Walking through New York’s many neighborhoods often feels like a dream. There is something inherently familiar about it even when you are seeing it for the first time. The feeling is less surprising when you realize that literally hundreds of films and tv shows are filmed in the city and outer boroughs each month making it one of the most recognizable cities to visit. This fosters visitors with an instant sense of connection when wandering its streets and locales.
One of our longtime favourite New-Yorkerisms is stumbling across a film set and catching a glimpse of your favourite actor in his element. Many visitors to this town make good use of this resource that lists when and where tv shows or film sets will be filming in the city.
But more than just a glorified film location New York is a city that celebrates film in all its forms. Home of the well-known Tribeca film festival, there are also an abundance of lesser known film festivals exposing the casual movie goer to touching and important films of a smaller budget. It would behoove the discerning art and movie lover to check out some of these less familiar festivals next time they are in town. We’ve broken down what’s showing where each month of the year:
January
Films from makers worldwide that celebrate the diversity and unique treasure that is Jewish life.
February
Winter Film Awards International Film Festival
Film makers from all over the world and across all genres are featured at this seasonal festival.
Yes this is a kids film festival.Kid friendly and focused films from all over the work are celebrated in the heart of Brooklyn.
April
Created by local darling, Robert DeNiro this film festival is probably one of the most well known around the world. Also, don’t be surprised if Bob himself is spotted at a showing or two, he is just a local after all.
Latin focused, this festival screens the best of South America and Latin influenced films.
May
A historic film studio lies snuggled in the diverse and family friendly borough of Queens, NY. Kaufman Studio is home to long standing tv shows and newly showcased films. It is only fitting then that the borough that is home to this incredible (and tourable) studio has its own annual film festival.
July
2018 saw the Asian film scene thrust into the mainstream with the release of Crazy Rich Asians. Discerning viewers would know that the Asian film scene has always been rich. The NYAFF features select films from the breadth of the Asian film world by some of incredible existing and emerging talent. Chill with the film makers at the festival and have a ‘remember when’ story to tell when they make it to the mainstream.
August
Located in Forest Hills Queens this intimate festival showcases independent movies and filmmakers in one of the cities most beloved filming mecca borough’s.
Screenings of festival winners and underexposed and indie movies are the signature of Rooftop’s repertoire. Screenings are scattered all over the city and in past have included some unique locations such as on board a cruise ship, a high school garden and on Governors Island.
September
Now part of the New York Comic Con, a haven for anime, video games and the culture, food and fashion that influence this world loved niche industry.
