Friday, July 28, 2017

Pink Forest Opens

Austin Street got its second coffee place Friday with the opening of Pink Forest. I dropped in today and found it to be a great addition to the neighborhood. It's a charming new coffee spot, with an Asian flair, representing the increasing influence of this demographic group on our neighborhood. I figured what better time to have my very first JianBing, the Chinese breakfast sandwich I have been hearing so much about? And I was not disappointed. It was downright excellent and I can't wait to have my next one at our new coffee and tea spot. And eatery, by the way. The place also serves bagels, which looked mighty fine as well.

As for the coffee, I also had an iced coffee and thought it was really good.

What's really interesting about Pink Forest is their choice of location. Those of you who have been loyal readers of this blog over the years might remember those early years when I begged for someone to open a nice indie coffee shop, like they had in basically every other NYC neighborhood. Well, first came Red Pipe, and now, pretty much right across the street comes Pink Forest. I hope both flourish. Red Pipe gets mighty crowded at times, and now we have an interesting new complement to it right nearby.







Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Queens Bully - A Tremendous Accomplishment

It's incredible to think that it was only back in March when we first heard of the plans for Queens Bully - a new BBQ restaurant planned for Queens Blvd., where the former Baluchi's Indian restaurant used to be. Now, just four months later, Queens Bully is a reality, and what an awesome addition to Forest Hills it is!

I went for the first time last night and as I try to focus on my day job this morning, my mind keeps wanting to remind me of those delicious brisket leftovers burning a hole in my fridge, covered in that awesome Queens Bully BBQ sauce.

Yes, Queens Bully was that good - based on my first visit. Unfortunately, however, this can only be a partial review at this time since the place was all out of baby back ribs, to my enormous disappointment. But, living just a few blocks away, no biggie. Hiccups are commonplace with any new restaurant and I always expect them -- I have been to sooo many openings in this neighborhood and every restaurant has had them. I recall waiting over an hour for Banter to give us food when it first opened and today that place is incredible.

In fact, what was most surprising to me about Queens Bully was how little newbie hiccups it seems to have! The main courses -- a brisket platter and a pulled pork sandwich -- came out in 15 minutes, and were absolutely delicious. The service was exceedingly professional and excellent. The place itself looks amazing. Even the bathroom was spotless.

So, consider this my Review Part 1 of Queens Bully. I will return soon for those ribs, and probably some chicken to boot. Until now, that delectable brisket will have to suffice, and no complaints here!


The place was nice and quiet when I arrived around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, but not for long...




An indulgent and delicious S'mores dessert rounded out a perfect summer BBQ meal


Monday, July 24, 2017

Huge Food News

I'm back from the beach, and while I was gone, in case you missed it, perhaps some of the biggest food news for Austin Street in quite some time...
Along with Tamashii Red, the Tamashii brand also operates Tamashii Ramen in Astoria and Tamashii Blue in Long Island City. They are known for their assortment of specialty ramen dishes.
Read more here:

Popular Japanese Ramen Restaurant Expanding to Forest Hills 

Japanese restaurant chain Tamashii set to open its doors in Forest Hills soon




Sunday, July 16, 2017

Dog Days

I'll leave you with our newest food truck—this was parked on 71st Continental Ave. Sunday—while I head to the beach for the week. Blogging resumes next week! Have a great week!




Saturday, July 8, 2017

New Chinese Restaurant Opening on Austin Street

In former Twist & Smash'd location, near Ascan...
(... and Joe becomes an honorary Edge of the City cub reporter for his contributions today...)


Queens Bully's Menu

(Again, thanks to Joe for the pic!)




Queens Bully Opening to Public July 11th

That first night was a soft opening/friends and family/test run...
(Thanks to Joe for the pic.)


Kew Gardens Festival of Cinema Announces Inaugural Film Lineup

150+ Films and Events at Kew Gardens Cinemas, Queens Museum
and Maple Grove Cemetery, August 4-13, 2017

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Kew Gardens Festival of Cinema, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is proud to announce its first-ever film lineup at the inaugural 10-day event taking place August 4-13 at Kew Gardens Cinemas and Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens, Queens, and at the Queens Museum in nearby Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

From a pool of nearly 400 film submissions, the festival will present over 150 remarkable films from 24 countries, which will compete for awards in the categories of Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary Short, Animation & Experimental Film.

The festival will throw a Kick-Off Party on Friday, Aug. 4 at Austin’s Ale House’s Trackside Cafe by the Long Island Railroad Station in Kew Gardens, beginning at 8:00 p.m., with a plaque dedication ceremony in honor of the late Rodney Dangerfield (who grew up in Kew Gardens), presented by Friends of Maple Grove, and free beer tastings from some of the top breweries in Queens from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The party is free and open to the public, but requires an RSVP and is on first come, first-served basis, by Thursday, Aug. 3.

