Clara Wu Tsai and filmmaker Spike Lee have announced Playback: The Brooklyn Watch Party to take place Nov. 6-7 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
The festival will commemorate the artists, storytellers and communities that have helped make Brooklyn one of the world's most influential cultural hubs. Programming includes repertory film screenings, conversations with cultural figures, pop-up activations, a free street fair and more.
"With Playback we are setting out to create a new kind of film festival, one that brings together people who share a love of storytelling through film," said Wu Tsai. "Spike has put Brooklyn on screen for decades and BAM has served as the borough's cultural hub for more than a century. There is nowhere else like Brooklyn, nothing like the energy of this borough, and this festival will highlight all that makes our community unique."
Produced by filmmaker Nicholas Ma in association with BAM, the festival will be co-hosted by Wu Tsai and Lee and developed in collaboration with celebrity guest curators, who will be announced in the coming months.
Opening night on Nov. 6 will feature music, poetry, film and talks at BAM's Howard Gilman Opera House. On Nov. 7, guest curators will present a lineup of films with special appearances, while a free afternoon block party will feature live music, local food and community activations.
The evening will conclude with a screening of "Crooklyn," featuring appearances by Lee, Alfre Woodard and additional guests.
Additional curators, talent and programming details will be announced in the coming months. Tickets go on sale in September. The public can sign up for updates and future announcements at playbackbk.com.
