Proving to be nearly as intrepid as postmen, the Rooftop Films staff, volunteers, and panelists ignored the torrential downpour and flood watch conditions on Saturday and still pulled off a stimulating, fun, and surprisingly packed event. Though the rain started just as the panel was scheduled to, filmlovers came out anyway, waiting patiently while the Rooftop-ers set up inside their rain space, a massive and lovely garage space. Though it started a half hour behind schedule, the panel that I had the opportunity to moderate, “Cinema and Social Justice , was honestly the best I have ever sat on. It was a broad topic, but the panelists (four of the biggest documentary rockstars I can think of — P.O.V. Executive Director Simon Kilmurry, Tribeca Gucci Fund head Ryan Harrington, Katy Chevigny, director of ELECTION DAY and mastermind behind Arts Engine, and filmmaker-activist-non-profit diva Esther Robinson (A WALK INTO THE SEA: DANNY WILLIAMS AND THE WARHOL FACTORY) all brought something new to their microphones, addressing everything from how to define a social justice film, the shifting landscape of funding, and how to react if you despise some of your interview subjects.
For more photos of the event, check out Rooftop Board Member Sarah Palmer’s fine photography here