Staunch! A Grey Gardens Celebration V: the Beales of Grey Gardens

Saturday, June 8th, 5:30pm

The Beales of Grey Gardens

Dir. Albert Maysles & David Maysles, 2006, 91 min.

The 1976 cinema vérité classic Grey Gardens, which captured in remarkable close-up the lives of the eccentric East Hampton recluses Big and Little Edie Beale, has spawned everything from a midnight-movie cult following to a Broadway musical, to a Hollywood adaptation. The filmmakers then went back to their vaults of footage to create part two, The Beales of Grey Gardens, a tribute both to these indomitable women and to the original landmark documentary’s legions of fans, who have made them American counter culture icons.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLt9zh7sLIQ

BPT: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/395995

7:30pm

Grey Gardens

Dir. Albert Maysles, David Maysles, Ellen Hovde & Muffie Meyer, 1976, 94 min.

Meet Big and Little Edie Beale—high-society dropouts, mother and daughter, reclusive cousins of Jackie O.—thriving together amid the decay and disorder of their ramshackle East Hampton mansion. An impossibly intimate portrait and an eerie echo of the Kennedy Camelot, Albert and David Maysles’s 1976 Grey Gardens quickly became a cult classic and established Little Edie as a fashion icon and philosopher queen. The film and the Beales themselves have since inspired fashion lines, songs, a broadway musical, several off-broadway shows, and a 2009 HBO film staring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange.

Panel discussion with director Albert Maysles, historian Michael Henry Adams ("Harlem Lost and Found" and the upcoming book "Homo Harlem"), Jerry "The Marble Faun" Torre, a character in Grey Gardens and Jon Mallow, former host of Logo's "Drag Ya Later" and VP of Digital at VH1.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI62e0fRieo

BPT: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/395996

Staunch! A Grey Gardens Celebration V: T.V. Transvestite

Staunch! A Gay Gardens Celebration V

(Our 5th annual weekend-long meditation on the legacy of Albert and David Maysles' seminal cinema verite documentary Grey Gardens. This year we kick off Pride by exploring the classic through a queer lens and celebrating its long standing gay cult following.)

Curated by Ilona Brand

Friday, June 7th, 7:30pm

T.V. Transvestite

Dir. Simone di Bagno and Michele Capozzi, 1982, 60 min.

Before Paris is Burning, there was T.V. Transvestite. Shot in 1982 by filmmakers Simone di Bagno and Michele Capozzi, the documentary captures a fierce House of LaBeija ball thrown at a Harlem Bingo hall. "Lost" and not screened in public for over two decades, this rare film shows such legends as Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey and Sugar in a period before voguing and at the advent of AIDS.

Q&A with Drag historian and Gay Studies scholar Joe E. Jeffreys.

BPT: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/395991

A Free Outdoor Screening of Doin' It In The Park @ the Dyckman Basketball Courts

Friday, June 7th, 9:00pm

The Maysles Cinema and the Dyckman Basketball Tournament Present:

A Free Outdoor Screening of Doin' It In The Park @ the Dyckman Basketball Courts

The Monsignor Kett Playground, West 204th St. Btwn
Nagle Avenue and 10th Ave. (near Dyckman St.)

RAIN DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 8TH

100% Free!

Doin' It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC

Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau, 2012, 83 min.

Doin’ It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC explores the history, culture and social impact of New York’s summer b-ball scene, the worldwide “Mecca” of the sport.  In New York City, pick-up is not just a sport. It is a way of life. There are 700+ outdoor courts, and an estimated 500,000 players, the most loyal of which approach the game as a religion, and the playground as their church. “You can play high school or college for four years.  You can play Pro for a decade. You can play pick-up . . . for life.”  Doin’ It In The Park lovingly uncovers this movement through the voices of playground legends, NBA athletes, and most importantly the common person, or 99%, who look forward to experiencing the energy of the game at their local schoolyard. Co-directors Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau visited 180 courts throughout NYC’s five boroughs to create their debut documentary. They traveled to a majority of the locations by bicycle, carrying cameras and a ball in their backpacks. The film’s title refers as much to the subject matter as it does to the method of filmmaking, providing an unprecedented perspective on inner-city America’s most popular, and accessible, free recreation.

Dyckman Website: http://dyckmanpark.com

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/events/291410907658459/

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/65081192

DIRECTIONS:

Take # 1 train to Dyckman Street follow road along housing complex to the park.

Take #A train to Dyckman Street walk down Dyckman Street and make a left turn on Nagle Ave (underneath train tracks): The park is on the right.

