EXHIBITIONS / EVENTS

RAA First Film Festival
 
Saturday - August 1, 2009
7pm -

When the lights go down at Fort Tilden on Saturday August 1st at 7pm, the curtain will go up on the Rockaway Artists Alliance first ever film festival. Showing in the T-7 gallery, the evening will feature short films, running from seven to 30 minutes, directed, produced and written by filmmakers from Rockaway and beyond. Admission is absolutely free, as is parking. Popcorn and beverages will be for sale.

"This is an exciting development for us," said a Rockaway Artists Alliance spokesman. "We've really pushed the boundaries in the past few years, folding in music, the performing arts, and a writers group. And now we've added film!"

From documentary to comedy to music video and drama and even a proposed pilot for the Food Network, the films themselves will run the gamut. Filmmaker Vincent Biscione for instance will not only showcase his own talents but also that of singer/songwriter Michael Benedetto's in "Left Behind Again" and the provocative "Down The Drain".

As a successful cartoonist, painter and graphic artist Robert Sarnoff's works have been commissioned by the United States Postal Service. His films have won awards and have appeared on MSG Network, and will also be shown at the RAA Film Festival. Viewers will look forward to his short and personal film "The Romeows."

Similarly the talents of festival filmmakers Adam Taylor, Kevin Raman, George Daratany, Lenny Burkhardt and Dustin Bowman and others all extend in numerous directions. Having honed their skills through commercial television, website production, music videos and film schools, they now ably write, produce, direct and at times even star in their own efforts. The results explore a wide range of subjects, styles and techniques.

All together it looks like the Rockaway Artists Alliance 1st Film Festival is off to a good start. The RAA invites all to come down and take a look and be a part of something brand new and growing.

RAA also hosts a year round Thursday Open Mike Music Night both in T-7 and on its outdoor stage. Starting at 7:30pm every Thursday musicians, poets, writers, actors, comedians and performers of all kinds may sign up to go on. The show, which starts at 8pm, offers an ever changing line up as well as variety and surprises. Admission is free.

Both RAA's Film Festival and musical events have been successful in large part due to the talent and drive of RAA Board Member Tom Burke.

On August 15 the RAA will also be hosting Music on The Boards, a day of music presented along the Rockaway Boardwalk. An evening music event, presented by RAA and Brooklyn Brewery, will be held in Tribute Park also in the Rockaways.

Extending their creativity to all parts of this showcase, the artists have also been closely involved in work selection and reception planning, and will even be creating the refreshments and part of the musical entertainment.

General gallery hours are Saturday 12-4p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. and by appointment. For more information call (718) 474-0861, e-mail rockart116@aol.com. Each painting class is offered at $15 per session. Materials are included.

Sunday's gallery reception will be followed by a meeting of the RAA Writers Group for 4-6 in sTudio 6. Writers of all genres gather to sha re information and opportunities, and read and discuss their work. All are invited to enjoy the reception and stay for the meeting.

The RAA's general meetings are the second Monday of every month starting at 7:30pm in sTuido 6. All are welcomed.

RAA's next exhibitions will be Wine and Dine and A Color Mix of Quilts and Artwork, which will run from April 18 to May 17 with an opening reception on Sunday April 19. Admission and parking for all exhibitions and events are free.

The Rockaway Artists Alliance works in partnership with the National Park Service at Gateway National Recreation Area and in part is supported by NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, JP Morgan Chase, The Independence Community Foundation and Brooklyn Brewery.

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