“After more than a year of planning, Kew Gardens Festival of Cinema is finally here!” said Founder and Executive Director Jayson Simba. “We could not have made this extraordinary event possible without the generosity and support of the residents of Kew Gardens. I would like to give a particular shout out to Maple Grove Cemetery and the Friends of Maple Grove, whose generosity and support has lead to many introductions to officials in the Queens community, not to mention that without them we wouldn’t have a headquarters from which to operate. I’d also like to thank members of the Kew Gardens Civic Association for allowing us to discuss the inner workings of a film festival, something that will be a first in the community. We hope our festival will help this historic hamlet of Queens continue to thrive and prosper both economically and culturally, and plan to keep this tradition going every year hereafter.”

Winners for every category, chosen by the festival’s specially selected jury, will receive a personally engraved unique statuette at the Grand Awards Gala on the final night of the Festival, Sunday, Aug. 13, a ticketed event that will take place on the rooftop penthouse of the world-famous Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The jurors are: Rodney Ferrer, director of the critically acclaimed web series “City of Mercy”; actress Marlene Forte (“Fear the Walking Dead,” “Dallas”); Sam Adelman, assistant editor on “Donnie Brasco,” “Practical Magic” and “Desperately Seeking Susan”; Tassos Rigopoulos, award-winning Forest Hills filmmaker and assistant professor at the Borough of Manhattan Community College; Nicole Tisen, associate producer of the PBS multiple Emmy Award-winning documentary series “POV”; and Allan Knee, writer of “Little Women” on Broadway and the film and stage versions of “Finding Neverland.”

The Opening Feature Film on Saturday, Aug. 5 is the World Premiere of Zachary Raines’ comedy ACCIDENTS, which will be paired with the narrative short A MAN FULL OF TROUBLE directed by Michael Johnston.

The Narrative Feature program includes other World Premieres such as Pierre St-Jacques’s 36 STEPS ON A CURVED ROAD, Manuel Mira’s GÉNERO (GENDER) and Heather Fink’s INSIDE YOU; the North American Premiere of Rankin Hickman’s DARK MERIDIAN; the East Coast Premieres of West Liang’s ALL I WANT, David Ray’s GRAND UNIFIED THEORY, Alexander Gutterman and Aboubacar Camara’s IN WINTER and Julia Butler and Daniel Mentz SLIPAWAY; and other New York and Queens premieres. The Closing Feature Film on Saturday, Aug. 12 is the New York Premiere of Francesco Calogero’s SECOND SPRING, paired with the narrative short THIS WAY TO WONDERLAND directed by Zenas Cao.

Among the Documentary Features is the North American Premiere of Susanne Helmer’s MELANIE, the U.S. Premiere of  Eve Lamont’s NEIGHBORHOOD UTOPIA, the New York Premiere of Todd Nilssen’s THE LAST STOP, the Queens Premieres of Sean Kernan’s CROW STORIES and Jessie Auritt’s SUPERGIRL, and other New York and Queens premieres.

Audiences will recognize several stars from the big screen including Timothy Spall (2014 Cannes Film Festival best Actor winner for “Mr. Turner”) in the East Coast Premiere of STANLEY A MAN OF VARIETY, Dee Wallace (“E.T.,” “The Howling,” “Cujo”) in the New York Premiere of RED CHRISTMAS and Campbell Scott (“The Amazing Spider-Man,” “Singles”) in the World Premiere of David McElfresh’s A LOTUS TIL RECKONING.

The festival also presents a number of Queens-made films including the World Premiere of Forest Hills filmmaker Louie Cortes’ GOOD DAY, Kew Gardens Hills resident Jermaine Manigault’s narrative short LANGUAGE IS DEAD, the feature NOWHERE, MICHIGAN by Robert Vornkahl of Woodhaven, the short CHOICES by Rick Hamilton of Long Island City, and several others.

The Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows Corona Park will play host to specially selected programming, free to the public (with RSVP), featuring selected films and discussions. On Sunday, Aug. 6 at 2:00 p.m., there will be a Special Presentation of James Solomon’s THE WITNESS, the acclaimed documentary that unravels a myth about the purported 38 witnesses who watched Kitty Genovese being murdered in Kew Gardens. The film will be followed by a discussion with Solomon and guests.

On Thursday, Aug. 10 at 4:00 p.m. there will be a Special Presentation of Joe Minion’s TRAFFICKING, an indie film made in the 1990s, but never shown publicly till now. Perhaps best known for writing the Martin Scorsese film "After Hours,” Minion will be on hand after the screening for an in-depth discussion.

Then at sundown that evening, there will be a Special Outdoor Screening on the lawn behind the Queens Museum and in front of the Unisphere, of Adam Irving’s OFF THE RAILS, the story of Queens’ own Darius McCollum, a man with Asperger’s syndrome imprisoned for his love of the New York City transit system.

Beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug.12 at Maple Grove Cemetery's The Center, the festival will present three one-hour Panel Discussions covering important and relevant topics in today’s independent film industry. These panels will be free and open to the public, and seating will be on a first come, first served basis. The panel topics are:
  • Wonder Women - the challenges and importance of women in independent film.
  • Film Distribution in this modern day and age featuring sponsor Synimatica, and other distribution professionals.
  • Production Resources - making the best of your low budget.