Take A train to 207th Street walk down 207th Street make a right at train station walk to 204th street; park is on the corner.

Doc Watchers: You Laugh But Its True

Doc Watchers

Curated by Hellura Lyle

Monday, June 3rd, 7:00pm

You Laugh But Its True

David Paul Meyer, 2011, 84 min, US/South Africa

In South Africa’s emerging world of stand-up comedy, comedians of color have only recently started performing on stage. With the opportunity to finally command the attention of a large audience, they go beyond just settling for easy laughs and confront the legacy of apartheid head on in their material. Against the backdrop of this volatile environment, 25-year-old Trevor Noah ambitiously pursues his passion to entertain. Yet his fledgling career as a comedian is largely relegated to headlining at corporate events due to the country’s comedy scene being so small. Determined to pursue his dream of performing all over the world, Trevor decides to produce his first one-man show, despite his lack of experience performing on stage. Based on the size of the proposed venue alone, it will be the most ambitious debut ever attempted by a comedian in South Africa. To prepare for the show, Trevor revisits his past, creating material from memories of growing up in the township under apartheid. As the child of an interracial couple, a union that was illegal in South Africa at the time of his birth, Trevor’s life reveals the story of an outsider who has somehow figured out a way to relate to everyone through his comedy. Despite this progress, the preparation for the show becomes increasingly difficult as Trevor faces a multitude of challenges: an underdeveloped comedy scene, criticism from other comics, strained personal relationships, lingering racial tension, and a shocking family tragedy. They combine to form a crisis that threatens not just the success of the show, but Trevor’s dreams of lifting himself and the South African comedy scene to the global stage.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5PZcU9VE2k

FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/164755993695493/

BPT: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/395981

Doin' It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC

Doin' It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC

Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau, 2012, 83 min.

Doin’ It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC explores the history, culture and social impact of New York’s summer b-ball scene, the worldwide “Mecca” of the sport.  In New York City, pick-up is not just a sport. It is a way of life. There are 700+ outdoor courts, and an estimated 500,000 players, the most loyal of which approach the game as a religion, and the playground as their church. “You can play high school or college for four years.  You can play Pro for a decade. You can play pick-up . . . for life.”  Doin’ It In The Park lovingly uncovers this movement through the voices of ajority of the locations by bicycle, carrying cameras and a ball in their backpacks. The film’s title refers as much to the subject matter as it does to the method of filmmaking, providing an unprecedented perspective on inner-city America’s most popular, and accessible, free recreation.

Wednesday, May 22nd following the 7:30pm screening there is a Q&A with key characters Jack Ryan, Niki Avery, and Milani Malik, moderated by SLAM Magazine Editor-in-Chief Ben Osborne.

Thursday, May 23rd following the 7:30pm screening there will be Q&As with dirs. Bobbito Garcia, Kevin Couliau, dir. of Wild Style, Charlie Ahearn, Henry Chalfant, Style Wars producer and moderated by author/filmmaker Raquel Cepeda (djalirancher.com).

Friday, May 24th following the 7:30pm screening there will be a Q&A with co-director Kevin Couliau and photographers Charlie Samuels and Pete Kuhns, moderated by author/historian Claude Johnson of Black Fives (blackfives.com).

Saturday, May 25th following the 7:30pm screening there will be a Q&A with directors Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau and author of “Heaven is a Playground,” Rick Telander.

Sunday, May 26th following the 7:30pm screening there will be a Q&A with Co-director Kevin Couliau and Executive Producer Nick Quested of Goldcrest Films (goldcrestfilms.com).

Tuesday, May 28th following the 7:30pm screening there will be a Q&A with directors Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau.

Official Website:www.doinitinthepark.com

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/65081192

FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/291410907658459/

BPT: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/17367/event/366468

The 4th Annual Malcolm X On Film & Panel Discussion In Celebration Of The 88th Birthday Of Malcolm: Then & Now, The Legacy of Malcolm X-El Hajj Malik El Shabazz Lives On

Saturday, May 18th, 4:30pm

The Maysles Cinema & United Muslim Alliance Presents The 4th Annual Malcolm X On Film & Panel Discussion In Celebration Of The 88th Birthday Of Malcolm:

Then & Now, The Legacy of Malcolm X-El Hajj Malik El Shabazz Lives On

Co-sponsored by the People's Survival Program

4:30pm

Dinner

5:00pm

Malcolm X Book/Video and Art Fair

6:00pm

Malcolm X Speaks: The Speeches of Malcolm X

1997, color & B/W 41 min.

