BFF FILM & FESTIVAL BLOG
Volunteer Spotlight: The Opener
Written By Lillian Wojcik
The Opener is a feel-good celebration of creativity in all its forms
The Opener is a charming exploration of creativity, connection and ambition, born from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic. It captures the emotional turmoil many faced during lockdowns, highlighting moments of both fear and resilience as we follow Philip Labes’ journey: from writing songs for TikTok in his isolated apartment, to opening on tour for superstar Jason Mraz.
“Jeff’s foray back into filmmaking for this project is a direct reflection of what seems to be the film’s ethos: that the real purpose of creating art is to foster emotional connections with other people, and that can happen successfully on any scale.”
The film begins by telling us the story of Philip’s rise on TikTok during lockdown. It conjures poignant memories from that time: the loneliness, the ambivalence, the yearn for community, and even the absurdity. I cringed as Philip recalls using Windex on his groceries—a callback to the paranoia of those times.
In an effort to battle an all-too-familiar creeping depression, Philip decided to start writing a song per day, and perform them on TikTok live streams. His videos developed an audience, and one day - perhaps as a testament to the almighty algorithm - Jason Mraz swiped into one of the live streams, and was so impressed he invited Philip to join him on tour.
Thus Philip’s adventure began. He piled into a van with a few friends, and drove off to play for his biggest crowds yet, encountering many hiccups along the way, and ultimately trying to come to terms with his family’s ideology on art, creation and success.
Throughout the documentary, we witness Philip’s journey through the eyes of his high school friend, Jeff Toye, a social worker who once dreamed of becoming a film director before more practical life considerations led him down a different path. Jeff’s foray back into filmmaking for this project is a direct reflection of what seems to be the film’s ethos: that the real purpose of creating art is to foster emotional connections with other people, and that can happen successfully on any scale.
“a poignant reminder that, even in the midst of isolation, we are never truly alone.”
What sets The Opener apart from typical artist documentaries is its focus on relatability. It transcends the typical rockstar narrative, embracing a more intimate perspective on pursuing dreams and creative expression from whatever level you’re at. The partnership between Jason and Philip originating on TikTok symbolizes a new era of DIY artistry, and the unique paths to recognition that social media can offer. The film also emphasizes the power of social media to foster community, especially when physical connection was impossible.
Ultimately, The Opener is a feel-good celebration of creativity in all its forms, encouraging viewers to affirm their place in the world and embrace their artistic journeys, even when self-doubt creeps in. And it's a poignant reminder that, even in the midst of isolation, we are never truly alone.
The Opener is screening as part of the Bushwick Film Festival on October 17 at Williamsburg Cinemas. You can purchase tickets here
Top 10 Inspiring Olympic Stories
This year’s Olympics is one people will never forget. From Noah Lyles becoming the fastest man in the world to Simone Biles becoming the most decorated gymnast in history, the Olympics has been nothing but thrilling and exciting. Each Olympian is incredibly inspirational and has a story to share. Let’s dive into the ten most inspiring Olympic stories from the 2024 Paris Games.
Written by: Jania Sanders
This year’s Olympics is one people will never forget. From Noah Lyles becoming the fastest man in the world to Simone Biles becoming the most decorated gymnast in history, the Olympics has been nothing but thrilling and exciting. Each Olympian is incredibly inspirational and has a story to share. Let’s dive into the ten most inspiring Olympic stories from the 2024 Paris Games.
South Sudan’s “Bright Stars”
South Sudan’s “Bright Stars” are bright stars when it comes to the basketball court. The nation made its third appearance in this year’s Summer Olympics since its debut in 2016. With only their basketball federation coming into being in 2011, the South Sudanese team received their first Olympic victory with a score of 90-79 against Puerto Rico. Even though they suffered a loss to Serbia with a score of 96-85, the team made history. Luol Deng, South Sudan’s basketball federation president since 2019, states that “I’m proud of my guys. I’m proud of the federation. I’m proud of South Sudan. I’m proud of our fans. I’m proud of the continent”. He emphasizes that he and the team helped them along the way. The Bright Stars are pioneers and trailblazers that have inspired Africa and its countries.
Photo Credits: Getty Images
2. Yaylagul Ramazanova
34-year-old Azerbaijan archer, Yaylagul Ramazanova, began her sporting career as a shooter. At one point, she ranked 185th in the world. In the 1/32 elimination round, she humbled Chinese archer An Qixuan, who is ranked 28th in the world. Shockingly, Ramazanova competed in the Olympics while six months pregnant. She is the second archer from Azerbaijan to make the Olympic cut after the 2016 Rio Games. In the competition, both archers gave their all and tied each other 5-5. Then, Ramazanova shot a 10 to Qixuan’s 9, resulting in a historic victory for Azerbaijan, herself and her unborn child. While training for the Olympics, the Azerbaijan archer didn’t feel uncomfortable about her pregnancy. She felt like she was fighting with her baby. It’s no doubt that she inspired so many people all over the world who left comments on social media such as “You are a champion!” and “Women can do anything!”
Photo Credit: Getty Images
3. Sha’Carri Richardson
The stylish, reigning world champion and American track and field runner, Sha’Carri Richardson, makes her Olympic debut and epic comeback three years after her suspension from the 2021 Tokyo Games for testing positive for Marijuana. In the first round of the women’s 100-meter sprint, Richardson won at 10.94 seconds. She became the first American woman to win gold in the event during finals on the same day as Gail Devers in 1996. Sha’Carri won 2nd place and was beaten by St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred by .15 seconds in the 100-meter sprint. This was the biggest margin in the women’s Olympic 100 in 16 years.
4. Noah Lyles
Noah Lyles, now the fastest man in the world, made history after winning the Olympic 100 final. Lyles is no stranger to the crowd. He became an Olympic gold medalist for the first time. The American runner competed in the Tokyo Games in the 200m and earned a bronze medal. Lyles overcame several hurdles in his life—He recently dealt with the loss of his high school track coach, Rashawn Jackson. In a social media post on X (fka Twitter), Lyles states, ““ I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety and Depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you become. Why Not You!” In one of the most anticipated and exciting races, Lyles beat Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by .005 seconds with an official time of 9.784 seconds. The Olympic gold medalist has been open about his struggles with his mental health and has multiple therapists. With the support from his family and friends and millions of people all over the world, he is set to go to the semifinals and is scheduled for the men’s 200m final for Thursday August 9th.
5. Gabriel Medina
Surfer Gabriel Medina was captured in a breathtaking image by photographer Jerome Brouillet in Tahiti on July 29th, 2024. In the photo, he’s soaring into the air and appears like he’s standing on a Pacific Cloud while pointing to the sky. The surfboard mirrors his movements. Three-time world champion Gabriel Medina scored a perfect wave score of 10 but had to settle for 9.9 overall. Medina beat Kanoa Igarashi with a combined two-wave score of 17.40 out of 20, avenging his loss to the Japanese surfer in the 2021 Tokyo Games. Medina’s Olympic experience proves that, just like his Instagram caption and encouraging scripture states, ”I can do everything through Him who strengthens me”.
6. Arisa Trew
14-year-old Japanese-Australian skateboarder Arisa Trew became the nation’s youngest Olympic gold medalist. The teenager also became the first Australian woman to win an Olympic skateboarding gold medal. Trew started skating at the age of seven. In her final run, she began with a McTwist 540 followed by a body variable 540, earning a score of 93.18 and earning first place. Trew exclaims, “It’s super cool that I've won the gold medal- it’s been a dream, I’m so excited”. The legendary Tony Hawk congratulated the young star with a comment, “Glass ceilings are so 2023”. Her parents promised Trew a pet duck if she won. Arisa Trew told reporters, “Ducks are really cute and I really wanted a pet duck”.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
7. Artistic Swimming - China
In Artistic swimming, China won their first gold Olympic medal in the acrobatic team event with a very big lead over the United States. Their score was well ahead of the United States, who won a silver medal. China's acrobatics routine had the theme, “Light of Life”. In one part of the routine, the swimmers formed a shape that represented a mountain, which is symbolic of overcoming obstacles and pushing through difficulties and trials. The acrobatic athletes incorporated flips, tosses, and complex jumps. The team scored 9996.1389 points while the US scored 914.3421.
8. Simone Biles
By now, the world knows and loves Simone Biles. During the 2020 Tokyo Games, Biles pulled out of the competition after experiencing the twisties. With the love, help, and support of family and friends, Simone continues to perform gymnastics. She made her return to the Paris Games in 2024 and won several medals. Biles isn’t only the most decorated gymnast of all time, but she’s an inspiration and a good sport. Biles uses her platform to raise awareness about mental health issues and spread kindness. She is an inspiration to upcoming gymnasts and people all over the world.
