The 2018 annual Bushwick Film Festival (BFF) returns from Wednesday, October 10 to Sunday, October 14 with a packed program boasting independent features, documentaries and shorts, as well as panels, happy hours, workshops, parties and networking mixers at various locations in Bushwick.
Now in its 11th year, the festival will also premiere five short documentaries created by 15 young storytellers from Bushwick who participated in Bushwick Stories, BFF's free summer filmmaking workshop.
Since its inception, BFF has become an industry staple for emerging talent and screens the work of the most promising filmmakers of today. And it continues to grow: In 2018, the BFF received over a record-breaking 1,300 submissions.
Over the last decade, BFF has screened the works of nearly 500 independent filmmakers from Brooklyn and over 40 different countries. In addition to presenting a range of genres and topics, the festival's programming continues to highlight films directed by and starring women, along with stories from underrepresented groups.
"After 11 years, I still get so excited when the festival arrives," said Festival Founder and CEO Kweighbaye Kotee. "It's been a true privilege serving storytellers and my community through the BFF, and we have an incredible lineup of films and a weekend of fun in store!"
The opening night kicks off on Wednesday, October 10, with a red carpet reception and screening at House of Yes. The festival concludes with an awards ceremony and closing reception on Sunday, October 14 at LightSpace Studios New York.
The 2018 BFF boasts a packed program -- take a look at some of this year's highlights.
SEAMAN AND 207
| Director Sophia Tewa, 78 min, Documentary, USA
Yacahudah Harrison and his wife Danetia Harrison have chosen to abandon their lives as working people with steady jobs to live on a street corner in upper Manhattan. As gentrification brings in new people, they are sent on a journey of discovery, living and loving out of their van on Seaman Avenue and 207th Street.
When: Thursday, October 11, 5:30pm
Where: Syndicated Bar Theater Kitchen, 40 Bogart St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Tickets info: https://bit.ly/2OhxXKf
ARE YOU GLAD I'M HERE
| Director Noor Gharzeddine, 85 min, Narrative, Lebanon (Arabic, English)
A millennial American girl befriends a Lebanese housewife and disrupts her ordered life; one night they become accidental partners-in-crime.
When: Friday, October 12, 7:30 PM
Where: Syndicated Bar Theater Kitchen, 40 Bogart St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Ticket Info: https://bit.ly/2MtoJZI
VICTORIOUS
| Director Robert Mac, 103 minutes, Documentary, USA
Victorious is a documentary that trails the DC DIVAS—one of the top women's football teams in America—during their 2015 season. Robert Mac embedded himself with the Divas as they hit the road to tear up some serious gridiron, capturing their camaraderie, sisterhood, and spirit along the way.
When: Saturday, October 13, 5:45pm
Where: Syndicated Bar Theater Kitchen, 40 Bogart St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Ticket Info: https://bit.ly/2xa5HTm
DON'T BE NICE
| Director Max Powers, 96 min, Documentary, USA
A team of young New York City Slam Poets finds its voice as it competes for the National Championship during the summer of 2016. An emotional and inspiring documentary that gives insightful commentary on race, gender, identity and sexual politics in America today.
When: Saturday,October 13, 8:05pm
Where: Chemistry Creative, 305 Ten Eyck St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Ticket Info: https://bit.ly/2MtoJZI
ANISSA 2002
| Director Fabienne Facco, 48 min, Narrative, France
France, 2002. Anissa is sixteen. Her parents are taking her to Morocco for her a wedding. She doesn't want to go. On the road, she runs away. She meets two English guys who are restoring an old house
When: Sunday, October 14, 5:55pm
Where: Syndicated Bar Theater Kitchen, 40 Bogart St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Ticket Info: https://bit.ly/2xasMVr
For more information and a full schedule, go here.
