By Jason Godbey, Creative Director, Behind the Rabbit Productions
The Greenpoint Film Festival kicked off last night with a pre-festival Gala at the Polish Consulate in New York City. The evening began with music from a live jazz quartet, and renowned filmmaker and author Andrzej Krakowski (pictured above) gave a talk about the significance of Polish cinema and its influence on Hollywood and the Oscars.
“I’m amazed [and grateful for] everyone who showed up tonight despite the hurricane. I’m honored… I’m so excited for our film festival.” -Festival director Anthony Argento
The consulate building on Madison Avenue is a beautiful and impressive venue in which to host the event. Following the talk a reception and buffet was held where attendees could mix and mingle. It was a surprisingly normal gathering after a year and a half of pandemic living.
Last year Greenpoint Film Festival was innovative in their approach by holding the festival as a drive-in event. This year the festival will be back in theaters opening tonight at the Stuart Cinema & Cafe in Brooklyn. There will be nearly 40 films presented including a special Polish program held at Film Noir in Brooklyn this Saturday and Sunday.
When asked how it felt to be a part of the festival, Taylor Landesman, director of the short, Killing Evan remarked “I’m thrilled. I couldn’t be more excited!… Greenpoint Film Festival really fosters young, new, filmmakers… I can tell that everyone put so much work into their films… and I’m excited to be screening among some of the top new filmmakers.” Killing Evan will be screening this Sunday.
For more of our coverage of the Greenpoint Film Festival, check out our special on last year’s festival and our interview with festival director, Anthony Argento. For more information on this year’s festival, visit their website.
No Rest for the Weekend 