9. Julien Alfred
There was no doubt that the women’s 100m race was going to be epic. In this race, Julien Alfred of St. Lucia and Sha’Carri Richardson of Team USA competed for gold and the title “fastest woman in the world”. Alfred finished the race in 10.72 seconds and beat Richardson by .15 seconds. Alfred goes on to bring the first-ever Olympic medal to St. Lucia. Due to the lack of resources and modest sports infrastructure in her home country, Alfred moved to Jamaica in hopes of training to become a great sprinter. In 2013, Alfred’s father passed, almost leading her to quit athletics. However, Alfred met her father figure, coach Edrick Floreal of University of Texas, who helped train her for major competitions. She cruised in the 200m run the morning after she won the Olympic 100 and won 1 gold medal and 1 silver medal. After crossing the finish line in the 100m, Alfred exclaims “this gold medal is a significant milestone for me and for my country. I hope it inspires investment in sports infrastructure at home. We need better facilities to support our athletes”. This is truly a story of overcoming.
10. Cindy Ngamba
Cindy Ngamba also made history in the 2024 Paris Olympics. On Sunday, August 4th, Ngamba became the first person to win an Olympic medal for the refugee Olympic Team. She achieved the feat in the women’s 75kg category after triumphing in her quarterfinal bout. She won a bronze medal and defeated Davina Michel of France with a score of 5-0. Ngamba states, “it means the world to me to be the first-ever refugee athlete to win a medal”. 25-year-old Ngamba fled her home country and arrived in the United Kingdom at the age of 11. Though she faced bullying and loneliness at school, she discovered her love of boxing by chance at her local youth club at Bolton. Cindy encourages other refugees to “...keep on working, keep on believing in yourself, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to”.
There's no doubt that the Olympics is a time where history is made and millions of people all over the world are inspired. Who knows? Maybe in the next Olympic games, more history will be made from returning Olympic champions and new voices as well.
Top Five TV Series You Need to Watch
Television this year has been more exciting than ever, with shows pushing boundaries in storytelling, character development, and visual spectacle. From the historical intrigues of feudal Japan to the dark, chilling mysteries of Alaska, viewers have a rich selection to choose from. Whether you're into the raw, unpolished world of espionage, complex diplomatic negotiations, or adventures that stretch the limits of science fiction, there’s something for everyone. Let's dive into the five standout series that have captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike, making them must-sees for any TV enthusiast.
Written by: Emily Vella
3-Body Problem
Television this year has been more exciting than ever, with shows pushing boundaries in storytelling, character development, and visual spectacle. From the historical intrigues of feudal Japan to the dark, chilling mysteries of Alaska, viewers have a rich selection to choose from. Whether you're into the raw, unpolished world of espionage, complex diplomatic negotiations, or adventures that stretch the limits of science fiction, there’s something for everyone. Let's dive into the five standout series that have captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike, making them must-sees for any TV enthusiast.
1. Shōgun
Shogun.
Shogun tops my list as the standout TV show of the past year, setting a new standard for world-building, character development, cinematography, and mise-en-scène within television. Every detail, from the breathtaking costumes to the meticulously crafted sets, showcases a remarkable dedication to authenticity. Against the backdrop of feudal Japan, the series charts the journey of English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) as he makes landfall on Portuguese-claimed territory. His arrival ignites tensions, with both Catholic Portuguese and Japanese forces viewing the Protestant Englishman as a threat. Amidst political upheaval, Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) forms an unlikely alliance with Blackthorne to evade death. Their fates intertwine with Mariko (Anna Sawai), an outcast from a notorious family tasked with translating for Blackthorne. The dynamic interplay among these characters, combined with the shocking twists at every turn, keeps viewers eagerly craving each new episode. Shogun is a true testament to the power of storytelling, offering a riveting and immersive experience that is not to be missed.
Photo Credit: IMDb
Streaming: Hulu & Disney+
Release Date: Feb 27th, 2024
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAN5uspO_hk
2. Slow Horses
SLow Horses.
Slow Horses offers a refreshing departure from the glamorous facade often associated with spy dramas. Season three, which premiered in November 2023, further solidifies its status as a must-watch series. To truly appreciate its depth, it's essential to start from the beginning and delve into seasons one (Apr 2022) and two (Dec 2022), where the groundwork for the characters and their tumultuous world is laid. What sets Slow Horses apart is its unflinching portrayal of the unseen underbelly of MI5—the rejects relegated to the dismal confines of Slough House. Each character inhabits this purgatory for a reason—they've messed up, big time. Gary Oldman's portrayal of Jackson Lamb, far from the suave James Bond archetype, is gritty and repulsive, a past-his-prime relic. Yet, it's precisely these flaws that make the characters so compelling; despite their mediocrity, you find yourself rooting for them. The series weaves a meticulously crafted plotline, peppered with laugh-out-loud moments and grounded in gritty realism. Unlike the glossy portrayal of action heroes in typical spy flicks, Slow Horses offers a raw and unfiltered look into the messy world of MI5, where moral ambiguity reigns supreme. It's not about the heroes we want, but perhaps the ones we deserve—imperfect, flawed, and undeniably human.
Photo Credit: IMDb
Steaming: Apple TV+
Release Date: S1: Apr 2022; S2: Dec 2022; S3: Nov 2023
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9ZJChzPn0U
3. The Diplomat
The Diplomat.
The Diplomat emerges as a captivating addition to the television landscape, offering a compelling glimpse into the intricacies of international diplomacy. Set against the backdrop of the US ambassadorship to the UK, the series kicks off with a riveting first episode that deftly establishes the myriad moving parts at play. As Kate (Kerri Russell) grapples with the demands of her new role, she finds herself navigating a delicate dance of balancing foreign relations, her marriage to Hal (Rufus Sewell), and the egos of heads of state. However, unbeknownst to her, the people around her are already positioning her for the vice presidency—a revelation that adds an intriguing layer of tension to an already complex narrative. The Diplomat distinguishes itself with its quick-witted dialogue and masterful storytelling, with some of its best episodes confined to a single location. This only serves to accentuate the dynamic interactions and evolving storylines, ensuring that viewers remain captivated from start to finish. With its sharp writing, stellar performances, and an unflinching exploration of power and ambition, The Diplomat proves to be a must-watch for fans of intelligent and thought-provoking television.
Photo Credit: IMDb
Streaming: Netflix
Release Date: April 2023
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV6sJlBbhPs
4. 3 Body Problem
3-Body Problem.
The "3-Body Problem" stands out as a beacon of originality and intrigue, captivating audiences with its seamless blend of genres and compelling storytelling. For those who love their sci-fi with a healthy dose of mind-bending concepts, high stakes, and a slow burn that explodes into pure sci-fi brilliance, this show is an absolute must-watch. Its narrative unfolds with a tantalizing mix of mystery and suspense, drawing viewers into a world where an enigmatic phenomenon confounds the world's leading physicists. Ambitious and towering, the "3-Body Problem" packs each episode with big ideas about intellectual curiosity, exploration, and humanity's place in the universe, all while managing to tell intimate stories about human relationships with depth and nuance. It channels the atmospheric tension of Kiyoshi Kurosawa's techno-horror film, "Pulse," the friendship dynamics of John Hughes' "The Breakfast Club," and elements of many alien invasion narratives. This genre-blending approach not only kept me on the edge of my seat but also offered a fresh and innovative take on familiar tropes, making the "3-Body Problem" a standout in the television landscape.
Photo Credit: IMDb
Streaming: Netflix
Release Date: March 21st, 2024
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mogSbMD6EcY
5. True Detective: Night Country
"True Detective: Night Country" beckons viewers into the chilling depths of mystery, unfolding amidst the desolate wilderness of Ennis, Alaska. The icy remoteness of Season 4's Alaskan locale during the polar night adds a palpable sense of unease, heightened by eerie visions and unexplained phenomena that plague the town. As Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Navarro (Kali Reis) confront their own personal demons, including shadowy family tragedies, the narrative unearths the festering dark side of Ennis. The investigation into the disappearance of a group of scientists from a local research lab brings to light an unsolved case: the murder of Annie Kowtok.
