Join us for the 16th BFF, themed "Sweet Sixteen", a time symbolizing self-discovery and independence. Discover films, enjoy our red carpet reception, network at our movie industry conference, attend screenplay readings, and don't miss the closing awards ceremony.

Schedule of Events:

October 25, 2023:

6:00 PM: 16th Annual Bushwick Film Festival Opening Night - Brooklyn Borough Hall

Get ready for the 16th Annual Bushwick Film Festival Opening Night, a spectacular in-person event that celebrates the vibrant world of cinema.

October 26, 2023:

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Shorts Block: Home - Williamsburg Cinemas

In this short block, we celebrate the profound ways in which art and self-expression can transform lives and bridge the gaps between individuals, abilities, and emotions. These remarkable short films highlight the boundless creativity and resilience of the human spirit and the limitless potential of art to bridge divides, liberate the soul, and inspire us all.

1:15 PM - 3:15 PM: Shorts Block: Something More - Williamsburg Cinemas

These short films delve into the complexities of desire, stagnation, and the universal search for a deeper sense of purpose.

1:15 PM - 3:15 PM: Shorts Block: Express Yourself - Williamsburg Cinemas

In this short block, we celebrate the profound ways in which art and self-expression can transform lives and bridge the gaps between individuals, abilities, and emotions. These remarkable short films highlight the boundless creativity and resilience of the human spirit and the limitless potential of art to bridge divides, liberate the soul, and inspire us all.

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Shorts Block: Through The Fire - Williamsburg Cinemas

These captivating short films delve into the struggles of their characters as they face life's challenges head-on, illustrating that on the other side of the fire, there's often growth, redemption, and unity. From firefighters grappling with emotional tolls to ex-inmates rebuilding their lives and diverse cheer squads uniting against all odds, these stories paint a vivid picture of resilience and the human spirit's ability to rise above.

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Feature Narrative I Know Your Place - Williamsburg Cinemas

Know Your Place
Dir. Zia Mohajerjasbi
1 hr 58 min
Feature Narrative
Drama/USA

Two Eritrean-American teens navigating a gentrifying Seattle, confronting identity and displacement while running a vital errand.

6:15 PM - 8:15 PM: Shorts Block: Web Series - Williamsburg Cinemas

Discover a diverse series block featuring compelling stories of individuals navigating life's complexities. From a hitman in search of purpose to women comedians balancing dreams and family expectations, a Brooklyn DJ's quest for meaningful connections, and a comedic take on modern journalism challenges, these series delve into themes of self-discovery, relationships, and life's unexpected lessons. It's a collection that captures the essence of human experiences against vibrant backdrops while embracing the evolving landscape of storytelling.

6:15 PM - 8:15 PM: Experimental Feature: Little Boxes - Williamsburg Cinemas

A group of childhood friends get together for a casual goodbye party before one of them moves across the country.

8:30 PM - 10:30 PM: Narrative Feature: Artist Unknown - Williamsburg Cinemas

When Juniper, a martial arts enthusiast, encounters thieves targeting a mysterious painting, she's pulled into an entangled quest for its origins.

8:30 PM - 10:30 PM: Shorts Block: Control - Williamsburg Cinemas

A collection of stories that revolve around characters who believe they have life firmly under their grasp, only to be confronted by unexpected twists and turns. In these films, the concept of control takes center stage, serving as a backdrop for humorous, poignant, and sometimes even shocking moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

October 27, 2023:

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Feature Documentary: Esu - Williamsburg Cinemas

This collection of short films delves deep into the complexities of human relationships. From friendships tested by life-altering secrets to the tumultuous journey of healing after a breakup, these stories explore the highs and lows of connection, trust, and the pursuit of authenticity.

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Shorts Block: The Keeper - Williamsburg Cinemas

Some Family Keepers will go to comical and serious lengths to safeguard and nurture their loved ones, even come back from the dead. From humorous situations to heartfelt narratives, these stories highlight the essence of responsibility and the deep connections that make them the unwavering protectors of their family's well-being. This block celebrates the unbreakable bonds of family and the profound sense of duty that drives individuals to shield and care for their cherished family members. These films showcase the enduring power of love, resilience, and the responsibilities that make them the true guardians of their family's well-being.