TICKET INFORMATION: Film screening and event tickets and festival passes are now available online at http://www.kewgardensfestivalofcinema.com/shop/. For the screenings at Kew Gardens Cinemas, tickets may also be purchased at the box office starting Aug. 4.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
5 Burro Cafe, Ateaz Organic Coffee & Tea, Austin’s Ale House, BlogTalkRadio, Bright Baum, Comfort Inn & Suites Kew Gardens, Fractured Atlas, Genera, IndiePix Films, InkTip, Maple Grove Cemetery, Marriott New York Laguardia Airport, Print House NYC, Queens Museum, Shake Shack, Simple DCP, Soundview Media Partners, Synimatica, Videomaker, The Village Voice, WriterDuet, Yelp.

PROGRAM DETAILS BELOW:
For complete program and schedule information, visit:

OPENING FEATURE FILM:

Saturday, Aug. 5 at 8:30 p.m. at Kew Gardens Cinemas (Preceded by Red Carpet at 7:45 p.m.)
ACCIDENTS, Dir.  Zachary Raines, 76 min., USA - World Premiere
Here is a realistic comedy about the healing power of stupid ideas. It follows James, a 17-year-old who has never known his father. He lives upstate with his mother Kate and her boyfriend Nick (Jesse Wakeman of “Donald Cried”). Hoping to strengthen their bond, Nick secretly takes James to NYC to meet his father. When this ill-conceived scheme goes awry, James flees to wander the city alone, pursued by two flawed father-figures. Watching this film, one we’re proud to have as our Opening Feature, you’ll feel like you’re with real people who are trying to make the best of an awkward situation….or two.

CLOSING FEATURE FILM:

Saturday, Aug. 12 at 8:30 p.m. at Kew Gardens Cinemas (Preceded by Red Carpet at 8:00 p.m.)
SECOND SPRING, Dir. Francesco Calogero, 107 min., Italy - New York Premiere
Our Closing Night feature is an Italian film that takes us through a year and a half with a drama of emotional and visual riches. While looking for new tenants for his seaside villa, Andrea, a 50-year-old architect, meets Rosanna, a newly 40-year-old anesthesiologist at the local hospital who is married to aspiring writer Riccardo, ten years younger than her. During an eventful New Year's Eve, Andrea introduces Riccardo to a Maghreb restaurant owner - who is interested in restoring an attic apartment - and his lovely sister Hikma. As the seasons change, Andrea discovers that Hikma is pregnant with Riccardo's child, while she's struggling with her old-fashioned brother's mentality. He offers to help the couple and let them stay with him in his villa. Teaching him how to care for his garden, the young Hikma reminds Andrea of his wife Sofia, who passed away right there four years earlier, in unclear circumstances.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AT THE QUEENS MUSEUM:

OFF THE RAILS, Dir. Adam Irving, 89 min., USA/Canada - Queens Premiere
Arguably the best-trained driver New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) ever had, Darius McCollum has spent nearly half his life in jail for the crime of driving buses and trains. The problem: McCollum was never an MTA employee. He was taught the ins and outs of the subway system from childhood by transit workers who adopted him as a “mascot.” By age 8, he memorized the entire subway system. And then a life-devouring obsession born of undiagnosed Asperger’s syndrome took over.

TRAFFICKING, Dir. Joe Minion, 107 min., USA - World Premiere
A Los Angeles private eye is hired by a paranoid client to investigate an eccentric woman whom he's convinced means him harm. As he gets to know the woman the detective blows his cover, which leads him down the rabbit hole of his own troubled psyche.

THE WITNESS, Dir. James Solomon, 89 min., USA
The name Kitty Genovese became synonymous with bystander apathy after The New York Times reported that 38 witnesses watched her being murdered – and did nothing to help. THE WITNESS follows her brother Bill’s search for the truth. In the process, he unravels a myth that transformed his life, condemned a city, and defined an era. THE WITNESS debunks one of America’s most chilling crime stories as a brother reclaims his sister’s forgotten life from her infamous death.

NARRATIVE FEATURES:

36 STEPS ON A CURVED ROAD, Dir. Pierre St-Jacques, 83 min., USA - World Premiere
A couple in love is a violent thing - I’m going to shape you, and you’re going to shape me. In 36 Steps on a Curved Road, we follow a couple over a 40-year period. While we witness their dreams, their fears and how they navigate each other’s pull, we also notice the older characters’ seduction with rewriting their history, in effect erasing the life of their younger self from their narrative.

ALL I WANT, Dir. West Liang, 89 min., USA - East Coast Premiere
The anxiety of modern love and life among friends in a big city. Mel and Andrew have been married for ten years – in fact, today is their wedding anniversary. To celebrate this special occasion, they’ve invited their family and closest friends to their home for an evening together. Yet, as the night grows, Mel reveals surprising news that will shake those relationships around them forever. One of those films (co-written by director West Liang with Melissa Center, who plays Mel) where you feel like you’re right there at the party with them. It all feels effortlessly natural, and the acting is strong.