Despite garnering mixed reviews online, "True Detective: Night Country" deserves a fairer assessment. Amidst the pitch-black setting, the series offers a compelling exploration of complex female leads who defy traditional archetypes while respectfully representing indigenous culture in the modern world. The show subtly acknowledges current and pertinent issues affecting indigenous peoples: water contamination, mining waste, mental health crises, and more. It strives to balance the logic and reason aspect of police detective work while staying true to the spiritual and supernatural elements central to Iñupiat culture. Whether or not you believe it lives up to the previous seasons, "True Detective: Night Country" promises an immersive narrative teeming with spine-tingling revelations, inviting audiences to embark on a journey of justice and uncover the truth hidden within the ice.
Photo Credit: IMDb
Streaming: HBOmax
Release Date: Jan 14th, 2024
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkL7cpG2UhE
About The Author
Emily Vella, a New York City-based professional immersed in the film and media industry, brings expertise in Cinema Studies and Producing. In her downtime, she enjoys watching the latest films and TV shows.
9 Must-Watch Movies Featuring Total Eclipses
The total solar eclipse, a celestial event where the moon completely covers the sun, has been a source of wonder, inspiration, and even fear throughout human history. Its dramatic nature has made it a captivating backdrop for storytelling in films. Here are nine movies that beautifully incorporate total eclipses into their narratives, each offering a unique perspective on this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
The total solar eclipse, a celestial event where the moon completely covers the sun, has been a source of wonder, inspiration, and even fear throughout human history. Its dramatic nature has made it a captivating backdrop for storytelling in films. Here are nine movies that beautifully incorporate total eclipses into their narratives, each offering a unique perspective on this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
In this dark comedy musical, a total solar eclipse triggers the peculiar events that lead Seymour, a meek florist, to discover an unusual plant with a taste for human blood. The eclipse is the catalyst for the plant's arrival on Earth, setting off a series of comedic yet macabre incidents. The film uses the eclipse not just as a plot point but as a symbol of the unexpected and bizarre changes in Seymour's life.
Set in medieval Europe, "Ladyhawke" is a tale of love, curse, and redemption that revolves around a total eclipse as its pivotal plot device. The story follows a young thief who becomes involved with a former knight and his lover, who are cursed to be "always together, eternally apart," with one turning into a wolf by night and the other a hawk by day. The only time they can break the curse is during a total solar eclipse, making the event a moment of breathtaking anticipation and heart-stopping beauty.
Adapted from Stephen King's novel, "Dolores Claiborne" uses a solar eclipse as a powerful metaphor for the dark secrets hidden within a troubled family. The film cleverly intertwines past and present, with a crucial scene set during an eclipse that serves as a turning point in the story. The eclipse symbolizes the uncovering of truths and the characters' confrontation with their past, making it a central element in the unfolding drama.
Based on Mark Twain's novel, this film tells the story of a man who, after suffering a head injury, finds himself transported back in time to the days of King Arthur and Camelot. He uses his knowledge of a forthcoming total solar eclipse to pose as a powerful wizard, leveraging the event to save himself from execution. The eclipse here is a clever plot mechanism that showcases the clash between science and superstition.
Part of the popular "Twilight Saga," "Eclipse" explores themes of love, jealousy, and conflict as the protagonist, Bella, finds herself torn between her vampire lover and werewolf friend. The title itself signifies a total eclipse, symbolizing the characters' obscured judgments and the overshadowing of reason by emotion. The film doesn't use an actual eclipse as a plot device but rather as a metaphor for the tumultuous relationships and internal battles faced by its characters.
This epic film is based on the life of Barabbas, the man whom Pontius Pilate freed instead of Jesus Christ. It features a solar eclipse during the crucifixion of Jesus, which is historically debated but serves as a powerful cinematic moment symbolizing divine intervention or judgment. The eclipse here underscores the film's religious and moral themes.
Another adaptation of a Stephen King novella, "Apt Pupil" uses an eclipse as a metaphorical element rather than as a main plot device. The film explores the dark relationship between a high school student and a Nazi war criminal in hiding. The eclipse could be seen as representing the overshadowing of the boy's innocence by the darkness of evil he uncovers and becomes fascinated with.
In this reboot of the Mummy franchise, an eclipse plays a significant role in the backstory of the ancient Egyptian princess Ahmanet. Her power and her curse are linked to the shadows of an eclipse, using the event as a mythological element that curses her to become a powerful and malevolent force.
This Bollywood superhero film features a significant scene where a solar eclipse facilitates the hero's father's realization of his supernatural abilities. The eclipse serves as a turning point in the narrative, leading to the discovery of powers that were bestowed upon him and his son through an alien encounter. The celestial event is symbolic of revelation and transformation in the storyline.
Whether it's through the lens of fantasy, horror, comedy, or romance, the total eclipse continues to fascinate and inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.
Diarra from Detroit: A BET+ Series Blending Comedy, Drama, and Detroit's Essence
Last week, we had the privilege of previewing Diarra from Detroit, a captivating new series premiering on BET+ on March 21. The series is written, created, and stars Diarra Kilpatrick, one of our very own Bushwick Film Fest alumni and 2019 Rising Star Award winner. The show is the inaugural project of BET Studios, which launched in 2021 to support the growing demand for content by Black creators.
Written by Donaldo Prescod
WATCH DIARRA FROM THE DETROIT TRAILER
Last week, we had the privilege of previewing Diarra from Detroit, a captivating new series premiering on BET+ on March 21. The series is written, created, and stars Diarra Kilpatrick, one of our very own Bushwick Film Fest alumni and 2019 Rising Star Award winner. The show is the inaugural project of BET Studios, which launched in 2021 to support the growing demand for content by Black creators.
Conversation with Diarra Kilpatrick and Kela Walker hosted by BET and Paramount in NYC
After the screening, Diarra sat with the wonderful Kela Walker for a discussion. She fondly recalled childhood nights spent nestled under her grandma’s loving arms as they watched programs like Matlock, Magnum PI, or Murder, She Wrote — a time in television when a good murder mystery had tens of millions of viewers glued to the box every week. Being influenced by these classic television series, Diarra has made her own crime-solving, private eye series, her way — a way that is so stooped with the flavor, nuances, and essence of Detroit. She described her experience creating the show as “one of the biggest manifestations of her life” and she hopes it empowers other creators to believe that it’s possible for them too.
Diarra from Detroit is a comedy-drama that kicks off with our protagonist (Diarra), a schoolteacher going through a divorce. With Morris Chestnut (Swa) playing the husband, one could understand why she is taking the split so hard. What follows, in a Stella getting her groove back fashion, Diarra goes on a very successful Tinder date with Chris (Shannon Wallace) which abruptly ends when she is ghosted. But our protagonist wants answers and ventures to Chris’ house only to find out that there was, in fact, a very strange and peculiar reason why she was ghosted.
Heeding the Issa Rae warning of regrettably naming the lead after herself, so much of Diarra and Detroit is steeped in this show so the name stays. With risk-taking cinematic flare coupled with characters (including our protagonist) constantly making you laugh, wince, or hold your breath in anticipation; this new series undoubtedly keeps you on your toes from beginning to end. And this is the mark of good writing, and a good television show, one where even you, the audience, have no clue on what happens next.
DomiNque Perry, Bryan Terrell Clark, and icons like Phylicia Rashad round out the ensemble of this new series which Detroiters can proudly call their own with the motor city so beautifully being represented.
“I hope that people feel empowered. This is the biggest manifestation of my life. I had a dream and it came true. If anyone has a dream, I promise, it's possible.” - Diarra Kilpatrick
Donaldo Prescod is an award-winning filmmaker. As a writer, Donaldo has written numerous plays for the late-night episodic #serials@theflea as part of the award-winning Flea Theater in Tribeca including The 1’s and 2’s, now a full-length which had its NY premiere at The Tank, and 2014 semifinalist for the Eugene O’Neill center’s National Playwright Conference. His film Black People Are Dangerous won Best Narrative Short at the Urban Film Festival and the Honorable Mention Award at the 10th Annual Bushwick Film Festival.
As a filmmaker, Donaldo wrote and directed Black People Are Dangerous, and will soon release his documentary, “Last Night an Artist Saved My Life,” a story about Black female painters.
Happy 2024: Join BFF's Mission for New Film and Media Center!
Dear BFF Community
As we come to the end of an eventful 2023, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and excitement. Your support has been the driving force behind our progress, and I'm eager to lead the BFF into an even more dynamic 2024. Looking ahead, I'm most excited about our big mission to build a Film and Media Center in Bushwick as a permanent foundation for our festival. This new facility will not only house our offices but also include a screening room, a dedicated media center for classes, and production facilities for films, TV shows, and podcasts. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment that empowers emerging storytellers with the necessary resources to thrive in the film and media industry, while also enriching our community and expanding our reach.