Malcolm’s speeches from 1963-1965 including several legendary Harlem speeches such as "The Ballot Or The Bullet" and "By Any Means Necessary."

7:00pm

Autobiography Of Malcolm X: His Own Story As It Really Happened

Dir. Marvin Worth, 1972, color & B/W 92 min.

Adapted for the screen from the autobiography he wrote with Alex Haley’s assistance, Malcolm X (released two decades before the Spike Lee film Malcolm X) is a stirring portrait of the man whose life has become a rallying cry for millions. Includes rare footage of his speeches and interviews as well as newsreel footage. Narrated by James Earl Jones with Martin Luther King, Betty Shabazz, Ossie Davis, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson, Rap Brown, Angela Davis and many more.

R.I.P. Malcolm Shabazz (1984-2013), Malcolm X’s grandson and friend of the Maysles Cinema.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/329470827180490/?context=create

BPT: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/249815

History of 8mm: Volume 9

Friday, May 17th, 7:30pm

History of 8mm: Volume 9: (8mm)

News Reels: A (Mini) History of the (Sub)

Genre: 1930’s–? (Yes, there are others.)

A Raceless Program (Our last one was a program based

on race. Now, we go the other way.)

Shown in Reg. 8mm & Super8 (Sound) only! All New Program! Never Seen Before!

Curated by 8mmAnonymous

Back by popular demand after a sold out standing room only screening here last February. I’ve had this idea since the mid 2000’s (2005, to be more precise.) In my humble estimation, what, I think the Maysles Cinema should be doing, but are not, is exhibiting films found (exclusively) at flea markets (mainly) garage sales and other places. I don’t think I have ever seen a program like this one before. There may have been ones like this in the 80’s that I went to. However, none in 8mm, that we know of! A first! Another coup! A concentrated focus on a particular type of newsreel, many of which were made during the 40’s (for some reason). It’s heyday, you could say. Shot by anonymous (and sometimes unknown) camera people and filmmakers, the unsung heroes and heroines of newsreel editors, etc. Copies of a “book” (on the subject will be available at the show (only!). -- 8mm Anonymous

The program will (probably) include the following:

News Parade of 1939

Castle Films, B&W, Reg. 8mm, Silent, 12 mins.

Adventures of Newsreel Cameramen: Filming the Big Thrills

Blackhawk Films, B&W, 1930’s / 1940’s, Super 8 Sound, 12 mins.

News Parade of 1941

Castle Films, B&W, Reg. 8mm, Silent, 12 mins.

Adventures of Newsreel Cameramen: Scouring the Seventh Seas

Black Hawk Films, B&W, 1930’s/1940’s, Super 8 Sound, 12 mins.

News Parade of 1943

Castle Films, B&W Reg. 8mm, Silent, 12 mins.

News Thrills of 1944

Official Films, B&W, Reg. 8mm, Silent, 12 mins.

News Parade of 1945

Castle Films, B&W, Reg. 8mm, Silent, 12 mins.

News Parade of 1946

Caste Films, B&W, Silent, 12 mins.

News Parade of 1968

Castle Films, B&W, Super 8 Sound, 12 mins.

News Parade of 1972

Castle Films, B&W, Super 8 Sound, 12 mins.

Gordon’s News films Demonstration Reel

Anonymous, Color, 1978, Super 8   Sound, 8 min.

The Inauguration of Ronald Reagan

Anonymous, Color, 1981, Super 8 Sound, 12 mins.

Program subject to change (depending on availability). Screening will be followed by an audience led discussion.

BPT: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref17367/event/375971

FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/503618743036162/

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem Presents: Under the Influence of Christian McBride

Tuesday, May 14th, 7:00pm

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem Presents

Under the Influence of Christian McBride

It’s been a while since Christian McBride has sat down and talked with us,

and we miss him as much as he misses us. Christian has had a busy year - so

what else is new? - and has a lot to lay on us. From leading the Monterey Jazz

Festival On Tour to performing across the globe with his group and others, we

have a lot of catching up to do. Join us as we get transported into his

living room as he regales us with stories from the road and updates us on

the great projects he is working on.

BPT: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/378211

FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/602408636436563/?context=create

Film Voyagers

Sunday, May 12th, 2:00pm

Film Voyagers

A program of films for younger children age 3 to 7 and their caregivers: films from around the world --most animation -- geared toward a young audience.

Adventures of Reksio

Halina Filek, 2004, 65 min.

Journey with Reksio as he encounters new friends and faces new adventures.  The Adventures of Reksio is among the most famous children's cartoons in Poland.