DARK MERIDIAN, Dir. Rankin Hickman, 91 min., USA - North American Premiere
A New Orleans detective gets caught up in a fight between two rival criminal factions while on a stake out. To survive the night, he must find a killer on the run and make things right before the killer reaches his other targets. Strong performances and riveting plot developments will have you paying total attention.

GARDAAB (WHIRLPOOL), Dir. Harune Massey, 93 min., Pakistan - Queens Premiere
In a city haunted by unending cycles of violence, turf wars and ethnic/class divisions, an unlikely romance blossoms. Shahbaz, the protégé of a drug lord, meets Parveen, the daughter of a powerful rival clan who has no inkling of the secret that Shahbaz harbors. While Parveen’s marriage is being arranged with the scion of another influential Mafioso, Shahbaz’s patron, Firdous Khan, has a new assignment in mind for him. The lovers are caught in a whirlpool of desire, deceit and obligations in this tense tale set in Karachi, Pakistan.

GÉNERO (GENDER), Dir. Manuel Mira, 80 min., Spain - World Premiere
A man and a woman are in a destructive phase of their very physical relationship. In an extravagant and unconventional way, they decide to start a “game” to transform the ghosts of the past into a possible solution to their problems. Such problems, and the nature of male-female dynamics, are then analyzed by a team of experts interviewed on camera in the film’s final third. A strong, sultry and ultimately analytical film from Spain.

GOOD DAY, Dir. Louie Cortes, 93 min., USA - World Premiere
Good Day follows the lives of six NYC-based twenty-somethings on Halloween night as their paths cross on the way to a costume party. As they face rejection, neglect, anticipation and loss, they begin to wonder if the scariest part about Halloween is real life. Fun performances by all involved.

GRAND UNIFIED THEORY, Dir. David Ray, 101 min., Canada - East Coast Premiere
During one fateful weekend, the family of brilliant astrophysicist Albert James has a complete meltdown, setting in motion a raucous and hilarious series of events that mirror his radical theories of the behavior of the universe. Winning performances and a warm story make this Canadian film a real find. And there’s some insightful TED-talk style science moments from Albert that act as chapters in the satisfying script.

INSIDE YOU, Dir. Heather Fink, 80 min., USA - World Premiere
Stephanie and Ryan have been dating for 5 years but their views on marriage couldn't be more different. After a magical night together, Stephanie and Ryan switch bodies. They navigate the wonders and challenges of the opposite sex while making unexpected discoveries. Eventually they have to figure out how to switch back, while stuck in bodies they don’t know how to use.

IN WINTER, Dir. Alexander Gutterman and Aboubacar Camara, 97 min., USA - East Coast Premiere
Annika is a young woman left alone to deal with her aging and senile grandfather, while also confronted by poverty, isolation and sexual oppression. When Mark, a wealthy, married stranger on his way to a sailing competition visits her bleak lakeside town during the dead of winter, a quiet but intense entanglement develops. Opened and transformed as a result of the affair, Annika faces possibilities normally unavailable to people of her class, while Mark gradually falls into a forlorn, cold solitude. A stately drama of stillness and silences, even with roiling emotions under the surface.

A LOTUS TIL RECKONING, Dir. David McElfresh, 111 min., USA - World Premiere
In this strong drama, a small dinner party takes a bizarre turn after Shelby and her two married friends take an exotic drug and begin to question their respective husbands’ fidelity. After Jessica confronts her husband and Shelby breaks a framed painting finding a letter from her husband's ex-fiance, maybe their paranoia is not simply a result of their altered state. Campbell Scott is featured in the cast as the nearby neighbor who gets a visit from a wandering Shelby mid-party.

NOWHERE, MICHIGAN, Dir. Robert Vornkahl, 107 min., USA - Queens Premiere
David (Tequan Richmond, Emmy-nominated actor from “General Hospital”) is fleeing from a murder with a pair of deadly con-men after him…and is inadvertently toting a bag full of meth and cash with him. He comes to a small, frozen, nowhere town in upper Michigan, where he becomes entangled in a love triangle between pregnant bartender Madison, who longs to get out of Michigan, and chatty, cheerful waitress April, who can barely conceive of a world outside her hometown. David forms a tentative friendship with his grumpy ice-fishing neighbor, Martin, and finds himself in the middle of a do-it-yourself meth ring with the local drug dealer, Erin. In time, David feels at home for a moment in this “nowhere,” until a wrong move tips off the deadly con-men to his location. David must choose between running for his life again, or trying to save the local people he has come to love.

ONE BUCK, Dir. Fabien Dufils, 87 min., USA - New York Premiere
Shifting from one pocket to another, from one man’s drama to another, a lowly dollar bill, ONE BUCK takes us on an odyssey through the heart of a forgotten town in Louisiana. We meet Harry who is immersed in a downward spiral brought about by the sudden and violent death of his wife. In its transitions from each hopeless hand to another, this one buck bears witness to a town of all kinds of characters. If money could talk, this gripping drama is what it might report on.