We're currently fundraising and collaborating with architects and theater planners to make this vision a reality. However, I know the only way this project can be realized is through a community effort, so I ask for your support and participation. We’ve created a support page where you can donate, join our planning and action committee, or just stay up to date with the progress. At any point throughout this process, you are welcome to join the mission!
In addition to this big mission, below I’ve included some exciting updates and milestones. Thanks to your support, we've welcomed our 1,000th filmmaker this year, we're hiring a part-time sales and marketing manager to advance our vision, we've launched a Film Festival Strategy Class on Teachable and the BFF Podcast, and the 17th Annual Bushwick Film Festival will be accepting submissions in January.
As we step into 2024, I am grateful for your continued support and am excited to see what we can accomplish together. I hope this year has brought you transformative lessons and memorable experiences that will propel you into a prosperous and fulfilling new year! Thank you again for being a part of our story!
With love and gratitude,
Kweighbaye
Huge Milestone: 1000 Filmmakers!
This year, we reached a significant milestone by welcoming our 1,000th filmmaker. This achievement reflects not only our growth but also the diversity of stories we've brought to our audiences. To celebrate the creativity and spirit of our festival community, we're introducing a new tradition - the BFF Yearbook. Check out our first edition to connect with these talented filmmakers. We're also finalizing our film festival database, which will include all 1,068 filmmakers dating back to 2007. Stay tuned for more updates!
We're Growing: Now Hiring!
We're excited to announce that we're hiring a Part-Time Sales and Marketing Manager to help us drive our mission forward. If you're passionate about film, marketing, and sales, we'd love to have you join our team. Email info@bushwickfilmfestival.com for more information!
New Launch: Film Festival Strategy Class on Teachable
We're thrilled to unveil our new Film Festival Strategy Masterclass, now available on Teachable. This course, based on a successful masterclass taught in South America with Bolivia Lab, offers a step-by-step strategy to help filmmakers enhance their chances of success at film festivals. Whether you're a starting or an experienced filmmaker, this course is an essential asset for anyone who wants to have a successful festival run and advance in the industry. Check out our class on Teachable today!
New Launch: BFF Podcast!
We're also excited to launch the Bushwick Film Festival Podcast, a platform for in-depth discussions on film and TV's most pressing topics. Tune in to our first episode, where industry leaders explore the evolving role of AI in filmmaking. Our second episode delves into the economic impacts of recent strikes by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild–AFTRA. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes!
17th Annual Bushwick Film Festival: Submissions Open January!
Mark your calendars: the 17th Annual Bushwick Film Festival will begin accepting submissions on January 15! We'll feature around 100 films, over 30 screenings, and special events including the opening night pink carpet, movie conferences, awards ceremony, and the return of our popular filmmaker happy hour. Stay tuned for the announcement of our 2024 theme and help us spread the word - the submission window opens soon!
Rising Star Rachel Sennott Wins 2023 Stonestreet Studios Granite Award!
Emma Seligman, Rachel Sennott, Alyssa Rallo Bennett
Rachel Sennott
At the Bushwick Film Festival, we're all about celebrating the success of talented filmmakers, and Rachel Sennott is a perfect example of this. Her story is one that many aspiring artists dream of. We first noticed Rachel with her short film "Shiva Baby," which was originally set to be part of our festival in 2021. However, something amazing happened – the film got a deal to be turned into a feature and we were thrilled! This is exactly what we hope for our filmmakers: opportunities that launch their careers to new levels.
Since then, Rachel's journey in the film industry has been nothing short of inspiring. She's gone on to make waves with her roles in movies like "Bottoms," "The Idol," and "Bodies, Bodies, Bodies." Her ability to bring characters to life with both depth and humor is remarkable.
Rachel's talents were recently recognized with the prestigious . Stonestreet Studios, founded by the filmmaking duo of Alyssa Rallo Bennett and Gary O. Bennett, is the exclusive independent film studio partner of the NYU Tisch Drama program. Its Granite Award is bestowed upon actors and multi-hyphenates who have developed meaningful work, reflective of Stonestreet’s socially conscious and diverse films, including Rain Without Thunder, The Pack, ReRUN, and, soon to be released, The Arrival. Winning the Granite Award means Rachel is seen as someone who's making a real impact in the industry. She's now in the company of other incredible actors who have won this award before, like Rachel Brosnahan and Miles Teller.
Rachel's start at Stonestreet Studios, where she took part in the Screen Acting & Production Residency Program, laid the foundation for her success. This experience gave her the tools she needed to grow as an actress and prepare for the amazing opportunities that lay ahead.
Today, Rachel is represented by William Morris Endeavor Entertainment and Odenkirk Provissiero Entertainment. Her performance in "Bottoms," which premiered at SXSW, got a lot of attention and praise. It's clear that Rachel is on an upward path in her career. As we celebrate Rachel's achievements, especially her Granite Award, we're excited to see what she does next. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with audiences are truly special. We're proud to have been able to witness her journey and can't wait to see her continue to shine in the film industry.
Rachel's story is a great example of what can happen when talent, hard work, and a supportive community come together. She's an inspiration to all the aspiring filmmakers and actors out there, showing that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible in the industry!
Zac Branciforte, Michael Kirshner, Mike Munari, Monique Ford, Emma Seligman, Rachel Sennott, Alyssa Rallo Bennett, Elizabeth Bunnell, Lauren Montes, Toon de Melker, Clara Spannaus, Brayden Wlech, Luis Amaducci Quero, Amelia Annen, Kirby Ann Seely (Stonestreet staff and faculty)
A snapshot of the 16th Annual Bushwick Film Festival
We are thrilled to share the highlights of our 16th edition, which brought together film enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. From October 25th to October 29th, we had the privilege of showcasing over 125 films, celebrating both local talents and global perspectives. Our movie screenings at Williamsburg Cinemas gave everyone an amazing cinematic experience that they truly enjoyed.
Our festivities commenced with the Opening Night Red Carpet Reception at Brooklyn Borough Hall on October 25th presented by Spectrum. We were honored to have Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky as our sponsor for the third consecutive year, treating our guests to delightful specialty cocktails. During the Opening Night Ceremony, Ovation TV made a meaningful contribution by presenting a $10,000 check to the Bushwick Film Festival through the Stand For The Arts Awards—a wonderful partnership with Spectrum. This initiative is all about recognizing and supporting local arts, culture, and education.
The Movie Industry Conference, held at Be Electric Studios, featured thought-provoking panel discussions, while the Sweet 16 Party at Lot 45 added a vibrant touch of celebration to the mix.
The grand finale was our award ceremony on October 29th, where we honored over 10 exceptional films and filmmakers. These remarkable works wove powerful narratives, celebrated artistic independence, and introduced us to unforgettable characters navigating the seas of change, self-discovery, and new beginnings. Here's a glimpse of our award-winning films:
FEATURE NARRATIVE CATEGORY
Best Feature Narrative: "Darla in Space," directed by Susie Moon and Eric Laplante.
Special Jury Prize: "Bittersweet," directed by Haroldo Borges.
Honorable Mention: "Playing Sam," directed by Ramon Felipe Pesante.
SHORT NARRATIVE CATEGORY
Best Short Narrative: "The Old Young Crow," directed by Liam LoPinto.
Special Jury Prize: "The Vacation," directed by Jarreau Carrillo.
Honorable Mention: "Bodies Will Tumble and Roll," directed by Eli Vazquez.
FEATURE DOCUMENTARY CATEGORY
Best Feature Doc: "Storming Caesar's Palace," directed by Hazel Gurland-Pooler.
Special Jury Prize: "Estamos Unidos," directed by Alvaro Manuel Morales.
Honorable Mention: "Esu and The Universe," directed by Thiago Zanato.
SHORT SERIES CATEGORY
Best Series: "Story of Godia," directed by Mouayed Zabtia.
Special Jury Prize: "Awesome," directed by Paul Munger.
Honorable Mention: "Monologue," directed by Nick Clifford and Stef Smith.
Our esteemed panel of jurors included prominent figures from the film industry, including Theo Rigby, Danelle Eliav, Melody C Roscher, Petra Ahmann, Amenya Makuku, Courtney Andrialis-Vincent, Niki Williams, and our very own Kweighbaye Kotee, the founder of BFF.
