Editor

5-day Celebration of Film, Food, Innovation, Art and 'Space' from Oct 2 -6, 2019

The Bushwick Film Festival (BFF), one of Brooklyn’s most exciting cultural attractions, will present its 12th edition from October 2–6, 2019. This year’s ‘SPACE’ theme was chosen by BFF's new Creative Director, Rah Crawford, to spotlight the inspirational story of space exploration as NASA celebrates its 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Additionally, it also serves as a meditation on how we relate to and define ‘space’ here on earth. Much like space exploration is for the purpose of learning about the universe around us, storytelling helps us understand more about ourselves and the people around us, creating a sense of connection. Both journeys require a vivid imagination, an ability to go beyond boundaries, and the courage to make the impossible possible. 

BFF took off this year with a record-breaking 1,500 submissions from 60 different countries. Since its inception, the festival has showcased films by the best and most diverse emerging filmmakers in Brooklyn and worldwide, while simultaneously celebrating films directed by and starring women. In 2018, approximately 50% of films were female-directed. This year, over 100 films will be included in the programming. Approximately ten filmmakers will walk away with awards in categories such as Best Feature (Narrative Doc), Best Short (Doc & Narrative), and Best Web Series, joining the ranks of incredible BFF alumni such as Miles Orion Feldsott, Kitty Green, Diarra Kilpatrick, Dawn Porter, Adepero Oduye, Stefon Bristol, Shaka King, and many more.

“Similar to astronauts, filmmakers demonstrate courage, the ability to intimately collaborate, and an infinite imagination. In many ways, creating an independent film is in itself a moonshot—ambitious, exploratory, and undertaken regardless of the myriad of risks at play. That’s why we celebrate filmmakers and the stories they go to great lengths to tell.” says BFF Founder & Director Kweighbaye Kotee. 

With the theme of "space" in mind, the vision for #Bushwick2019 is to create an OUT OF THIS WORLD experience for festival attendees, filmmakers, and partners. BFF aims to provide spaces where people can discover new stories and ideas, create connections with each other, and leave eager to share their experiences. In addition to its traditional program of screenings, panels, and networking events, festival attendees can also expect a variety of food, art, and tech events. 

Select passes to the 12th Annual Bushwick Film Festival will go on sale August 15, and individual tickets will go on sale September 1. For notifications about ticket sales and/or to receive 2019 festival updates, please visit https://www.bushwickfilmfestival.com/ticketsandpasses. 

Past BFF filmmakers and actors include: 

Diarra Kilpatrick (CAA Actress, ABC’s American Koko); Elizabeth Wood (Director, White Girl); Kevin Corrigan (Actor, Goodfellas); Kahlil Joseph (Director, Beyonce’s Lemonade film); Lucy Mulloy (Director, Una Noche); Kitty Green (Director, Netflix’s Casting JonBenet); Tamara P. Carter (Writer, HBO’s The Leftovers); Phoebe Robinson (Actress, 2 Dope Queens); Robin Comisar (Director/Filmmaker Mag’s 25 New Faces of Independent Film); Carrie Coon (Actress, Fargo); Felicia Pearson (Actress, The Wire); Terence Nance (Director, Random Acts of Flyness); Laura Moss (Director/Filmmaker Mag’s 25 New Faces of Independent Film); Tequan Richmond (Actor, Ray); MJ Rodriguez (Actress, Nurse Jackie); Natalia Leite (Director, M.F.A.), Adepero Oduye (Actor, Pariah); Bradford Young (Cinematographer, Arrival); Stefon Bristol (Director, See You Yesterday); Alexander Dinelaris (Writer, Birdman). 

Past BFF jury members & panelists include: 

Caroline Waterlow (Oscar Winner, O.J.: Made in America); Heidi Ewing (Oscar Nominee, Jesus Camp); Sam Pollard (Oscar Nominee, 4 Little Girls); Ira Sachs (Director, Little Men); Arturo Castro (Actor, Netflix’s Narcos); Adam Neuhaus (Director of Development, ESPN Films and Original Content at ESPN); Peter Gerard (GM of Entertainment, Vimeo); Mollye Asher (Producer, The Rider); Molly O’Keefe (Senior Director of Artists Programs, Tribeca Film Institute); Marc John Jefferies (Actor, Power); Aisha Harris (Slate Magazine/Represent Podcast); Will Rowbotham (3 Arts Entertainment); Catherine Curtin (Actor, Orange is the New Black); Dana Gills (Production, Lionsgate); Gabrielle Nadig (Producer, Little Woods); Jeff Seelbach (Director, Non-Fiction Programming, Topic); Bilge Ebiri (Film Critic, Vulture); Quinn Shephard (Director, Blame); Doris Casap (Senior Vice President, Film Programming, HBO); Hilary Bettis (Writer, The Americans). Additionally, industry professionals from Sony Pictures, 3 Arts Entertainment, Vimeo, Kickstarter, Tribeca Film Festival, ReelWorks Studios, UnionDocs, BRIC, ESPN Films, VICE, and Brigade have participated in the annual event. 

Important Dates:

August 15, 2019: Filmmakers Notified of Acceptance

September 2019: Festival Pre-Launch Party/Tickets on Sale

October 2–6, 2019: 12th Annual Bushwick Film Festival

More news to come via:

Website: bushwickfilmfestival.com

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BushwickFilmFestival

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BushwickFilm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bushwickfilmfest

About The Bushwick Film Festival

The Bushwick Film Festival (BFF) is an MWBE certified, independent film, media, and event production company in Brooklyn, NY. Its annual festival attracts over 3500 attendees, as well as more than 1500 film submissions from 60 countries around the world, contributing to the borough's cultural and economic growth. The festival is also committed to community building, empowering underrepresented storytellers, and increasing diversity in film and other forms of media through year-round programming. Its programming includes free public screenings and events, hands-on film production workshops, and career training for young adults so that they have the tools to enter a successful career in the media industry.