Rooftop Films

by MovieMaker Staff | Published November 6, 2006

Just as in real estate, moviemaking is all about location, location, locationâ€”in terms of where you shoot and where you show. No group takes the aesthetic value of a screeningâ€™s surroundings more seriously than the folks at Rooftop Films.

Founded in the summer of 1997 as a way to screen little-seen movies, Rooftop has grown into a full-fledged moviemaking collective, offering touring events, moviemaker grants and equipment rentals. But, of course, screenings are still the main attractionâ€”on rooftops from Manhattan to Montreal.

â€œAt Rooftop, by literally bringing the underground outside, we relax the atmosphere of the screening and engage a much broader public than many festivals,â€ says Mark Elijah Rosenberg, Rooftop Filmsâ€™ artistic director. “It’s more populist, and in this way we can introduce people to films and types of film they wouldn’t otherwise see.â€

On November 9^th, Rooftop Films will hold a special event at St. Bartholomewâ€™s Church in Manhattan, with a screening of Paul Festaâ€™s documentary, Apparition of the Eternal Church, a live organ performance and a Q&A with the moviemaker. â€œI think the really cool thing about this event is that the film is visually rather simple, but it will be presented in this truly gorgeous, elaborate cathedral,â€ says Rosenberg of the venue. Though the event will be an indoor one, Rosenberg promises a unique experience nonetheless. â€œEven when we’re indoors, at Rooftop Films we look to create a dynamic synergy between the film, the space, the artist, the audience. Our presentation of a film is always unique and exciting.â€

For more information, visit www.rooftopfilms.com.