ON THE 7TH DATE, Dir. Chris Goodwin, 82 min., USA - New York Premiere
On the 7th date, Tara and Shawn find that their relationship is going nowhere. Therefore, they decide to come to terms with it and spend their last night together being their true selves and sharing what each of them really wants from another person. But as the evening unravels and things begin spiraling out of control, the two begin to realize that their ideal selves may not be who they imagined. A nicely-shot indie with affecting performances, it will ring familiar to those of us who have hit those relationship crossroads and were unsure which way to go.

PERSONA NON GRATA - THE CHIUNE SUGIHARA STORY, Dir. Cellin Gluck, 139 min., USA - New York Premiere
The incredible true story of a Japanese diplomat, sometimes called the Schindler of Japan, and his life leading up to and after his decision to issue over 2,000 visas to Jewish refugees in Kaunas, Lithuania resulting in saving the lives of over 6,000 people. Seeing how his home country starts to get embroiled in the new world war, along the way he came face to face with the plight of the European Jews as they tried to escape the onslaught of the Nazis and the rapidly advancing German army. Caught between the unbending policies of his country now bound by treaty with Nazi Germany and his awakening moral responsibilities, we follow his life from his early days in Manchuria to his eventual posting in Lithuania and his appointment with destiny, which would forever brand him a hero.

RED CHRISTMAS, Dir. Craig Anderson, 82 min., Australia - New York Premiere
Christmas day becomes a hellish homecoming in this unusual Australian horror/comedy gorefest that marks the big-screen return of genre icon Dee Wallace (THE HOWLING, E.T., THE HILLS HAVE EYES.)  An exploitation film with heart and guts — of both the courage and corporeal variety — RED CHRISTMAS takes things to volume eleven on the horror charts. A family gathering that soon unravels in the tradition of films where you predict who will survive in the end.


A SIBLING MYSTERY, Dir. Dan Erickson and Rachel Wortell, 80 min., USA - Queens Premiere
In this quirky indie NYC comedy-mystery, a brother (co-writer and co-director Dan Erickson) and sister that are apartment-sitting become consumed with investigating a mysterious woman they suspect has stolen their winning lottery ticket, endangering their summer party plans.  Will the ticket be retrieved? Will the party be held after all? Will the owner of the apartment find out? Come along and find out!

SLIPAWAY, Dir. Julia Butler and Daniel Mentz, 88 min., USA - East Coast Premiere
Neglected by her family, Fall, an eclectic elder with good intentions but extreme measures, finds little companionship in our hyper-busy world. When she comes across Adam, a young street musician selling his keyboard, she buys it on a whim under the pretense of wanting to learn piano. Suspicious and wary, Adam agrees to teach her and quickly finds himself captured in an unsteady home with one feisty lady.

STANLEY A MAN OF VARIETY, Dir. Stephen Cookson, 82 min., United Kingdom - East Coast Premiere
Stanley finds himself in prison for a crime that he believes that he didn’t commit. After many years in solitary confinement he begins to talk to his comedy heroes from the past as each one tries to help him remember what he’s done. Award-winning actor Timothy Spall, who co-wrote the film with director Stephen Cookson, inhabits a plethora of personalities in this visually inventive film.

WASH UP, Dir. Andrew Frade, 85 min., Canada - New York Premiere
Mason O'Brien is a failed first round NHL pick who returns to his small town childhood home during the hockey season. While hiding the true reason he is home, Mason is finally forced to confront the idea that his hockey playing days may be over. Come out of the August heat and chill out with this  warm Canadian wintertime comedy/drama.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES:

A BRIDGE BETWEEN TWO WORLDS, Dir. Pascal Gélinas, 51 min., Canada - New York Premiere
A BRIDGE BETWEEN TWO WORLDS relates how Muslim and Catholic farmers, on the Island of Flores, Indonesia, overcome poverty and enhance their environment with the support of North American and European families. This astonishing chain of solidarity was initiated by Gilles Raymond, a Canadian volunteer from Québec who has forged deep bonds in Flores over the past 15 years. This engaging adventure builds a living bridge between our two hemispheres, at a time when foreign aid is too often being questioned.

CROW STORIES, Dir. Sean Kernan, 79 min., USA -  Queens Premiere
Photographer Sean Kernan was invited to the Crow Reservation to spend a week. After six years he left with this beautifully cinematic film about buffalo hunts, building a sweat lodge, about dancing customs, traditions and innovations, about the expanse of the land and the life that is lived there.   With text and visuals, you really get to know the Crow people, and hopefully you’ll step out of the Kew Gardens theater forgetting that you’re not out West.

