In just one decade the Bushwick Film Festival has grown from its humble beginnings to boasting an international crowd of attendees and filmmakers. Come celebrate a decade of the BFF with Cutty Sark, the festival’s official spirits sponsor, at more than forty events and screenings.
This weekend’s festival will show works of filmmakers from over 30 different countries and will attract film and entertainment industry leaders from all over the world. Cutty Sark, a whisky named for the fastest clipper ship to travel the seas, is celebrating the spirit of bringing people together with drink specials and pop-up bars at seven BFF venues.
Kweighbaye Kotee founded the festival in 2007 as a way to showcase filmmakers, writers, and actors underrepresented in the mainstream film industry. Even after ten years her mission has remained the same: uncover the best emerging independent filmmakers, writers, and actors in Brooklyn. This year’s directors are a diverse group from all backgrounds. Their films include serious documentaries, from the BLM movement to Native American tribal justice, as well as narrative films covering the whole spectrum of comedy and drama. Among them are a ton of short films that pack as much punch as their full-length counterparts.
Screenings aren’t the only fun to be had. Industry panels will cover everything from the behind-the-scenes of filmmaking to women in film. Make sure to let loose after a day of screenings by attending the afterparties and awards ceremony, and ask your bartenders for a signature Cutty cocktail or Cutty Back special!
Here is your guide to a few places you can enjoy Cutty Sark and the spirit of filmmaking:
House of Yes
2 Wyckoff Avenue, Bushwick
The “Best Venue Ever” is home to aerial shows, circus acts, and cabaret. It’s also the site of Thursday night’s red carpet opening and the world premiere of “In Case of Emergency“. The reception starts at 6:30pm, followed by the movie, and finally the epic opening night party!
Chem Creative
305 Ten Eyck Street, Bushwick
This studio space is normally the birthplace of inspired art, design, and media. But for the BFF it’s being turned into a screening house, panel venue, and, of course, a place to party. Check out Cutty Sark’s pop-up bar at the Saturday and Sunday events.
The Rookery
425 Troutman Street, Bushwick
A Bushwick favorite, the Rookery is a former industrial space with a 16-foot bar and beer garden. For the BFF, it’s home to the Industry Happy Hour, Friday 6pm-10pm, where you’ll rub shoulders with filmmakers and fans alike. Check out their new menu, seasonal cocktail and craft beer list, and don’t forget to ask for a signature Cutty cocktail or Cutty Back to end the night right.
Syndicated Bar Theater Kitchen
40 Bogart Street, Bushwick
Syndicated, Bushwick’s original theater/bar/restaurant, will host the final awards ceremony, where judges will reveal their picks for best films of the whole festival. Come see if your favorites won while also enjoying high-end pub food, craft beer, and specialty cocktails. As a special treat, Cutty Sark will bestow a bottle of their rare, beautiful, and, above all, tasty Tam o’Shanter whisky to the winner of the short film award.
That’s only a small taste of the bars, studios, and venues you’ll find the festival. Check out the full schedule of events, where you’ll find great movies, parties, and sweet deals on Cutty Sark. Tickets to individual films and events as well as weekend passes can be purchased here.