The Lower East Side Film Festival kicks off another round of fabulous screenings and fun festivities on Thursday, June 7th. This year, the fest will be taking over the Village East Cinemas (after the closing of their previous home base, the Sunshine Cinema) for a week of events geared toward the neighborhood and of course, underdog filmmakers.
The lineup includes the opening night film, “Getting Naked: A Burlesque Story,” a verité documentary directed by James Lester that delves into the sub-culture of the neo-burlesque scene in New York City – much of which was filmed at The Slipper Room – followed by a live burlesque show at the after party. The screening will fittingly take place in the historic Jaffe Auditorium at Village East.
Other highlights include the New York premiere of “Papillon,” directed by Michael Noer, starring Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) and Rami Malek (Mr. Robot), a story about a safecracker from the Parisian underworld who is framed for murder and condemned to life in the notorious penal colony on Devil’s Island. And a retrospective in time to honor the 10th Anniversary of the Michael Cera film “Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” shot on location at Arlene’s Grocery and around the Lower East Side.
Short film showcase themes include the ever popular “Mind Fuck” night, along with “This is Our Youth,” “Ladies Night,” and an evening of films curated to make you smile, titled, “Good Vibes.”
Tickets always include access to the beer and wine open bar before the screenings and filmmakers are usually in attendance. Jury members this year include actress (and LES native) Rosario Dawson (Kids, He Got Game, Jessica Jones), cinematographer Sam Levy (Ladybird, Frances Ha, Mistress America), Ajay Naidu (Office Space, Friends From College, Blindspot), and Heather Burns (Miss Congeniality, Sneaky Pete, Manchester by the Sea), among others.
For more info and the full lineup, visit their website here.
*Editor’s note: The author of this story, Traven Rice, is a member of the Board of Directors for the Lower East Side Film Festival.