The Bushwick Film Festival 2023 was a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the profound impact of storytelling through independent cinema. As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain dedicated to supporting emerging voices in the film industry and contributing to Brooklyn's vibrant cultural scene.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to our sponsors, partners, grant benefactors, and patrons, including Spectrum, Johnnie Walker, Ovation TV, Brooklyn Borough Hall, Pushing Forward Realty, Circa Brewing Co., Broadway Stages, Williamsburg Cinemas, Lot 45, World Owned, Be Electric Studios, Master Card, NAACP, Self-Portrait Project, Hello Alice, and IfundWomen donors.
3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WGA STRIKE
Good Read For Emerging Writers and Entertainment Enthusiasts
The Writer’s Guild of America - which represents approximately 11,500 people who write the Hollywood shows and movies you love - is on strike! As the clock struck midnight on May 1st, the WGA's 3-year contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) expired. In the six weeks leading up to the deadline, the WGA has been fighting for a new contract that gives writers their fair share for their creative work. The guild's demands include higher minimum pay across all media, improved residuals, fair compensation for TV series writers throughout the entire production process, and increased contributions to pension and health plans. They're also pushing for stronger professional standards and overall protection for writers, and more. The WGA's proposals aim to bring in $429 million more per year for writers, while the AMPTP's counter-offer is just an $86 million bump. You can check out the WGA proposal chart here
There's a lot to unpack about the WGA strike, so we've distilled the info into a quick 5-minute read. Whether you're an indie writer hoping to join the union ranks or just someone fascinated by the inner workings of the film and TV industry, we've got you covered. Here's a summary of three essential things you need to know about the strike.
Bushwick Film Festival Alumni Tess Harrison (left) (2018 BFF short Take Me Out with the Stars) on the picket line during the 2023 WGA Writer’s strike.
1. THE ORGANIZATIONS AT THE TABLE
Who is the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)Sitting on one side of the table is The Writers Guild of America (WGA), the labor union representing professional writers in film, television, radio, and new media across the United States. Split into two branches, the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) is based in New York City, while the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) calls Los Angeles home.
The WGA is all about safeguarding its members' rights by hammering out contracts, setting industry standards for minimum compensation, regulating working conditions, and ensuring fair distribution of residuals and royalties. The guild also champions writers' creative rights, such as proper attribution and protection against unauthorized changes to their work.
On the other side of the negotiating table sits the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), a California-based trade association representing over 350 American film and TV production companies. This powerhouse negotiates with entertainment industry unions like SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE, IBEW, Laborers Local 724, Teamsters Local #399, and WGA, fostering collaboration and promoting cooperation.
The AMPTP's member roster reads like a who's who of the entertainment world, including major motion picture studios (Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros.), principal broadcast TV networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC), streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Amazon, select cable TV networks, and other independent film and TV production companies.
2. THE BEEF
What are WGA and AMPTP fighting about?
There are a few pressing issues that need to be addressed in the upcoming 3-year contracts negotiated by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) with the AMPTP that are crucial to the fair compensation of writers. Here are three important ones: the impact of streaming services, the creation of the mini room, and the regulation of AI.
Let’s start with streaming services. Shorter seasons and longer gaps between seasons on streaming platforms contribute to a significant decline in writer’s earnings. Streaming showrunners receive a median salary of just 46% of the broadcast median due to contractual differences, despite working similar hours. Thus, writers face challenges in job security and fair compensation. In addition, residual issues have arisen in streaming, with the calculation method not yet on par with broadcast TV. Residuals on streaming platforms are generally lower, even for shows created exclusively for streaming. The WGA argues that writers should share in profits generated by successful streaming shows, a demand previously refused by the AMPTP in negotiations. For example, if a show is successful on Netflix (who like most streamers don’t reveal their numbers) the writer gets very little residuals as income as opposed to if the show was on TV.
The mini-room model is a hot topic for writers, as it treats them like they're disposable and leaves them unpaid during production. This trend, which started a decade ago, has taken off with the rise of streaming shows. Mini rooms hire fewer writers to work on episodes before a show gets the green light, unlike traditional writers' rooms and writers often earn less. This model also splits writing and production, which used to be a combined process. The guild highlights that this separation causes problems, as writers typically advance from entry-level roles to higher-paying, experienced positions through mentorship during production. The ultimate goal for many writers is to become a showrunner, a role that requires experience.
Lastly, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the film industry is an emerging challenge for writers, as it threatens to disrupt traditional creative processes and compensation models. The possibility of AI tools being able to generate plots or even entire scripts raises concerns about job security and fair pay for writers. While current AI tools may not yet produce the best quality scripts, the technology is rapidly advancing and could lead to writers being replaced with machines that simply adapt existing ideas rather than creating original content. Moreover, AI-generated content raises questions about credit, residuals, and potential copyright issues. As the industry adapts to new technologies, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) ultimately wants to protect the interests of writers by asking Film and TV studios to regulate the use of AI.
3. STRIKE RULES
What are the strike rules?
All WGA members everywhere are required to follow the following WGA strike rules and non-members who undermine these rules will also have consequences.
Immediately stop writing for all struck companies.
Do not deliver or submit any literary material to a struck company. Do not sign or deliver documents related to writing assignments or the sale or option of literary material to a struck company.
Do not negotiate with struck companies for writing services, and notify your representatives to cease negotiations on your behalf until the strike concludes.
Notify struck companies to return or delete writer-owned “spec” literary material or sample scripts.
Do not discuss future writing assignments or the sale or option of literary material with a struck company.
Do not negotiate with a struck company for the development, financing, or production of a project.
Honor all Guild picket lines and do not enter the premises of any struck company.
Preserve a digital date-stamped copy of all unproduced literary material written for a struck company.
You must inform the Guild of the name of any writer you have reason to believe is engaged in scab writing or other strikebreaking activity.
You must picket and/or perform other strike support duties and cooperate with Guild committees charged with enforcement of the Strike Rules and each Guild’s Constitution.
Do not attempt to negotiate a settlement of the strike with any struck company.
Hyphenates (i.e. members employed in dual capacities such as writer-director, writer-producer, writer-performer, etc.) are prohibited from performing any writing services for a struck company.
Rules pertaining to non-members: The Guild does not have the authority to discipline non-members for strikebreaking or scab writing. However, the Guild can and will bar that writer from future Guild membership. Guild members are asked to report the name of any non-member whom they believe has performed writing services for a struck company.
These rules may sound strict to some, but the purpose of the rules is to win the best possible contract and future for writers. Hopefully, both sides can come to an agreement soon because there is a lot at stake. We hope this helps you wrap your mind around the strike and if you want to dig in a little deeper, below are some articles you can explore.
Must Read Articles About the Writer’s Strike
https://deadline.com/feature/hollywood-writers-strike-wga-explained-1235341146/
https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/writers-strike-2023-wga-pay-negotiations-rcna82236
https://www.wgacontract2023.org/strike/strike-rules
https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/wga-strike-rules-1235594857/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/writers-guild-streaming-report-members-falling-behind-1235352341/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/writers-guilds-negotiations-team-interview-strike-mini-rooms-1235352708/
https://www.vox.com/culture/23696617/writers-strike-wga-2023-explained-residuals-streaming-ai
Everything Everywhere All at Once: A tale of the Simplest and Queerest of Loves
The movie, led by the fabulous Michelle Yeoh, under the creative supervision of the directorial duo of Daniels, and divided into three parts named in the title of the film itself- ‘Everything,’ ‘Everywhere’, and ‘All at Once,’ presents its viewers with a simple concept told through the hula hoops of the modern sci-fi tropes.
Review Written by Harhi Batt
Written by Harshit Bhatt
Every once in a while, a piece of work comes along, something that truly brings to the light the existence of the cosmos to the forefront for its spectators, something that breaks you, exhausts you, and yet in the end, you find yourself simply content and grateful that you got to look at something of this grandeur. Everything Everywhere and All at Once is all of this and then some more.
The movie, led by the fabulous Michelle Yeoh, under the creative supervision of the directorial duo of Daniels, and divided into three parts named in the title of the film itself- ‘Everything,’ ‘Everywhere’, and ‘All at Once,’ presents its viewers with a simple concept told through the hula hoops of the modern sci-fi tropes. The premise is set in a very conventional immigrant setting: a Chinese mother and father operating a small business, taking care of an elderly father, all the while fussing over their daughter’s lesbian identity. Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh) and her husband Waymond Wang (Ke Huy Quan) find their biggest problem to be the Income Tax audit they have coming up, only to realize that it is the gateway to get sucked into a mind-bending whirlwind of cosmic chaos.
