A DIY film festival, no big-budgets allowed

If you tossed out your dreams of cinematic glory along with those dismal bank statements and empty cans of dented bodega beer, it’s time to reclaim some hope. This weekend, the Zero Film Festival returns to New York to showcase the works of 100 percent self-financed filmmakers. Passes ($8 in advance on Saturday/$10 for Sunday) gets you into the screenings, art installations, visual music performances, and free PBR, to bring back the dignity you’ve been squandering on St. Ides.

Screenings begin at the Tribeca Grand in Manhattan (free with RSVP), and will cross the bridge on Saturday to kick off two whole days of feature films, shorts, documentaries, and live music sets. Besides pumping renegade creative vibes all weekend long, it’ll also disprove that prevailing idea that you need a Christopher Nolan-sized budget or a sizable jar marked “Cannes” in order to have your work seen by an audience of more than just your roommate.

Saturday’s event opens at 2pm in Dumbo’s 56 Water St venue, and includes works from several Brooklyn-based directors, a special program on the occupy movement and a live set from DJ Rocket Sam.

The fest concludes Sunday at the Galapagos Art Space with a choice roster of foreign and local films, new work from David Lynch, lo-fi Brooklyn rockers Lavalier, and brain-pleasing visual candies. Damn it feels good to be a zero, again.

RSVP for Friday, Tribeca Grand; Saturday tickets: $8 adv/$10 at door; Sunday tickets: $10 adv/$15 at door

Follow Karina: @karinabthatsme.