Reksio is a Polish cartoon character created by director Lechosław Marszałek. The cartoon consists of 65 episodes that were made from 1967 to 1988 in a Cartoon Movies Studio (Studio Filmów Rysunkowych) in Bielsko-Biała. All episodes describe adventures of a friendly, terrier dog named Reksio, with his animal friends - hens, cats, other dogs and their owners. While the film is of Polish origin, there is no dialogue in the series, making it accessible for all viewers.

Suggested Donation $8

BPT: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/374071

FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/647380228611255/

Docularious: Kumaré

Saturday, May 11th, 7:30pm

Docularious: Kumaré

(A bi-monthly series all about funny documentaries and comedy concert films. Curated by Adam Schartoff, Filmwax.)

VikramGandhi, 2011, 84 min.

A provocative social experiment-turned-documentary, Kumaré follows American filmmaker Vikram Gandhi as he transforms himself into a wise Indian guru, hoping to prove the absurdity of blind faith. Instead, he finds himself forging profound connections with people from all walks of life -- and wondering if and when to reveal his true self. Will his followers accept his final teaching? Can this illusion reveal a greater spiritual truth? Winner of South by Southwest's Audience Award, Kumaré is an insightful look at faith and belief.

There will be a post-screening Q&A with director Vikram Gandhi.

Vikram Gandhi is an award-winning director of narrative and documentary films. He grew up consuming equal parts ancient Indian mythology and American movies. After graduating from Columbia University, he began working as a filmmaker for hire. He’s since worked as a video journalist covering terrorism, natural disasters, and social unrest throughout Asia and as a cinematographer and producer on documentaries, television, and narrative films. He now directs commercial campaigns, music videos, branded content, and films through his New York-based production company, Disposable. Over this time, Vikram documented the emergence of the yoga industry in the US by interviewing spiritual leaders around the country until he decided to become one himself. In 2010, Vikram combined his passion mythology and documentary to create Kumaré. Vikram lives in Brooklyn and Kumaré is a manifestation of his ideal self.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tBIIaTI8C5c

BPT: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/375925

fb: https://www.facebook.com/events/566327560066720/?fref=ts

NYIHA: Under My Nails

Friday, May 10th, 7:30pm

Under My Nails

Ari Maniel Cruz, 2012, 90 min, Puerto Rico

Under My Nails is a Puerto Rican psychological thriller written by Kisha Tikina Burgos who also starred in the film as Solimar, a longtime Puerto Rican immigrant living an isolated life as a manicurist under the overhead trains of the snow covered Bronx. Her character is born of trauma—the film begins with an eerily cinematic suggestion of the violent deaths of both her mother and father. At her father’s wake, another child releases a green lizard into Solimar’s hair. This lizard haunts the narrative, lending an air of magical realism to this story.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdcg7cjEeFo

BPT - http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/17367/event/368125

Post screening Q&A with writer Kisha Tikina Burgos, director Ari Maniel Cruz and moderated by Dr. Steeve Coupeau, President NYIHA MEDIA.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/359322657522466/

NYIHA MEDIA promotes global aspirations for human rights beyond borders. By human rights we mean the right to food, shelter, water, health care, education, decent work, free speech, and justice and peace. Can solidarity allow us to think creatively about coming together within or across social formations to transcend the limitations of inherited oppositions between sovereignty and human rights? Global civic engagement might be the best means to achieve long-distance support for multiple citizen actions in different places. NYIHA is an African word for the bush and more broadly the borderlands. The nyiha are an ethnic and linguistic group spanning several countries including southwestern Tanzania and northeastern Zambia.

http://www.nyiha.com/

NYIHA Film Festival: Nelson Mandela: Amazing Man

Thursday May 9th, 7:30pm

Nelson Mandela: Amazing Man

Michael Lee, 2013, 3 min, South Africa

This music video for Yvonne Chaka Chaka's song "Nelson Mandela: Amazing Man" is directed by Michael Lee and produced by Cultuvista and Wathaworx with camera by Ivan Leathers and editing by Henk van der Merwe and Tumi Motube. It was shot at the Academy of Sound Engineering, Durban University of Technology, and the Cheesekids Mandela Day Concert in Newtown.Post-production was done at Hartiwood and Tint, and Illustrations by Tongesai Machiri. Performances by Yvonna Chaka Chaka, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Soweto Gospel Choir, and Amajika Children.