3:45 PM - 6:45 PM: Feature Documentary: Don't Worry About India - Williamsburg Cinemas

An Indian filmmaker returns to his homeland during the national elections. While his privileged upper-class family doesn’t want to talk about politics, the cleaners, cooks, and drivers who have been working for the family for years, do. What unfolds in front of the filmmaker's camera, is an insightful and often disturbing story about how the world's biggest democracy has become rooted in inequality and right-wing populism. With a dry sense of humor and an eye for the absurd, the director tries to comprehend the India of today, while connecting collective and family history.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Shorts Block: Heart Strings - Williamsburg Cinemas

Dive into the delicate threads that bind our hearts in this collection of thought-provoking short films. From the raw honesty of an unexpected first date to the mysteries unraveled by a post-transplant heart, these stories explore the essence of love, loss, and the intricate connections that define our lives. Join us on a journey where birthday dinners reveal secrets and chaos, and where the past intertwines with the present as characters search for solace and a deeper understanding of the people who tug at their heartstrings.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Narrative Feature: Playing Sam - Williamsburg Cinemas

After her ex-boyfriend’s acting career takes off, Samantha picks up the pieces to her broken heart and (so-called) acting career to rediscover her essence as a modern Latinx actress.

October 28, 2023:

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Shorts Block: NY Coming of Age - Williamsburg Cinemas

These short films offer a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse life of New York City capturing the essence of the city's rich tapestry, from modern-day Spaghetti Western scenes in Brooklyn to the adventures of four Black art students on a night out. This collection celebrates the unique stories and experiences that can only be found in the heart of the Big Apple. It's a journey through the city's neighborhoods, cultures, and everyday moments, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and diversity that make New York City a place like no other. "Only in NYC" invites you to explore the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of this iconic metropolis.

12:45 PM - 2:45 PM: Feature: All the Songs We Never Sang - Williamsburg Cinemas

A rebellious teen, NATSUMI, ventures from Tokyo to a small provincial island where her aunt REIKO lives. Reiko is an Ama-San, a traditional Japanese pearl diver. She’s has been at odds with Natsumi’s mother, her twin sister, for years and had never met Natsumi before. The young girl has to find a way to heal those old wounds, reunite her family and save herself from some big trouble she gets herself in. Japanese pop songs from Reiko’s youth in the 1980s unexpectedly become Natsumi’s ally to bring the family closer again.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Shorts Block: NY In Transit - Williamsburg Cinemas

NY in Transit presents a diverse collection of short films, with characters embarking on unique journeys, whether they're heading somewhere physically or experiencing new stages emotionally and psychologically, all within the ever-evolving backdrop of New York City. These films offer an intimate, often surreal, and deeply human exploration of life in the Big Apple, capturing moments of transition, transformation, and discovery.

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Feature: The Great Glitch - Williamsburg Cinemas

Summer in Copenhagen. Best friends Ronja and Serb are restless souls in their mid-twenties struggling to navigate life. As one joins a secret activist network, and the other falls in love with a mysterious girl, a series of increasingly unlikely events unfold, and the line between reality and fiction begins to erode. Timelines diverge and doppelgängers appear out of nowhere in an endless array of bright summer nights, where everyone is equally chasing euphoria and trying to find meaning. “The Great Glitch / Children of Paradise” is an otherworldly film about the time in life when strangers will turn into friends, and friends turn into lovers, and lovers mysteriously disappear in the middle of the night.

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Shorts Block: Halloween - Psychological - Williamsburg Cinemas

These short films delve into the darker realms of human experience, offering spine-tingling tales that explore unsettling aspects of the psyche. With eerie atmospheres and unexpected twists, they will keep you engaged and intrigued.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Narrative Feature: Young Gun - Williamsburg Cinemas

An illegal immigrant accepts a contract to assassinate the UK branch leader of the KKK during a karaoke event. He confronts a maze of twisted challenges that test his survival instincts while striving to prove his devotion as a father.

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Shorts Block: Halloween - Campy - Williamsburg Cinemas

Explore our Campy Halloween Block, featuring a curated collection of campy thrillers that embrace the Halloween spirit. These films offer a unique blend of scares and laughs, delivering a delightful balance of chills and chuckles for your Halloween entertainment. So, grab some popcorn, relax, and enjoy the spooky and entertaining ride.