HODA’S STORY, Dir. Johan  Eriksson, 58 min., Israel - New York Premiere
Twelve years in the life of a girl in Gaza who was blinded by a bullet. On March 1, 2003, 12-year-old Hoda Darwish is hit in the head by a bullet while sitting at her desk in an elementary school in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip. Hoda miraculously survives, but she wakes up from her coma asking when daylight comes. How she discovers her willpower to continue on will move the viewer.

THE LAST STOP, Dir. Todd Nilssen, 122 min., USA - New York Premiere
The Élan School was the last stop. Set deep in the woods of Maine, Élan delivered controversial tough love therapy to troubled teens. It was a meat grinder of raw emotion and harsh discipline. Some say it sold hope, while others say it sold hell. This well-researched documentary uses footage from past documentaries and press accounts, and recent interviews of those who went through the program when they were younger, to paint a comprehensive look at a controversial institution.

LOST & FOUND; ROAD TO OUR FATHERS, Dir. Brett Meyer, 60 min., USA - East Coast Premiere
Two friends who recently lost their fathers embark on a journey with their friend who is traveling to meet his biological father for the first time at the age of thirty-three. A heartbreaking and heart mending story filled with loss, love, laughter and simply an unforgettable ending.

MELANIE, Dir. Susanne Helmer, 72 min., The Netherlands - North American Premiere
The model on the 1970s cardboard box of an inflatable hair-drying hood looks a little shy; somehow not eager to be a model. This triggers filmmaker Susanne Helmer to start an experiment by guessing how this woman’s picture appeared on this box and what kind of life she led. And then, after searching for the model, to compare these expectations with the real life story. The imaginary, suspected life—partly played by the filmmaker herself—is leading the documentary story and sometimes provides the film with a feeling of playing a game. Fiction and documentary are equally constructs, and with tangible proof (home videos, photos, magazine ads) the line between reality and narrative is a very thin in this humorous and surrealistic film.

NEIGHBORHOOD UTOPIA, Dir. Eve Lamont, 80 min., Canada -  U.S. Premiere
Affectionately known as La Pointe, Pointe-Saint-Charles is a working-class neighborhood in southwest Montreal. Once among the biggest industrial districts in Canada, today it is under attack by real estate developers. With luxury condo towers springing up, residents of La Pointe are being priced out of their own neighborhood in a real estate boom of epic proportions. In this film, we see the community working hard to save their neighborhood, coming together to promote a vision of urban development focused on social housing and community projects. A fabulous story of tenacity and solidarity.

POMONOK DREAMS, Dir. Terry Katz, 60 min., USA
The story of Pomonok, a New York City housing project in Queens, told in the warm and humorous voices of the people who grew up there from the beginning in the 1950s.

SEVEN DAYS IN NEW YORK, Dir. Fredgy Noël, 48 min., USA - Queens Premiere
SEVEN DAYS IN NEW YORK is a feature documentary that follows the lives of seven charismatic New Yorkers in their daily routines. The film mirrors the days of the week with each subject chronicled on a separate day. Shot in an observational, cinema verité style, with an original jazz score, the film records the subjects of the film with intimate portraits that depict issues of aging, identity, gentrification and urban planning in a modern day New York City—with each subject bringing a signature blend of perseverance, wit and grit.

SUPERGIRL, Dir. Jessie Auritt, 80 min,  USA - Queens Premiere
When a nine-year-old girl breaks a powerlifting world record, she turns into an international phenomenon and “Supergirl” is born. Naomi Kutin seems like a typical Orthodox Jewish pre-teen, until her extraordinary talent transforms the lives of her family and thrusts her into news headlines. SUPERGIRL follows Naomi’s unique coming-of-age story as she fights to hold on to her title while navigating the perils of adolescence—from strict religious obligations to cyber-bullying, and health issues, which could jeopardize her future in powerlifting. Can she still be “Supergirl” if she can no longer break world records? With a passionate family supporting her each step of the way, Naomi must learn to accept herself and discover she is as strong inside as she is outside.

NARRATIVE SHORTS:

