August 22, 2011, 8pm
Sternberg Park (map)
Local park-goers of all ages, encouraged by choreographer Ann Robideaux, participate in a community dance collaboration resulting in a montage of movement and other talents for the camera. Open to everyone, this site-specific dance film celebrates Sternberg Park’s unique personalities and social community in one of Williamsburg’s most historic parks.
The final project, to be edited by Chris Carlone features a fortuitous and spontaneous collaboration between Ann and Samantha Jakus who also dances for powerhouse dance company: Streb. Also look for Megan Sipe, Rosa Maria Torres (pictured above), Musicworks, and a few other amazing dance improvisers on the camera.
Ann Robideaux has choreographed in numerous venues, and for film/television for many years and has recently been the co-artistic director of ann and alexx make dances, where she choreographed aboard two World War II lightships, on the steps of the Eldridge Street Synagogue and amongst the audience seating at Dance New Amsterdam. Working with various communities, Ann is loving the chance to meet new people while behind the camera in NYC through the Sternberg Dances.
August 8, 2011, 8pm
Sternberg Park (map)
Spontaneity sneaks in with three films that take public performance from the street to the screen. There’s the terror and bliss of Heartocalypse by Matt Silver, the random romance of John Bonafede’s (International) Kiss A Stranger With A Scale Day, and the sheer joy of Free Hugs from Zach Timm and Matt Rivera.
Featuring
Heartocalypse by Matt Silver
Heartpocalypse is the story of a crazed ranting doomsayer, takes place underneath an elevated subway track in the heart of Brooklyn. He’s got the cardboard sign scrawled with nonsensical ramblings and the wild-eyed hysteria. The passers-by give him dirty looks or no looks at all. Suddenly, the preacher has visions of giant, menacing creatures coming for him. An internal battle that seems to never end. Fortunately an Angelic spirit gives this lonely fool compassion, which triggers an emotional epiphany.
K.A.S.W.A.S.D. by John Bonafede
(International) Kiss A Stranger With A Scale Day was an impromptu performance/holiday invented on May 11, 2006. Bonafede received a phone call from long time collaborator/friend Nataraj informing him that there was a Dr.’s scale being thrown out on 2nd Ave near St. Mark’s Place. Right from a job interview, Bonafede hustled down to take a look at it, along with cameraman Dallas Pesolla. The idea to play upon the taboo topic of announcing women’s weight and kissing a stranger in public formulated en route downtown. The result was a variety of responses (a sliding scale ranging from sheer terror/disdain to more-than-welcome), a variety of guesses at weight and a variety of kisses received. Those who agreed to give their permission to be filmed puckering up were compiled in this light-hearted look at what it is our society looks at as a very touchy subject for art’s sake.
Free Hugs by Zach Timm and Matt Rivera
A wondrous video about Hugs and Humans and so many other things. Music courtesy of Hooray For Earth.
August 1, 2011, 8pm
Sternberg Park (map)
For more than four years the folks at The Filmshop have met once a week to workshop films in an encouraging and constructive setting. This fertile ground has produced collaborations, awards and an amazing network of filmmakers. For one night in July, they share the very best of their two-minute films with us. Featuring work by Lam Thuy Vo, Ben Donnellon, Angel Yau, Matt Farrell, Graham Meriwether, Matt Rivera, Zach Timm, Daniel Ross, Chris King, Courtney Engelstein, Leah Zak, Catherine Chao, Kris Cheppaikode, Matt Huard, James Murdock, Sean Yeaton, Kate Cook, Carolyn Nardiello, Rachel Solomon and Albert Beniada. (Rescheduled from July 25)