Baseball in Time of Cholera

David Darg and Bryn Mooser, 2012, 28 min, Haiti

As a Cholera epidemic rages in Haiti, the United Nations denies it is responsible for introducing the disease despite glaring evidence suggesting Nepalese peacekeepers are to blame. Baseball in the Time of Cholera is the story of a young Haitian boy who plays in Haiti's first little league baseball team and the Haitian Lawyer seeking justice against the UN. As the epidemic spreads, the two stories intersect in the struggle for survival and justice.

Post screening Q&A with  director Bryn Mooser, Beatrice Lindstrom (Human Rights Attorney, at the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti) and Moderated by Dr. Steeve Coupeau, President NYIHA MEDIA.

BPT: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/368122

Trailer: http://vimeo.com/37219100

NYIHA Film Festival: A Present Past: Afro-Brazilian Memories in Rio de Janiero

Wednesday, May 8th, 7:30pm

A Present Past: Afro-Brazilian Memories in Rio de Janeiro

Hebe Mattos and Martha Abreu, 2012, 43 min, Brazil

This documentary highlights the strong oral tradition of slave descendants from the former plantations of the Souza Breves family, in the south of the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazli. It rescues vivid details about the illegal trade of slaves and the experiences of slaves and freed ancestors. The jongo and oral tradition are part of the cultural and family heritage that became a core aspect of the ‘maroon’ identity of these communities. Both support broader political struggles against racism and contribute to ensuring collective ownership of land.

Post screening Q&A with director Hebe Mattos, moderated by Dr. Steeve Coupeau, President NYIHA MEDIA.

BPT: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/17367/event/368115

Trailer: http://vimeo.com/55135160

African Film Festival Inc, Doc Watchers' Inc, and Maysles Cinema Presents: Mugable: Villian or Hero?

Monday, May 6th, 7:00pm

Mugabe: Villain or Hero?

Roy Agyemang, 2012, 11 6min, UK

Is there more to President Robert Mugabe and Zimbabwe than is being shown on our television screens? What’s the true extent of Mugabe’s support inside Zimbabwe? What has happened to the country that they all called the bread basket of Africa – and why? These questions and more led British filmmaker Roy Agyemang on a journey to Zimbabwe to make a documentary about President Robert Mugabe. What started out as a three-month mission turned into three life-changing years, culminating in a rare interview with one of the world’s longest-serving yet most reviled leaders. Mugabe: Villain or Hero? Is an epic personal journey, narrated by Agyemang who, together with his UK-based Zimbabwean fixer, found themselves in Mugabe’s entourage, on Colonel Gaddafi’s private jet and around a host of prominent African leaders.

Post-Screening Skype Q&A with Director, Roy Agyemang and reception to follow screening.

Trailer: http://youtu.be/L3aGgktbGyY

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/events/430901767001244

BPT: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/17367/event/361849

African Film Festival Inc, Doc Watchers' Inc, and Maysles Cinema Presents: Footprints of my Mother

Sunday, May 5th, 1:30pm

Footprints of My Other

Directed by Claude Haffner, 2011, 52 min, France/Congo

Claude Haffner, daughter of a French father and Congolese mother, sets off for Congo in search of her African identity. Her starting point is the archive of photos left by her late father, a specialist in African cinema. She also speaks with her mother, who tells of life in Congo and adjusting to France. In 2004, Claude and her mother visited Congo for the first time since the family left in 1981. This experience has inspired Claude to return again, now alone, to deepen her relationship with her mother’s family. Her journey brings her face to face with the diamond trade, and with her sense of otherness, both in Congo and back home in France.

Post-Screening Skype Q&A with Director Claude Haffner.

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/17367/event/361840

https://www.facebook.com/events/430901767001244

Sunday, May 5th, 3:00pm

Touba

Dir. Chai Vasarhelyi, 2013, 83 min, Senegal/USA

Touba chronicles the Grand Magaal pilgrimage of one million Sufi Muslims to the holy city of Touba, Senegal. This observational film takes us inside the Mouride Brotherhood, one of Africa's fastest growing religious organizations.

Q&A with director Chai Vasarhelyi to follow screening.

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/361844

https://www.facebook.com/events/430901767001244

African Film Festival Inc, Doc Watchers', and Maysles Cinema Presents: Creation In Exile

Saturday, May 4th, 1:00pm   

Creation In Exile

Daniela Ricci, 2013, 53 min, France

This documentary follows the personal and artistic paths of five major African filmmakers in exile from Paris to Washington, from Ouagadougou to London, via Uppsala.

Post-Screening Q&A with Director Daniela Ricci.

