The Sundance Film Festival, a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their storytelling, remains an essential part for independent film. For the seventh consecutive year, Rooftop Films is excited to team with Sundance to present some of our favorite short films from their most recent edition. Hailing from the next generation of independent filmmakers, these gorgeous documents of athleticism, found-footage send-ups, art world rants, human drams and surreal animations represent the best of independent shorts and a diverse array of storytelling from around the world.
The Films
[O]
Mario Radev | UK | 7
A film that imitates nature in its manner of operation, depicting animated cycles in a world entirely based on sound frequency and vibration.
Counterfeit Kunkoo
Reema Sengupta | India | 15
In a country where marital rape is not a legal crime, it took a lot for Smita to escape an abusive marriage. She lives in a one room apartment in Mumbai, earning her living by making imitation mangalsutras (necklace worn by married women). But the recent tranquility of her life is shaken when the doorbell rings. Smita finds herself fighting beasts of a different kind as she discovers a strange pre-requisite to renting a house in middle-class Mumbai. Will Smita find her space? Is there any hope for liberation - societal and/or sexual? Will the doorbell ever stop ringing - again and again? Counterfeit Kunkoo isn’t a feisty feminist retort to the deep-seated misogyny that finds its way into everyday life. It is an exploration of the idiosyncrasies that come with it, the battles one must fight, and whether winning or losing those battles matters at all.
Emergency
Carey Williams | USA | 12
Faced with an emergency, a group of young Black and Latino friends weigh the pros and cons of calling the police.
The Fisherman (El pescador)
Ana A. Alpizar | Cuba, Netherlands, USA | 15
A humble Cuban fisherman is having a harsh winter at the open sea. For the sake of his family and against all odds, he needs to capture a fish tonight.
Great Choice
Robin Comisar | USA | 7
A woman gets stuck in a Red Lobster commercial.
Volte (Wolta)
Monika Kotecka, Karolina Poryzala | Poland | 14
Zuzia, 12, has been training vaulting for two years and has extraordinary role topping the acrobatic pyramid. She is a “flyer” lifted by the stronger and more experienced vaulters-“base”. Another intensive season begins. During training sessions it becomes apparent that the girl has lost some of her grace and lightness. At first the coach blames the “base” but they admit that Zuzia is too big to lift her. It became clear that she is “just growing” and her role is given over to a younger girl.
War Paint
Katrelle N. Kindred | USA | 18
A young black girl in South LA experiences a series of events at the convergence of racism and sexism during the Fourth of July holiday.
Wild Wild West: A Beautiful Rant By Mark Bradford
Dime Davis | USA | 6
Where do artists come from? An answer explored through paper, percussion, and one provocative artist.
Event Details
8:00 PM
Live Music from Palotré
This is a free event. In the case of rain, show will be rescheduled.
Venue
Fort Greene Park
Myrtle Ave & N Portland Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