Though the summarization of the movie is almost impossible, this author, therefore, will try her best to give you her analysis. The first part, also being the longest part, titled ‘Everything,’ sets the notion of the abstract idea of the ‘road not taken’ very straightforwardly to its audience. The concept of the multiverse, though usually seen in the Marvel and DC comics, puts forth the possibilities of having different versions of the same person in all the different universes, who may have started from the same point in their lives but made different choices.
There is a version of Evelyn that was prolifically trained in martial arts and went on to become a cinematic legend, and then there is a version of her character that became a chef. There is also a version who had hot dogs for fingers and lives with the same IRS bureaucrat (Jamie Lee Curtis) who audited her laundromat. The main drama, however, comes back to the familial domain of a mother-daughter equation and how the daughter’s Queerness causes this utter annihilation of her mother’s universe.
Joy, Evelyn’s daughter, played by the show-stealing Stephanie Hsu, is an openly gay woman living the current twenty-first-century ideals of life. Her life, outside of her conventional Chinese immigrant parents’ house is probably brimming with colors of Pride and gender fluidity, yet unlike her glee-inducing name, it is the family house that her story is set and explored. One must also pay close attention to the idea of Joy’s alter ego, Jobu Tupaki’s depiction as the main villain or the great evil that must be eradicated is completely twisted and leaves the climax of the movie at a peak when during the early revelation of Jobu Tupaki leads Evelyn to shout in horror, “You’re why Joy thinks she’s gay.”
Tupaki’s response to that accusation is just as hilarious in her bedazzled Elvis Jumpsuit, but I shall leave that for you to explore on your own. The movie’s eventual resolution comes to the mundane realization in both the mother and daughter, that one must simply choose the choices they are making, especially when concerning a loved one, from a place of love and affection in their heart, not from a place of age-old prejudice and shame. The movie also includes a lot of Asian symbols, one being the googly eyes that Waymond plays with childishly, becoming almost like a third eye that helps Evelyn see her surroundings from a different perspective.
This movie has almost everything for everyone. Lauded by a worldwide audience, winning Yeoh her first Golden Globe and making her the first Asian woman to be nominated in the best actress category at the 2023 Oscars, Everything Everywhere All at Once gives you just right balanced taste of convention and rebellion with a kick of genre-bending chaotic queerness. Stephanie Hsu also has been nominated in the Best supporting actress category at the Oscars, bringing the total to a whopping 11 nominations in almost all the major categories. Though they just might be numbers to some of us, it really does bring to mind how different these award categories look than they did just a decade or two back. The film holds a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes if you still need some convincing.
About The Author
Coming of Age: An On-Screen Guide to Growing Up
Written by Katerina Plescia
(From left) Tracy Letts, Saoirse Ronan, and Laurie Metcalf in Ladybird (2017) Photo Credit: IAC Films and Scott Rudin Productions
The mere thought of aging has the ability to send any individual into a downward spiral of overthinking and anxiety. As the years tick by, a person’s experiences will morph and shape their personality and their viewpoint on the surrounding world. Young adolescents and teens seek comfort in the early years of becoming an adult, figuring out where they may fit into society and how society may take to them. The classic coming of age film has provided a security blanket to a handful of generations, allowing impressionable viewers to connect with the fictional characters and lose themselves in a story paralleling aspects of their own life.
When I was in middle school, the majority of my Friday nights were spent at home sitting in the living room with my dad and our two dogs. At the end of every grueling school week, I had Friday nights to look forward to, a living room picnic dinner and a “new” 80’s movie. My dad, being a film enthusiast, introduced me to the paradigmatic films of the decade, from Footloose, Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, to Back to the Future, Weird Science, and The Breakfast Club. Being on the cusp of teenhood, I soaked up every ounce of these films, setting my expectations for aging around a life written by John Hughes.
Now let’s take a time jump into a new decade, one engulfed in fast-paced technology, national terrorism, and a global pandemic. As the world that teens live in is vastly changed from that of their parents, their experiences in it differ wildly as well. Rather than shy away from these modern situations, coming of age films continue to evolve and provide comfort to a new generation.
This cinematic shift began to take place towards the late 2010’s, with the release of multiple indie films. The most popular, Greta Gerwig’s honest portrayal of a young girl’s trials and tribulations of becoming her own person, was Ladybird (2017). Saoirse Ronan delivers an authentic performance as Christine “Ladybird” MacPherson, concentrating on the hardships teens experience in their senior year of high school. While Ladybird falls in love a few times, Gerwig chooses to focus on the young woman’s heartache, high expectations for life, and tense relationship with her parents.
Streaming services quickly jumped on the coming of age bandwagon, producing countless teen rom-coms, dramas, and comedies, all attempting to strike a chord the way Gerwig had done. In the midst of endless titles, a small handful proved to resonate with their adolescent viewers. The most popular films determined that audiences preferred candid coming of age stories, seamlessly disregarding those with the overused plot line of boy meets girl.
Jenna Ortega (left) and Maddie Ziegler (right) in The Fallout (2021) Photo Credit: New Line Cinema
Following its premiere at South by Southwest and early 2022 release date on HBO Max, The Fallout (2021) sent chills up the audience’s spine and took critics’ breath away. Writer and director, Megan Park, sought out a similar outcome as Gerwig, by relaying a truthful narrative that today’s generation can relate to. Park introduces viewers to Vada (Jenna Ortega), a high schooler swimming in a sea littered with cliques, popularity, and social media. Vada’s world crashes around her as she finds herself huddled in a bathroom stall with popular girl, Mia (Maddie Ziegler), during a school shooting. In the year of the film’s release, there were 34 school shootings across the United States as tracked by Education Week. Ortega delivers an outstanding and genuine portrayal of post-traumatic stress while continuing to deal with the struggles of teenhood in the 21st century. National terrorism and school shootings have plagued the country heavily for the past decade, Parker’s film discloses students’ raw reactions and coping mechanisms in these brutal times.
(From left) Teala Dunn, Rowan Blanchard, and Tyler Alvarez in Crush (2022) Photo Credit: Animal Pictures
The Hulu original, Crush (2022), made its way onto the streaming service in late April of 2022. In her directorial debut, Sammi Cohen, alongside writers Kirsten King and Casey Rackham, put a twist on the classic coming-of-age film. Odd-ball artist, Paige Evans (Rowan Blanchard), composes a master plan to clear her name as the anonymous school graffiti artist and get her crush, Gabriela Campos (Isabella Ferreira), to notice her by joining the varsity track team. Cohen’s story demonstrates how life never follows a single path, especially as a teenager. Paige battles with her own self-image as an artist while realizing she may be falling for Gabriela’s sister, AJ (Auli’i Cravalho). Crush’s vibrant color scheme and witty writing grasps the attention of young audiences and broadens the genre of teenage love stories amongst the LGBTQ+ community.
Although the classic coming of age films will always hold a special place in my heart, I believe that writers and directors should continue to blend their stories into the times. While films offer an escape from reality, impressionable viewers seek comfort from their favorite pictures, hoping that maybe it means they are a little less alone in this unpredictable world. As teens continue to subconsciously utilize these films as a template to outline their unforeseeable future, the human desire to belong will fuel coming of age narratives for generations to come.
Katerina is a senior at Pace University in Pleasantville, NY. After graduation, she aspires to work as an entertainment journalist, centering her writing around music, film, and the arts. She grew up in Bethel, NY, and is a dog mom to a Pitbull rescue, Maddie. Find more of her work on her website or Instagram.
Mimi Cave Gives Audiences a Fresh Look into Modern Dating
Written by Katerina Plescia
Sebastian Stan as Steve (left) and Daisy Edger-Jones as Noa (right) in Fresh Photo Credit: Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
Online dating has catapulted the millennial and Gen Z cohort from avoiding the awkward and often cringe-worthy “meet-cutes” that were made popular by Meg Ryan and Amanda Bynes, to safely taking refuge behind a screen and getting to know a partner through instant messaging and photographs found after hours of Instagram searching. The majority of users are well aware of the risks when signing their souls away to the cult of online dating apps. These include, but are not limited to: catfishing, stalking, scammers, cheating partners, weirdos, and much more. Struggling to find honesty and adoration, all online daters strive for the romance they’ve seen on the silver screen.