555-SEXY, Dir. David B. Jacobs, 16 min., USA
ADAM, Dir. Min Ding, 8 min., USA
ANTOINE, Dir. Cyrus Neshvad, 11 min., Luxembourg
BACKSTAGE, Dir. Zack Graham, 6 min., USA
BANALIDADES, Dir. Rafael de Andrade, 10 min., Brazil
BATH SALT, Dir. Nadyja von Ebers, 16 min., USA
BENEATH THE LAKE, Dir. Eric Roache, 13 min., USA
THE BLOOD IN OUR VEINS, Dir. Mateo Marquez, 18 min, USA
BORN AGAIN, Dir. Jason Tostevin, 7 min., USA
BREAKTHROUGH, Dir. Kyle Bahl, 12 min., USA
BUMPER, Dir. Neil Mitchell, 8 min, USA
CHATEAU SAUVIGNON: TERROIR, Dir. David E. Munz-Maire, 13 min., USA
CHOCOLATES, Dir. Mike Cattelona, 9 min., USA
CHOICES, Dir. Rick Hamilton, 9 min., USA
CLAIRE & BRUNO, A STORY OF LOVE AND FRESH MEAT, Dir. Lionel Delebarre, 23 min., France
COMPOST, Dir. Jamie Hughes, 19 min., United Kingdom
CONVERSATIONS ON COLD COFFEE, Dir. Diana Baron, 6 min., Israel
DANNI, Dir. Peter Jensen, 25 min., USA
DARK TOWN, Dir. Asad k.M., 8 min., United Kingdom
DEADBEAT, Dir. Jesse R. Tendler, 14 min., USA
DEAR ANIMA, Dir. Robin Lu Shieh, 7 min., Taiwan
THE DOUBLE CROSS, Dir. Mark Brocking, 17 min., United Kingdom
FACTORY 91, Dir. Madeline Leshner, 20 min., USA
FILS, Dir. Cyrus Neshvad, 15 min., Luxembourg
FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE, Dir. Rembert Evenepoel, 10 min., Belgium
FRIDGEMANIA, Dir. Emmanuel Dubois, 20 min., France
‘GOES WITHOUT SAYING, Dir. Pierre Sabrou, 12 min., France
THE GOOD MADAM, Dir. Vincent Vitte, 24 min., France
THE GREAT GRIFFIN, Dir. Edwin DeJesus Jr., 34 min., USA
HAPPY HERE IN NEW YORK, Dir. Rodrigo Baumgartner Ayres, 13 min., USA
HAPPY HOUR, Dir. William J. Busby III, 11 min., USA
THE HOBBYIST, Dir. George Vatistas, 9 min., USA
HOOKED - PILOT EXTENDED VERSION, Dir. Luca Vecchi, 24 min., Italy
I LOVE NEW YORK, Dir. Christian Vogeler, 11 min., USA
THE IMMACULATE MISCONCEPTION, Dir. Michael Geoghegan, 25 min., United Kingdom
INCENDIO, Dir. Slater Dixon, 6 min., USA
IT GETS BETTER?, Dir. Stephen Riscica, 11 min., USA
THE JOYOUS FARMER, Dir. Hiran Balasuriya, 15 min., Sri Lanka
LIEBE (LOVE), Dir. Mersiha Husagic, 14 min., Germany
LIGHTAGE, Dir. Guðmundur Garðarsson, 13 min., Iceland
LISTEN, Dir. Sean Boyle, 4 min., United Kingdom
LITTLE BIG MEN, Dir. Tiffany Jackman, 8 min., USA
LOVE SOMEHOW, Dir. Kate Cheeseman, 30 min., United Kingdom
A MAN FULL OF TROUBLE, Dir. Michael Johnston, 20 min., USA
LANGUAGE IS DEAD, Dir. Jermaine Manigault, 18 min., USA
MANNERS OF DYING, Dir. Bo-You Niou, 23 min., USA
MANS BEST, Dir. Seth McTigue, 16 min., USA
MARGARET, Dir. Manan Singh Katohora, 13 min., USA
MARINA, Dir. Harris Gurny, 6 min., USA
MARIACHI MADNESS, Dir. Nadia Zoe, 12 min., USA
MISMATCHED EYES, Dir. Nathaniel Hill, 11 min., United Kingdom
MY LOVER NEVER CAME, Dir. Moe Myat May Zarchi, 17 min., USA
NIGHT OWLS, Dir. Sophie Black, 13 min., United Kingdom
NOT QUITE WHITE, Dir. Cory Censoprano, 14 min., USA
PAN RUDNICKI I SAMOCHODY, Dir. Andrzej Mankowski, 30 min., Poland
POWER OF PRAYER, Dir. Andrew Damon Henriques, 13 min., USA
RADIAL, Dir. Jose Antonio Muela, 20 min., Spain
THE RAVENS, Dir. Jennifer Perrott, 23 min., Australia
REALITY DISORDER, Dir. Gerard Bianco Jr., 31 min., USA
ROCKET MAN, Dir. Jamison LoCascio, 15 min., USA
THE ROOT CELLAR, Dir. Kyle Kleinecke, 15 min., USA
SAILIFORNIA, Dir. Andrea Beluto, 17 min., Italy
THE SCHARTZ TEST, Dir. Josh Yunis, 10 min., USA
THE SECRET OF JOY, Dir. Max Bartoli, 16 min., USA
SHATTERED, Dir. Yeeshai Gross and Matt Scott, 5 min., USA
SIREN, Dir. Frank  Bologna, 9 min., USA
SOMEONE’S HERO, Dir. Amalie Lintrup, 15 min., USA
START ANEW WORLD, Dir. Luiza Pârvu, 23 min., Romania
STOLEN, Dir. Gene Cernilli, 15 min., USA
THE STONE & THE STARS, Dir. Talya Mar, 7 min., USA
THE SUIT, Dir. Dave Conte, 15 min., USA
SURE-FIRE, Dir. Michael Goldburg, 15 min, USA
SYMPOSIUM, Dir. Tom/Keith Grady/Oncale, 19 min., USA
TAKING IN QUINN, Dir. Daniella Turano, 23 min., USA
TASTE TEST, Dir. Masa Gibson, 10 min., USA
THIS MODERN MAN IS BEAT, Dir. Alex Merkin, 17 min., USA
THIS WAY TO WONDERLAND, Dir. Zenas Cao, 12 min., USA
THRUST TO THROAT, Dir. Byungseon Kong, 14 min., South Korea
UNDER WATER, Dir. Bryan Fitzgerald, 14 min., Canada/USA
THE WAVE, Dir. Alicia Rose, 7 min., Australia
WORKPLACE WOES, SCAVENGERS AMONG US, Dir. Michael Pizzano, 14 min., USA

