SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.

IN THE EVENT OF RAIN, SHOW WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT THE SAME LOCATION. NO ALCOHOL IS PERMITTED.
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FAQs

How will it work?
Using your RSVP, our team will check in all patrons by last name at will call. Before your arrival, we will ask you to make sure you can answer “no” to all of the CDC’s COVID-19 safety screening questions, as well as conducting a temperature check. Masks will be required while interacting with event staff. Chairs will be provided.

Can I bring food and drinks?
No alcoholic beverages are allowed. Feel free to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages! Food and drink must be consumed while you are sitting in your designated area.

Do I need to wear a mask?
Masks are encouraged while interacting with staff outdoors.

What COVID-19 Measures Have Been Taken?
In addition to vaccination requirements, COVID-19 safety measures include: options for socially distanced seating, and masks encouraged. All attendees and staff are required to wear a mask while interacting. You will also be reminded of the mandatory safety measures via email and on-screen.

COVID-19 safety measures and requirements may be updated or changed based on current guidance at the time of the event.

Where will the screening take place within The Brooklyn Army Terminal?
Check in will be through the entrance at 80 58th Street, but the screening location will be down at the end of the pier. Please contact us if someone in your party will need assistance getting to the location.

How accessible is this venue?
This venue will be entirely one level, with the exception of a ramp at the entrance, making it very accessible. The venue is approximately a 15 minute walk from the nearest subway station. If this brings up any concerns, please email us at tickets@rooftopfilms.com or call at 718-417-7362 for more information.

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
Rooftop Films are open to all ages.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
For a full list of Rooftop Films venues and directions, click here.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
It is not necessary to print your ticket. Our team will check the name on your RSVP at will call.

Venue

Brooklyn Army Terminal

80 58th St, Brooklyn, NY 11220