2:30pm   

Sifuna Okwethu: We Want What's Ours

Bernadette Atuahene, 2011, 19min, South Africa

Under Apartheid, the Ndolila family’s ancestral land was stolen. Years later, with their descendents trying to regain ownership of the land, the family is still battling apartheid and its lingering effects. And much to the dismay of the middle-class black mortgage holders who now own their ancestral land, the Ndolilas have built shacks on the disputed property.

Dear Mandela

Dara Kell & Christopher Nizza, 2012, 90 min, South Africa

When the South African government promises to 'eradicate the slums' and begins to evict shack dwellers far outside the city, three friends who live in Durban's vast shantytowns refuse to be moved. Dear Mandela follows their journey from their shacks to the highest court in the land as they invoke Nelson Mandela's example and become leaders in a growing social movement. By turns inspiring, devastating and funny, the film offers a new perspective on the role that young people can play in political change and is a fascinating portrait of South Africa coming of age.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPc62K9su_k

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/17367/event/361829

https://www.facebook.com/events/430901767001244

5:30pm   

Jeppe On A Friday

Arya Lalloo & Shannon Walsh, 2012, 85 min, Quebec/South Africa

The directors and a team of local filmmakers spent a single day following five distinct characters, creating a portrait of a community pulsing with life. The result is an astonishing work that stands as a fluid exploration of the complex and fascinating spectrum of South African society.

Skype post-screening Q&A with filmmakers.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPhfQlIVnNw

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/17367/event/361834

https://www.facebook.com/events/430901767001244

Saturday, May 4th, 8:00pm   

You Laugh But Its True

David Paul Meyer, 2011, 84 min, US/South Africa

In South Africa’s emerging world of stand-up comedy, comedians of color have only recently started performing on stage. With the opportunity to finally command the attention of a large audience, they go beyond just settling for easy laughs and confront the legacy of apartheid head on in their material. Against the backdrop of this volatile environment, 25-year-old Trevor Noah ambitiously pursues his passion to entertain. Yet his fledgling career as a comedian is largely relegated to headlining at corporate events due to the country’s comedy scene being so small. Determined to pursue his dream of performing all over the world, Trevor decides to produce his first one-man show, despite his lack of experience performing on stage. Based on the size of the proposed venue alone, it will be the most ambitious debut ever attempted by a comedian in South Africa. To prepare for the show, Trevor revisits his past, creating material from memories of growing up in the township under apartheid. As the child of an interracial couple, a union that was illegal in South Africa at the time of his birth, Trevor’s life reveals the story of an outsider who has somehow figured out a way to relate to everyone through his comedy. Despite this progress, the preparation for the show becomes increasingly difficult as Trevor faces a multitude of challenges: an underdeveloped comedy scene, criticism from other comics, strained personal relationships, lingering racial tension, and a shocking family tragedy. They combine to form a crisis that threatens not just the success of the show, but Trevor’s dreams of lifting himself and the South African comedy scene to the global stage.

Post-Screening Skype Q&A with Director David Meyer to follow screening.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5PZcU9VE2k

https://www.facebook.com/events/430901767001244

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/17367/event/361836

African Film Festival Inc, Doc Watchers', and Maysles Cinema Presents: Rasta: A Soul's Journey

Friday, May 3rd, 7:30pm

Rasta: A Soul’s Journey

Stuart Samuels, 2011, 93 min, Canada

Rasta: A Soul's Journey tells the story of the journey of Rita and Bob Marley's granddaughter, Donisha Prendergast, to eight (8) countries around the world to explore the roots and evolution of Rastafari. Her journey takes her to places where her grandfather's captivating performances and his message are still fondly remembered. The documentary boasts an uplifting and inspiring reggae soundtrack that features established as well as emerging contemporary, reggae stars such as Humble, Matisyahu and Damian Marley. This exciting mix of travel, music and culture packs a powerful punch that will appeal to audiences around the world.

Post-Screening Q&A with director/granddaughter of legendary artist Bob Marley, Donisha Prendergast.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VAWQt329n0U

https://www.facebook.com/events/430901767001244

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/17367/event/361824

African Film Festival Inc, Doc Watchers' Inc, and Maysles Cinema Present: Five Days of African Docs

Thursday, May 2nd, 7:30pm

Uprising

Fredrik Stanton, 2012, 85 min, Egypt

Produced by an Academy Award-winning team including the Executive Producer of Taxi to the Dark Side and the Editor of Inside Job, Uprising tells the inside story of the Egyptian revolution from the perspective of its principal leaders and organizers, including four Nobel Peace Prize nominees. Their success in forcing the downfall of a brutal dictatorship has changed the face of the Middle East and provided hope for millions of oppressed people across the world. Above all, it is a story of profound hope, and of courage rewarded.