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS:

ALEPH MELBOURNE - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS, Dir. Michael Barnett, 10 min., Australia
ALL OR NOTHING, Dir. Alexander Kaiser Lauritzen, 23 min., Denmark
CHARLIE, Dir. Kadri Koop, 13 min., USA
THE CHOSEN FEW, Dir. Winston Mitchell, 17 min., USA
CONEY ISLAND DREAMING, Dir. vagabond, 9 min., USA
THE FOUNDATION THAT WILL NEVER BREAK, Dir. Zuriel  Ferguson, 5 min., USA
GREEN & YELLOW, Dir. Miquel Galofré, 19 min., Trinidad and Tobago
THE HUA MEI ORCHESTRA, Dir. Adam Engel, 29 min., USA
I’M HERE TO STAY, Dir. Jessie Ewing, 10 min., USA
JAMMIN’ SHANGHAI, Dir. Jiayi Song, 20 min., USA
THE LAST JEW IN THE VILLAGE, Dir. Rufat Asadov, 31 min., Azerbaijan
THE LEGEND OF NAFANUA, Dir. Rulon Wood, 13 min., USA
LIFE, DEATH AND MAPLE GROVE, Dir. Utsab Giri, 26 min., USA
LOOK WHO’S MINDING OUR PLANET, Dir. Sara Lukinson, 13 min., USA
MOM, Dir. Mingi Kim, 8 min., USA
MOTO BORGATORO, Dir. Roberto Serrini, 8 min., USA
OFFICIALLY LIMITED, Dir. John Otterbacher, 37 min., USA
ONE LESS FIGHT, Dir. Jennifer Hahn, 34 min., USA
POSTURE, Dir. Nathan Bender and Daniel Nelson, 26 min, USA
SISYPHUS 2.0, Dir. Luiza Pârvu and Toma Peiu, 7 min., Romania
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, Dir. Sky Richards, 27 min., Mexico
SPHERE OF LIFE, Dir. Rodolfo Juárez, 7 min., Mexico
STREET ART FROM THE HEART, Dir. Guillermo Lithgow, 13 min., USA
VOICES FROM KAW THOO LEI, Dir. Martha Gorzycki, 11 min. USA

ANIMATION & EXPERIMENTAL:

BEAT & AFTERBEAT, Dir. Greg Condon, 2 min., USA
CHASM, Dir. Erika Tai, 6 min., USA
ENSEMBLESPIEL, Dir. Paul Krist, 2 min., USA
DANCING DAY, Dir. Tytus Bergstrom, 4 min., USA
ÍCARO, Dir. Carla  Shah, 11 min., Brazil
IMAGINARY NOVELS VOLUME 1, Dir. Nancy Gifford, 9 min., USA
JENNY GOT FAMOUS: LONELIEST HOUR, Dir. Karl Dixon, 4 min., United Kingdom
ONE WAY TOWN, Dir. Eli Ayres, 22 min., USA
OPORAVAK, Dir. Charlie Tweed, 4 min., United Kingdom
PARALLEL DREAMS, Dir. Aleksandar Kostic, 7 min., USA
THE PITS, Dir. Mike Hayhurst, 3 min, USA
SKY PACERS, Dir. Harvey Goldman and Jing Wang, 8 min., USA
STREETWRITE, Dir. Blanche Baker, 23 min., USA
STYX, Dir. Kyra Slawski, 2 min., USA
XING, Dir. Rosa Costanza, 11 min., USA
YOU GOT A PROBLEM, Dir. Charles Mandracchia, 8 min., USA

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About the Queens Museum:

The Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows Corona Park features contemporary art, events of hyperlocal and international impact, and educational programs reflecting the diversity of Queens and New York City. Changing exhibitions present the work of emerging and established artists, both local and global, that often explore contemporary social issues, as well as the rich history of its site. In November 2013, the Museum reopened with an expanded footprint of 105,000 square feet, a soaring skylit atrium, a suite of daylight galleries, nine artist studios, and flexible event space. The Museum works outside its walls through engagement initiatives ranging from multilingual outreach and educational opportunities for adult immigrants, to a plethora of community led art and activism projects. The Museum's educational programming connects with schoolchildren, teens, families, seniors as well as those individuals with physical and mental disabilities. The Queens Museum is located on property owned in full by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Visit queensmuseum.org. Follow us at @QueensMuseum