8:15 PM - 10:15 PM: Narrative Feature: Darla In Space - Williamsburg Cinemas

Darla attempts to pay off a huge tax debt with the aid of a sentient, ******-granting kombucha mother.

9:15 PM - 11:15 PM: Shorts Block: Halloween - Supernatural - Williamsburg Cinemas

These films breathe life into eerie and otherworldly tales, delving into haunting encounters, toothy revolts, and peculiar abilities. Join us for a journey where the line between reality and the paranormal blurs, and the supernatural, along with mysterious globs, lurk around every corner.

October 29, 2023:

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Human Rights: Double Screening - Williamsburg Cinemas

Navigate through narratives that spotlight pressing human rights issues shaping our world today. "Woyane" sheds light on the obscured Tigray genocide in Ethiopia, emphasizing the significance of journalism in times of crisis. "Estamos Unidos" follows the journey of Central American migrants, highlighting their unity and resilience amidst political challenges. These narratives not only invite thoughtful reflection on global dilemmas touching real lives but also challenge you to consider: What can we, as viewers, do in response? Engage with us, and be inspired to act on these pivotal stories.

1:15 PM - 3:15 PM: Shorts Block: Being and Belonging - Williamsburg Cinemas

These short films delve into the intricate tapestry of human identity and the powerful desire to find one's place in the world. They shed light on universal themes of self-discovery, cultural heritage, and the quest for acceptance. Being and Belonging' invites you to explore the multifaceted aspects of identity and the universal quest to find one's place in a diverse and ever-evolving world.

1:15 PM - 3:15 PM: Feature Documentary: Estamos Unidos - Williamsburg Cinemas

Hundreds of Central American migrants form a “caravan” amidst an unprecedented wave of Central American migration and Trump-era policies to halt it. They navigate the pains and joys of unity along an arduous journey across Mexico and towards the United States.

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Feature Documentary: This Body, Too/Y Este Cuerpo Tambien - Williamsburg Cinemas

In "This Body, Too," Arisleyda delves into a profound journey of identity, shaped by health and personal challenges. At thirty-eight, her implants' safety concerns surface. Faced with a pivotal choice between new implants or her natural form, her decision echoes a deep history. In high school, her development differed. Tests revealed male chromosomes, XY46 (gonadal-dysgenesis). After hormone treatments, an oophorectomy unveiled surprises. Post-anesthesia, learning her reproductive system was removed, ending prospects of motherhood, deeply resonated. The narrative explores Arisleyda's quest for her true womanhood.

3:45 PM - 5:45 PM: Shorts Block: Politics of Identity - Williamsburg Cinemas

In these short film blocks we explore how politics intersect with the very essence of who we are. In this film block, each filmmaker offers a unique exploration of the connection between politics and identity, with approaches ranging from comedic to profound. These short films navigate the boundaries of belonging, challenge preconceptions, and celebrate the richness of human diversity.

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Feature Documentary: Storming Caesars Palace - Williamsburg Cinemas

In "STORMING CAESARS PALACE," Ruby Duncan, after losing her Vegas hotel job and facing discrimination from a vigilant welfare department, bands together with Mary Wesley, Alversa Beals, and other low-income mothers to challenge the system. Forming the National Welfare Rights Organization (NWRO) and supported by George Wiley, Frances Fox Piven, and feminist icon Gloria Steinem, they championed a Universal Basic Income campaign during the 1972 Democratic National Convention. The film illuminates the impactful yet overlooked feminist, anti-poverty movement led by Black women in the '60s and '70s. It underscores the roots of modern movements and celebrates the resilience and vision of these trailblazing women, illuminating their tireless fight for justice and empowerment.

6:15 PM - 8:15 PM: Shorts Block: Dreams and Sacrifices - Williamsburg Cinemas

The "Dreams and Sacrifices" film block takes you on a poignant journey through the aspirations, struggles, and sacrifices of individuals pursuing their dreams in a world filled with challenges and uncertainties. These short films encapsulate the resilience of the human spirit, the pursuit of hope, and the enduring power of dreams in the face of adversity.

Dates: October 25 - 29, 2023

Location:

Williamsburg Cinemas,
217 Grand Street,
Brooklyn, NY 11211.

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