Post-Screening Q&A with Director Fredrik Stanton followed by reception.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-zI-HefD3M

https://www.facebook.com/events/430901767001244/?context=create

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/17367/event/361821

Triggering Wounds

Wednesday May 1st, 7:30pm, Thursday May 2nd - Friday May 3rd, 5:00pm

Triggering Wounds

2013, 15 min.

Directed and produced by students in The Maysles Institute Teen Producers Academy, and their production company No Straight Media, in partnership with Harlem Hospital Center and The New York County District Attorney’s Office.

Triggering Wounds tells the moving real-life story of a young man from Harlem coming to terms with the impact of gun violence on his life and his community. Scenes with families, emergency responders, community leaders, and law enforcement interweave in this documentary film to provide an intimate portrait of a community struggling to understand, heal, and transform in the face of this devastating violence.

Nominated for Best Documentary, 2013 Tribeca Film Festival’s “Our City, My Story” Youth Showcase

Triggering Wounds Website: http://mayslesinstitute.org/triggeringwounds/
 

Triggering Wounds Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1_Wn_JCyGw&feature=player_embedded

The Maysles Cinema run of Triggering Wounds will be preceded by a short film titled Bullets in Hood: A Bed-Stuy Story.

Bullets in the Hood: A Bed-Stuy Story

Terrence Fisher and Daniel Howard, 2005, 22 min.  

Terrence Fisher, a teen living in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, had seven of his friends shot and killed by a gun violence. What could Terrence do to stop gun violence in Bed-Stuy before losing another friend, or his own life? Terrence and a fellow teen filmmaker, Daniel Howard, picked up a camera to tell the story about gun violence in Bed-Stuy.  A few months into the production, Terrence lost another friend. This time, Timothy Stansbury who was his best friend from elementary school, was shot and killed by a police officer right in front of Terrence.  This film follows their journey to pay tribute to Timothy so that this story can spread to the world outside of Bed-Stuy.

Bullets in the Hood Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4ZWX6Zn3vA

Post-Screening Panel Breakdown

Wednesday, May 1st, 7:30pm -- "Guns, Masculinity and Violence" with Triggering Wounds filmmakers, Dorothy Payne (Harlem Mothers Save), Operation Harlem SNUG, Darnell Moore (writer and activist), Daniel José Older (writer and organizer), and moderated by Andrea Plaid (Racialicious.com).

Thursday May 2nd, 5:00pm -- "How Do We Get There: Creating Solutions (Part 1)” with Triggering Wounds filmmakers, Lillian Ranson (Harlem Mothers Save), Operation Harlem SNUG, Esther Armah (playwright and WBAI radio host), Nellie Hester Bailey (organizer and radio host), and moderated by King Righteous (Universal Zulu Nation).

Friday May 3rd, 5:00pm -- "How Do We Get There: Creating Solutions (Part 2)” with Triggering Wounds filmmakers, Denise Paul (Harlem Mothers Save), Akiba Solomon (Colorlines), Sonia Balaram (Harlem Community Justice Center), Marlon Peterson (S.O.S. Crown Heights, Associate Director), W. Franc Perry (Family Court Judge)  and moderated by Christine Peng (Education Director).

For information about the film contact education@mayslesinstitute.org

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/363540

https://www.facebook.com/events/598350213511350/?fref=ts

Triggering Wounds Website: http://mayslesinstitute.org/triggeringwounds/

Triggering Wounds

Friday, April 26th, 7:00pm (Premiere at Harlem Hospital)

Saturday, April 27th, 7:30pm (Maysles Cinema)

Sunday, April 28th, 2:00pm (Maysles Cinema)

Monday, April 29th - Wednesday May 1st, 7:30pm (Maysles Cinema)

Thursday May 2nd - Friday May 3rd, 5:00pm (Maysles Cinema)

Triggering Wounds

2013, 15 min.

Directed and produced by students in The Maysles Institute Teen Producers Academy, and their production company No Straight Media, in partnership with Harlem Hospital Center and The New York County District Attorney’s Office.

Triggering Wounds tells the moving real-life story of a young man from Harlem coming to terms with the impact of gun violence on his life and his community. Scenes with families, emergency responders, community leaders, and law enforcement interweave in this documentary film to provide an intimate portrait of a community struggling to understand, heal, and transform in the face of this devastating violence.

***WINNER***

Best Documentary, 2013 Tribeca Film Festival’s “Our City, My Story” Youth Showcase

Triggering Wounds Website: http://mayslesinstitute.org/triggeringwounds/
 

Triggering Wounds Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1_Wn_JCyGw&feature=player_embedded

The Maysles Cinema run of Triggering Wounds  (Saturday, April 27th- Friday, May 3rd) will be preceded by a short film titled Bullets in Hood: A Bed-Stuy Story.

