Local Filmmakers’ Showcase Set for This Weekend
By Katie McFadden
Rockaway’s got talent, in many forms. This time it’s for filmmaking. This weekend, Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29, the Rockaway Film Festival is putting the spotlight on local filmmakers with its Local Filmmakers’ Showcase.
On Saturday and Sunday, films by made by local filmmakers, and some even filmed in Rockaway, will be screened at the Annex Cinema at 415 Beach 72nd Street, Rockaway Film Festival’s indoor cinema. All events are free, but it is recommended to request tickets at: www.rockawayfilmfestival.org
It all begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday with three short films, all 20 minutes or less. It begins with “The Wallpaper Artist” by Onel Mulet, a 20-minute film about Rockaway’s Russel Siegel and his journey to becoming a wallpaper artist. It will be followed by “The Transition,” a 19-minute film by Odinger Akil Mitchell, following a young Major in the Army dealing with loss and leaving the military. Lastly, “The Scream,” a 14-minute film by Bettina Marks, tells the story on New Yorkers’ response to hearing an eerie scream of a woman being attacked in NYC’s meatpacking district. The films will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers. Following the shorts, will be the main feature, “The Wrong Movie” by Karen Cytter at 3:30 p.m. This 96-minute film, featuring local actors, follows the relationships between one woman and a drone, a sex addict, a confused actor, and a tormented neighbor who’s grieving her dead father. It will also be followed by a Q&A session.
Sunday’s program has two feature films in store. The first is “Shredded” at 4:30 p.m. Siren of the Pacific Productions and Candid Life Entertainment are thrilled to announce the special screening of this 105-minute film. This one was filmed in Rockaway itself, so some folks may see some familiar places like Rockaway Tiki Bar and other notable locations. “Shredded” is a compelling narrative that follows the story of Riley and Logan, two individuals seeking healing and solace through surfing as they recover from traumatic health issues. Their journey highlights themes of resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of the ocean. The screening will be followed by an exclusive Q&A session with the film’s director, co-writer, and producer, Adam Michael, alongside co-writer, producer, lead actor and former Rockaway resident, Makayla McIntosh.
Sunday’s event will finish off with local resident Robert Sarnoff’s, “THE BLOCK.” This 57-minute film features interviews with Sarnoff’s neighbors on Beach 138th Street, each bringing different elements and viewpoints to the film about the block from general topics to Hurricane Sandy. As the film is described, “It’s a crapshoot who lives next door to you. Despite differences, the block solidifies when the ravages of nature’s wrath, in the form of Hurricane Sandy, whirl into town. True colors are revealed.” Sarnoff will be on hand for a Q&A session after the screening.
For more information about the Local Filmmakers’ Showcase, and for free tickets, see: www.rockawayfilmfestival.org