Mimi Cave’s directorial debut reveals an unusual and chilling approach to the unpredictable world of modern dating. As a consequence of living in a society where dating happens through emojis and Snapchats, prospective singles have lowered their standards when faced with dating in the real world. Cave explores the issue of lowering what one expects from a suitor’s pursuits and dives headfirst into a mysterious relationship in her thrilling film, Fresh. Beneath the horror atmosphere and shocking plot twists, Cave divulges how fast individuals are willing to trust when cinematic love is on the line.
Cave’s haunting narrative follows a young woman, Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who has experienced her fair share of failure in the online dating community. In the first act, Noa exhibits an inability to connect with partners due to her negative outlook on the uncertainty of long-term commitment and men’s general dating etiquette. Upon meeting an attractive stranger at the supermarket, Noa and the man, Steve (Sebastian Stan), have a flirtatious exchange and go their separate ways after trading phone numbers.
Following a handful of successful dates, Noa’s prior pessimistic views are diminished due to Steve’s chivalrous and charming nature. Though the couple hasn’t been dating each other for long, Noa accepts Steve’s invitation to spend a weekend away in a remote “surprise” location. Abandoning the safety of the city and cell phone service, Noa’s whereabouts remain a mystery until her best friend, Mollie (Jonica T. Gibbs), senses something may be wrong. The second act of Cave’s masterpiece drastically changes the film’s genre from romantic comedy to a horrifying thriller.
Daisy Edgar-Jones as Noa (left) and Jonica T. Gibbs as Mollie (right) Photo Credit: Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
While the genre shift in the midst of the film occurs and makes viewers anxious to watch Steve’s carnivorous habits, Cave utilized this tone change to her advantage in the narrative. As opposed to beginning the film with an ominous atmosphere, a familiar feeling for horror fans as audiences look onto an innocent family walking into a house of death, Cave chooses a unique route. Starting Fresh off as a romantic comedy, a young woman searching for love in a materialistic and online world, draws viewers into a story they can connect with. When discovering the truth about Steve, this discovery emulates how all victims feel when swindled by a catfish or liar. The shocking turn of events from romance to horror reveals the harsh nature of the modern world of dating.
Aside from the jaw-dropping plot and horrifying turn in events, Cave incorporated a subtle motif of feminism and the strength of platonic love throughout Fresh. From the first scene, Mollie openly speaks her mind and vocalizes her care for Noa’s well-being and happiness. As Steve swindells Noa and whisks her away to their “surprise” getaway, Mollie’s persistence and passion for Noa completely derails his plans. Cave breaks away from the traditional rom-com, where the girl and guy live happily ever after, and instead pits girl against guy with her ride or die. This theme proves to female audiences that not every partner will be the one and you will make regrettable mistakes, however, happiness and fulfillment come in a variety of forms. The love that Mollie and Noa have for each other, and their strength as young women, drives them to fight for their independence and survival.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in late January of 2022 before being released on the streaming platform, Hulu, on March 4th. The overall consensus surrounding the picture was positive, receiving 81% Rotten Tomatoes.
Director: Mimi Cave
Running Time: 1 hour 57 minutes
Trailer Link for Fresh
Katerina is a senior at Pace University in Pleasantville, NY. After graduation, she aspires to work as an entertainment journalist, centering her writing around music, film, and the arts. She grew up in Bethel, NY and is a dog mom to a Pitbull rescue, Maddie. Find more of her work on her website or Instagram.
Lovely or Harrowing? - A Review of Ashim Ahluwalia’s Miss Lovely
Written by Mirika Rayaprolu
Photo credit: Easel Films/Eagle Movies
Any average Indian’s Instagram feed is always filled with a hard 20% of engineering memes, a solid 80% of paparazzi shots of a ragged Ranbir Kapoor, and a pajama-clad Alia Bhatt grabbing an expensive cup of coffee in an expensive neighborhood like Juhu in Mumbai. Bollywood has always been the epitome of the glitz and glamor that artists strive to be a part of, thus laying a sacrificial amount of cards on the table. The amount of ‘give-up-everything’ has always baffled the Indian audience through Ted Talks and Zoom interviews. Basically, there is always a pedestal, an award, a badge of honor for the most suffered actor. However, the audience does a fabulous job at filtering the darkness out of Bollywood in spite of having considerable knowledge of what goes down in the basement of Bollywood.
Ashim Ahluwalia’s first feature narrative, Miss Lovely, portrays a brutal Bombay in the late 80’s and its interaction with a growing ‘C’ grade industry. The city of dreams saw a major influx of young women from all around the country, looking for jobs as actresses and models. The competition, corruption and lust-thirsty producers led to a huge number of these women entering the world of pornography, gangs and covert funding. Miss Lovely follows the story of one such adult film production house and its tango with the underworld grindhouse industry.
Two brothers, Vicky Duggal (Anil George) and Sonu (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) have been in the industry for years with their production house. The unchaste Vicky seems to have dabbled with big gang bosses for years, in an effort to continue funding the sex film studio. Sonu, with a relatively large conscience, gets sucked into the world of sex. But lo and behold! The man falls in love with a pale, white, long black-haired Pinky, and promises to cast her in a romantic film called ‘Miss Lovely’. He enjoys this feeling of being in love with Pinky until he starts to uncover a history that drives him into a frenzy. Ugh. Love.
The very easily sellable concept of success in the film industry in Bombay is somewhat of a quicksand patch. The more you step into it the worse, for the simple reason that the persistence of the mind to reach new heights of testing yourself never lapses. It behaves like a drug that makes you push yourself till the edge. Almost like a game of Jenga that grows increasingly perilous with each block you place on top, testing the extent of how tall your building can grow. My dearest, dearest Sonu and Pinky. I grew uneasy in my seat at the sight of a helpless Sonu and Pinky stumbling around like gasping fish in a shallow pond. The grains on the 16mm made me feel a chill of sadness as these women grew closer and closer to gold rings and expensive cigars. The sex parties that ruled the underground seemed wicked and yet opulent in its own regard making every wakeful audience aware of their own voyeurism. The direction was a Garden of Eden that had a golden space in the film’s flow.
Photo Credit: Easel Films/Eagle Movies
Love, lust, gangs, money, the polluted Bombay air and the very notion of scuttling around to make you love work, Ahluwalia’s gives you all of it. The uncanny location portrayal of what the city looked like in the 80’s was an all-immersive experience that acted on entertainment and the pique that the average viewer would feel about unregulated pornography. Ahluwalia’s documentary-style filmmaking takes us to an 80’s Bombay, right from the title cards to the credits. His way of conducting a shoot is very non-fiction-like and remains to be a visual-treat for all those who encounter his work, much like the great Mira Nair’s work that continues to be a module to be taught in every Indian film school, ‘Salaam Bombay’ being a personal favorite.
Was Miss Lovely harrowing or lovely? A peculiar concoction of both? Some things are better left unsaid. I’ll never know.
Director: Ashim Ahluwalia
Running Time: 110 minutes
Link to the Trailer- Miss Lovely | Trailer
Mirika is a current film student from Mumbai, India. She just moved to America and works as a freelance videographer and editor. Her interests lie in documentary and experimental filmmaking, and is keen on using film as a tool for advocacy. Find her on Instagram
What We Loved About Sundance
Written by Katerina Plescia
Still from The Janes courtesy of Sundance Institute
After their first virtual viewing experience, the 45th annual Sundance Film Festival commenced on January 20, 2022, in a hybrid form. Over the eleven-day celebration, artists presented their films through various online programs.
With the looming pressures of the Omicron variant and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Sundance artists persevered to uphold the importance of gathering as a community. Regardless of the circumstances, the Sundance Film Festival reminded audiences that in these tough times, viewers should continue to come together and celebrate what the artists have to offer.
The Festival brought out a conglomeration of fantastic and culturally significant films. Each submission offered a glance into a variety of social and cultural lifestyles.
Filmmakers Tia Lessen and Emma Pildes premiered their documentary, The Janes, at the festival, enthralling audiences with a story of women who organized nearly 11,000 affordable illegal abortions in Chicago, IL prior to the passage of Roe v. Wade. While the documentary was impressive and educational for those unfamiliar with the situation, the film did not add anything new to the conversation. The revolution was primarily set in the late 1960s, however, bringing the story into the modern era would have granted it the potential missing element.
The film Midwives centered around the relationship between Muslims and Buddhists in Myanmar. Setting aside military differences, a Buddhist woman, Hla, and Nyo Nyo, a Muslim woman, worked together to treat Muslim patients. Sundance newcomer Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing’s feature debut was incredibly insightful, providing audiences with a close-up glance into the relations between Muslim Rohingya of Myanmar and Buddhists of Myanmar.
