New York City is undoubtedly the hub for independent cinema. With countless theatres and festivals at your constant disposal, why not take advantage of what the city has to offer? The NSFP is thrilled to announce our new monthly series where we highlight five independent films you should keep an eye out for. In addition, don’t forget to check out the slate for The New York Film Festival in motion until October 16.
1. 13th
Debuting at the New York Film Festival on September 30th, 13th is director Ava DuVernay’s chronicling of how the 13th Amendment provided our country with the space to create systemic racism through mass incarceration. DuVernay’s impressive resume of past work like Selma (2014), and This is the Life (2008) will surely lend itself to success in this film.
“13th” opens at the New York Film Festival and is available on Netflix October 7th.
2. Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise
We all love Maya Angelou, and if you don’t, you should probably go see this film to get the memo. This documentary is a remarkable tribute to Angelou, chronicling her life and work through intimate interviews with friends and her own written words. From growing up in the segregated South, to working with Malcolm X and President Bill Clinton, to publishing a huge collection of her own writing which includes plays, autobiographies, and, of course, poetry — Angelou’s life is captured and celebrated through the lens of this film. Directed by Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack, the film premieres at the Bushwick Film Festival on October 1st at 5:10pm.
Theatrical release of Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise opens October 14th.
3. Christine
In Antonio Campos’ new thriller, Christine Chubbuck, the protagonist of the namesake film, faces the classic dilemma of blurred professional and personal boundaries. When her mundane and superficial work at a Florida news station begins to nag at her conscience, Chubbuck takes matters into her own hands. Her spiraling temperament is said to be captivating. The film is based on a true story and is sure to leave you reeling.
Christine opens October 14th at Film Forum.
4. Danny Says
Danny Fields is the notorious manager behind some of the biggest bands of the ’60s and ’70s and now has a biography to prove it. After dropping out of Harvard and moving to New York, Fields’ life was filled with big names and crazy times. A close friend to Andy Warhol and his crew, Fields spent countless nights at the Silver Factory and began meeting and promoting punk musicians through his work as a gossip writer and press manager at Elektra Records. Fields’ name has been mentioned for decades throughout pop-culture, from the title of a Ramones’ song to being a catalyst in the break up of the Beatles. Danny Says is the culmination of seven years’ work for director Brendan Toller; his passion for the project shining through the screen.
Danny Says will be playing at IFC until October 12.
5. Hausu
Catch the 1977 Japanese horror thriller by Nobuhiko Obayashi, Hausu, perfect for a Halloween movie night. Seven schoolgirls visit the home of a creepy woman and her cat, setting them up for some tension before their untimely end when the house comes to life. The film is known for its unique use of animation and humor and would definitely be an exciting watch.
Hausu is playing from October 21st-31st at BAM.
Illustration by Alex Gilbeaux