Bullets in the Hood: A Bed-Stuy Story

Terrence Fisher and Daniel Howard, 2005, 22 min.  

Terrence Fisher, a teen living in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, had seven of his friends shot and killed by a gun violence. What could Terrence do to stop gun violence in Bed-Stuy before losing another friend, or his own life? Terrence and a fellow teen filmmaker, Daniel Howard, picked up a camera to tell the story about gun violence in Bed-Stuy.  A few months into the production, Terrence lost another friend. This time, Timothy Stansbury who was his best friend from elementary school, was shot and killed by a police officer right in front of Terrence.  This film follows their journey to pay tribute to Timothy so that this story can spread to the world outside of Bed-Stuy.

Post-Screening Panel Breakdown For Maysles Cinema Run (April 27th-May 3rd)

Saturday, April 27th, 7:30pm -- "Interrupting Violence: From NY to Chicago” with Triggering Wounds filmmakers, Ms. Patricia Simmonds (Harlem Mothers Save), Ameena Matthews via Skype (Chicago Violence Interrupter), and moderated by Christine Peng (Education Director).

Sunday, April 28th, 2:00pm --"Framing the Story: A Conversation with Filmmakers and Journalists" with Triggering Wounds filmmakers, Ms. Iris Bailey (Harlem Mothers Save), Jaisal Noor (Journalist), Anjanette Levert (The Documentary Forum at CUNY) and moderated by Ashley Farmer (Scholar).

Monday, April 29th, 7:30pm -- "Fists and Guns: Harlem Then & Now” with Triggering Wounds filmmakers, Ms. Otissa Dillard  (Harlem Mothers Save), Cleo Silvers (Community & Labor Organizer), Joseph Jazz Hayden (activist), Bro. Shaka Shakur (People’s Survival Program/Black Souljahz), Annette Dickerson (Center for Constitutional Rights) and moderated by Jessica Green (Cinema Director).

Tuesday, April 30th, 7:30pm -- "Harlem Through a Lens: Representations of Urban Gun Violence” with Triggering Wounds filmmakers, Albert Maysles (filmmaker and Maysles Institute founder), Jamal Joseph (Impact founder and “Panther Baby” author), and Cidra Sebastien (Brotherhood/Sister Sol, Associate Director), Jon Alpert (filmmaker and DCTV founder) and moderated by Jessica Green (Cinema Director).

Wednesday, May 1st, 7:30pm -- "Guns, Masculinity and Violence" with Triggering Wounds filmmakers, Dorothy Payne (Harlem Mothers Save), Operation Harlem SNUG, Darnell Moore (writer and activist), Daniel José Older (writer and organizer), and moderated by Andrea Plaid (Racialicious.com).

Thursday May 2nd, 5:00pm -- "How Do We Get There: Creating Solutions (Part 1)” with Triggering Wounds filmmakers, Lillian Ranson (Harlem Mothers Save), Operation Harlem SNUG, Esther Armah (playwright and WBAI radio host), Nellie Hester Bailey (organizer and radio host), and moderated by King Righteous (Universal Zulu Nation).

Friday May 3rd, 5:00pm -- "How Do We Get There: Creating Solutions (Part 2)” with Triggering Wounds filmmakers, Denise Paul (Harlem Mothers Save), Akiba Solomon (Colorlines), Sonia Balaram (Harlem Community Justice Center), Marlon Peterson (S.O.S. Crown Heights, Associate Director), W. Franc Perry (Family Court Judge)  and moderated by Christine Peng (Education Director).

Premiere

Friday, April 26th, 7:00pm

Harlem Hospital Center Auditorium

506 Lenox Avenue at 135th Street

Admission is free

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/363516

https://www.facebook.com/events/598350213511350/?fref=ts

Triggering Wounds Website: http://mayslesinstitute.org/triggeringwounds/

The Harlem Hospital premiere of Triggering Wounds will include a youth performances (TBA), and be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers, Harlem Mothers Save and Operation Harlem SNUG after the screening.

Week Long International Theatrical Premiere

Saturday, April 27th - Friday, May 3rd

The Maysles Cinema

Suggested donation $10

For information about the film contact education@mayslesinstitute.org

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/363540

https://www.facebook.com/events/598350213511350/?fref=ts

Triggering Wounds Website: http://mayslesinstitute.org/triggeringwounds/