Still from Midwives courtesy of Sundance Institute
Reid Davenport’s experimental documentary, I Didn’t See You There, approached the viewpoint of a wheelchair user from a new perspective. Although Davenport is never seen on the big screen, the film consists of hand-held point-of-view shots, placing audience members in the shoes of a wheelchair user in America.
The 2022 celebration of the Sundance Film Festival lifted the spirits of community members and continued to spread their message of support to independent artists. The festival was packed with a total of 85 features, 59 short films, and much more. Filled with enlightening interviews, thoughtful conversations, and groundbreaking films, the Sundance Film Festival of 2022 has us on the edge of our seats waiting for next year.
Katerina is a junior at Pace University in Pleasantville, NY. After graduation, she aspires to work as an entertainment journalist, centering her writing around music, film, and the arts. She grew up in Bethel, NY and is a dog mom to a Pitbull rescue, Maddie. Find more of her work on her website or Instagram.
The Last Out: Q&A with Directors Sami Khan and Michael Gassert
Written by Aubrey Benmark
Carlos González in The Last Out Photo Credit: Sami Khan and Michael Gassert
October means one thing to die-hard baseball fans— Major League Baseball playoff season. Millions across the nation collectively hold their breath at every pitch as the best teams battle their way towards the World Series, but for Cuban athletes it takes significantly more than talent and training to bring them to the pinnacle of their profession. Due to a decades long trade embargo between the U.S. and Cuba, most Cuban ballplayers must face perilous travel conditions via human smugglers as they defect from their country knowing they might never see their families again, risking exile if they succeed, and all before they reach a foreign training camp where they are required to obtain residency, or no MLB club can even consider them.
The Last Out, a feature-length documentary directed by Oscar nominated Sami Khan and Michael Gassert, details the journey of three players, Happy Oliveros, Carlos González, and Victor Baró, as they struggle to make their greatest dreams a reality. Filmed over a four-year time span, Khan and Gassert dedicated themselves to an honest and emotional depiction of the nefarious Cuban pro baseball pipeline. At times the story is heavyhearted, the disappointment and homesickness from Oliveros, González, and Baró is palpable, but the camaraderie and love they offer each other uplifts the soul. Despite devastating setbacks, the men forge ahead to build better lives for themselves and their families. I’m fortunate to ask the directors of The Last Out, Sami Khan and Michael Gassert, a few questions about the inspiration behind this story and the process of making it.
As baseball fans yourselves, why was it important to you to capture this particular story, and did you know it would resonate with a much wider audience?
Sami Khan: Early on in the pandemic, there was nearly a collective “eureka!” moment for Western civilization. We briefly got a window into all the invisible people our fragile economy depends upon. Not just the nurses and doctors but the janitors, the truck drivers, the grocery store employees, the farm workers, and factory workers - they’re all threaded together in this delicate tapestry that modern life depends upon. In March 2020 when things screeched to a halt, we got a glimpse at that tapestry. Sadly, that moment has since been lost and we’ve moved on with our absurd existence of abundance and convenience. But, for us, about seven years ago, we started to think about that secret tapestry in baseball, specifically around the wave of dangerous defections from Cuba and the hidden cost, financially and morally, of the national pastime.
Michael Gassert: When Sami first pitched me this idea I immediately felt that dream you have as a little kid to reach the major leagues and come through for your team in the biggest moments. Any kid who’s thrown or hit a ball has also chanted; bottom of the 9th, two outs, bases loaded… But more than just chasing a dream with prospects in real time, I knew that Sami had keyed into something much bigger. That the inequities created by the US trade embargo on Cuba could lead us to some dark places as the demand for Cuban ballplayers was at an all time high. We soon discovered that by telling that story in a very intimate, personal way, we can open a portal to some bigger questions about immigration, the commodification of athletes of color, and the cost of the American Dream.
The migrant trail into the U.S. is often associated with manual laborers, not professional athletes, and yet the audience is afforded an up-close view of Happy Oliveros’s passage after he is surreptitiously cut from the training camp in Costa Rica. Was there a point in the journey when you feared that Oliveros wouldn’t make it into the United States?
MG: Happy’s journey and the process of making this documentary overlap in many areas but perhaps most comprehensively in their inherent uncertainty. There have been many twists and turns along the way, some foreseeable and others not. But like Happy, I think we always just tried to put ourselves in position to be successful and never give up. Palante siempre, candela!
There were certain moments along the way where Happy’s original plan didn't pan out and the odds were against him, but he found a way. For example, in a moment that you don't see in the film at the first border crossing into Nicaragua, Chele and I saw Happy being escorted by a border agent back into Nicaragua after we originally split off. I thought we might not reunite for a long while. But Happy met us on the other side with a 30 day visa no less.
But as the situation in Costa Rica worsened and the political situation changed under our feet, our concern grew for all the guys and all immigrants, in fact, who face such precarious circumstances. When Carlos tried to cross into Nicaragua a few weeks later, he had a much harder time, was stripped of all his money, and was fortunate to make it back to San José in one piece to try again the following month.
Official Movie Poster The Last Out
The inclusion of the athletes’ families back home in Cuba was especially touching to see in the film, as all of the men made enormous sacrifices with the intentions of supporting their loved ones. How was it for you to spend time with the families, knowing their sons could not go home and do the same?
MG: This was perhaps one of the most touching experiences for us as filmmakers. You feel so much for these guys not being able to just turn around and visit their families whom they love so much while they’re out there risking everything for them. Sami and I went on an epic adventure not just to meet up with a few relatives but track down and spend meaningful time with the immediate family members of all the guys, even those you don't see featured in the story. We felt it was vital in telling their story to have a strong, first hand sense of what they mean to their loved ones. Spending time in the players’ houses, eating their favorite meals cooked by mom all brought us closer to them and how meaningful of a sacrifice they each made. There were pig roasts in Mayari, river bathing in Baracoa, stories of achievement and longing everywhere we went. Being able to bring those photos, videos, personal notes and first hand accounts to the guys meant so much to them but also deepened the trust we had built. It also made more clear to them what we were really after in following their stories. I remember walking back to the barber shop with Baró after the emotional moment when he watches the video message from his mom at the stadium and he just turns to me and says, “I get it now Mike. I get it mi hermano.”
Near the beginning, your film highlights a troublesome statistic, “In the last five years hundreds of baseball players have left Cuba. Only six have made it to the Majors.” Initially over two dozen eager baseball scouts visited the training camp to assess Oliveros, González, Baró, and the other players’ skills, only for their contract negotiations to dwindle after months of not being able to obtain Costa Rican residency. While the odds of making it into any professional sports league are staggering, in your opinion how much of the austerity of their situation affected the players’ performance on the field as time wore on?
SK: We definitely saw the toll wear on the guys. One of the hardest things for all of them was seeing guys they used to play against sign multi-million dollar deals while they were waiting for their paperwork to clear. I vividly remember one instance where Mike and I rushed to tell the guys that one Cuban player they knew had just signed a huge contract and Happy said something like “That’s good for us. We’re at that same level.” But the contracts never came. A large part of that was because of mistakes Gus and his team made in the paperwork, another huge part was that the market shifted against the guys, and the final part was the emotional and physical toll it took on the guys which led to declining performance. But can you really fault someone for having one bad showcase when they’ve risked everything, left their homeland and their family and aren’t sure if they can trust the process anymore?
In previous interviews, you’ve discussed the cost that making it to the pros exacts upon the players, and that we are living in a time where athletes are heeding the call to social justice. As a devoted baseball fan myself, is there anything that fans can do, beyond raising their awareness of such issues, in order to support the current and future Cuban ballplayers trying to make it to the U.S.?
SK: In all honesty, fans should start to develop a sense of outrage that extends beyond just whining over a slugger popping pills or a team stealing signs. There are very shady things that go on in professional sports where young athletes are exploited by the system and too often fans have the attitude: “Oh, well if my team wins, I don’t really care.” That’s a messed up way to live your life.
One concrete thing right now fans can do is support Minor League players who are fighting for a living wage. There are ballplayers, Cuban, Dominican, and American who are making starvation wages in the Minors. Organize your buddies to write emails to your team’s leadership to ask that they pay their Minor Leaguers humanely. That would be a good start.
Directors: Sami Khan & Michael Gassert
Running Time: 84 minutes
Available to view Oct 20-24 at watch.bushwickfilmfestival.com
