Coney Island Film Festival #10 Wrap

Bambi the Mermaid performs to the Andrew Sisters at the opening party for the Coney Island film festival.

Once again the opening films and following party was a smashingly entertaining affair that did not disappoint. Sideshows by the Seashore knows the meaning of entertainment. Burlesque, fire eaters, exotic snake handlers, human blockheads...now THAT's a party! You all better go next year!

The winners of the festival have been officially announced, and I am happy to say that I was lucky enough to see quite a few of them. Congratulations to all!

2010 Award Winners
Best Animation - Birth - Signe Baumane
Best Experimental - My Own Private March - Howie Alex
Best Silent Film - Loop-da-Loop and Giuseppe - Jason R. Jaworski
Best Horror Film - Alice Jacobs is Dead - Alex Horwitz
Best Music Video - "This Town" Gambit - Randy Scott Slavin
Best Documentary Short - The Faux Real - Suzanne Hillinger
Best Documentary Feature - Dirty Martini and the New Burlesque - Gary Beeber
Best Short - Flat Love - Andres Sanz
Best Feature - Satan Hates You - James Felix McKenney
Best "Made in Coney Island" - Last Summer at Coney Island - JL Aronson

Also! I just want to let you know that there is more burlesque happening this Thursday and Friday, and it's well worth the trip, they've got thee best in the business in that place!

Click here for the schedule and more details on that and many other events.

So many festivals, so little time!! All happening NOW!

The amazing Angelica performing last night at the Coney Island Film Festival kick off party.

I know, I know, I am talking about the weekend AS it is happening but whatever...F.I.B once again attended the fab kickoff for the Coney Island Film Festival and if the opening films were any indication of what else to come on the programs, it would be worth your while to check the festival out. It goes until Sunday night so there is still time. Get some sun and catch a flick!

Schedule and info here!

So hard to pick what to do because this weekend not only is the film festival happening but the Dumbo Arts Festival and also the Atlantic Antic!

Dumbo Arts festival goes until Sunday. It has all sorts of art and music happenings. The schedule and all info is here.

Atlantic Antic runs the length of Atlantic Avenue from Hicks Street to 4th Avenue. F.I.B tends to hang out around the Last Exit bar where Les Sans Culottes perform every year as they do this year with sets at 2 & 4pm.

"Freddy's Bar" Premiers at Brooklyn Film Festival

Oh man, do I miss Freddy's! F.I.B received this note from Donald O'Finn, manager of the former but soon to rise again Freddy's Bar and Backroom which was taken away via eminent domain a few weeks ago, the missive includes words from the filmmaker who is currently living in Madrid.

“Freddy's Bar” The Documentary by Vicente Rodriguez Ortega premiers at the Brooklyn Film Festival:

Announcement:
I recently received this from Vicente Rodriguez Ortega. A film maker and a much loved Freddy’s late Night regular...
_________
"Dear people,

Most of you know that I made a feature-length documentary on "Freddy's", a bar recently, unfairly and illegally destroyed by eminent domain abuse a couple of weeks ago. It was truly a magical and unique place, I will miss forever and ever. Freddy's was a hub of wonderful people, musicians and lovely weirdos. I only managed to scratch the surface what it was, what it is, what it will be because in many ways it's timeless.

The people at the Brooklyn Film Fest decided to accept it and it will premiere in the festival in the beginning of June. It has been edited down to a stream-lined 1h 38h min. Sadly, I cannot make it to the festival due to my obligations in Madrid but Donald O'Finn, Freddy's manager and a fantastic videoartist, will honor me to introduce the film for me. I hope you can make it to one of the screenings.

Well, just to know that i truly miss all of you.... things are good in madrid but one side of my soul is still in Brooklyn...."

The showtimes are:
Wed June 9th at 7pm - Brooklyn Heights theater- 70 Henry Street
Friday June 11th at 6pm - Indiescreen- 285 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn.

More about the festival at the festival website.