The Art of Brooklyn Film Festival is a unique event that brings Brooklyn’s celebrated film and media makers together with their peers across the country and around the world. The award-winning AoBFF is a filmmaker-focused event, platform and showcase for exciting emerging creators and established voices. We partner with film distributors and media organizations, host world-class talkbacks, create innovative programming for networking and skill building, and screen in state-of-the-art theaters for enthusiastic audiences across Brooklyn.
Founded by working artists in 2011, thirty five festival premieres have gotten theatrical distribution to date — and one became an HBO series. We have held events in nineteen different venues in nine neighborhoods across Brooklyn (so far,) often partnering with local businesses and organizations to reach the widest possible audience.
Our innovative approach to ensure that no single POV dominates the curation process includes working with a different Guest Festival Director every season. And our ethical and transparent submission policy is a model for the industry.
We believe that film festivals exist for filmmakers, not the other way around.
About the festival
OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS:
We have enjoyed strategic partnerships with IFP, New York Women in Film and Television, The NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment, Prime Latino Media, film distributors BOND/360 and IndiePix films, Pratt Institute, ESPN Films, NBC Universal and LiveStream, among others.
OUR SPONSORS:
Our past and current sponsors and funders include: NYSCA, NYC Dept of Cultural Affairs, Investors Foundation, St. Francis College, Pratt Institute, HBO and more.
OUR ETHICAL SUBMISSION POLICY:
HOW WE SCREEN:
OUR PREMIERES:
We prefer to screen premieres, especially for features. It can be hard to decide where to premiere your film and we want to make a strong case for doing it with us. We have a great track record of opening films, garnering them press and industry attention with successful screenings... If ESPN Films trusted us to premiere the theatrical cut of Spike Lee’s 2 Fists Up, maybe you can too? We’re just saying.
THE AoBFF EXPERIENCE:
Founded by working artists in 2011, thirty five festival premieres have gotten theatrical distribution to date — and one became an HBO series. We have held events in nineteen different venues in nine neighborhoods across Brooklyn (so far,) often partnering with local businesses and organizations to reach the widest possible audience.
Our innovative approach to ensure that no single POV dominates the curation process includes working with a different Guest Festival Director every season. And our ethical and transparent submission policy is a model for the industry.
We believe that film festivals exist for filmmakers, not the other way around.
About the festival
- In 2021 we produced our first Hybrid Edition, combining in-person events with digital screenings, workshops and panel discussions. We created over 60 video original videos including filmmaker interviews, award speeches, custom screening trailers, and more.
- In 2020 we produced our first Digital Edition for our 10th Anniversary in response to the pandemic, recreating the festival experience online for filmmakers and audiences all over the world. We also instituted a Revenue Sharing Program, to give a percentage of our net screening profits back to our filmmakers.
- In 2019 we added a new venue - the state of the art auditorium of Sunset Park High School
- In 2018 we hosted a special 25th Anniversary screening of the indie classic "Just Another Girl On The IRT" with director Leslie Harris in attendance
- In 2017 we opened with Kelly Reichhardt's 'Certain Women' and welcomed special guest Neil deGrasse Tyson.
- In 2016, we screened the premiere of the theatrical cut of Spike Lee’s new documentary ‘2 Fists Up’ through a partnership with ESPN Films.
- Our Official Selections Hunter&Game (2015) Lake Nowhere (2015), Lemon (2014), American Bomber (2013), Casual Encounters (2013) and You Bury Your Own (2012) all went on to get distribution.
- Our 2014 Best Animation winner ‘How You Doin’ Boy? Voicemails From Gran’pa’ was sold as a series to HBO Latino.
- We won a Brooklyn Innovation Award for Creative Group of the Year in 2015 for our leading-edge use of technology.
- We welcomed 2,000 guests to the 2016 AoBFF
OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS:
We have enjoyed strategic partnerships with IFP, New York Women in Film and Television, The NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment, Prime Latino Media, film distributors BOND/360 and IndiePix films, Pratt Institute, ESPN Films, NBC Universal and LiveStream, among others.
OUR SPONSORS:
Our past and current sponsors and funders include: NYSCA, NYC Dept of Cultural Affairs, Investors Foundation, St. Francis College, Pratt Institute, HBO and more.
OUR ETHICAL SUBMISSION POLICY:
- We watch every film submitted to us, right up until midnight of our extended deadline. And yes, we have programmed films we received on the last day of submissions!
- Our Film Selection Panel is a diverse group of industry professionals, and we choose a new Guest Festival Director each season, so that the AoBFF doesn’t reflect a single, static point of view.
- Only films that we receive through our submissions process are eligible for festival awards.
HOW WE SCREEN:
- Our main screening space is a 300-seat theater in Downtown Brooklyn. We also screen at a 280-seat auditorium in Bay Ridge, and a state-of-the-art 4K cinema in Clinton Hill, among others.
- We screen online via the Eventive Virtual Festival platform, which provides studio-grade DRM protections for films and seamless integration for live-streamed filmmaker talkbacks and industry workshops.
- Our Technical Director pre-screens every selection in advance, to ensure the best-quality version of your film screens for our audience.
- We only screen from digital files to ensure a high quality screening without the technical pitfalls that can accompany DVDs or Blu-Rays.
- Our projectionists always remain in the theater for every screening.
OUR PREMIERES:
We prefer to screen premieres, especially for features. It can be hard to decide where to premiere your film and we want to make a strong case for doing it with us. We have a great track record of opening films, garnering them press and industry attention with successful screenings... If ESPN Films trusted us to premiere the theatrical cut of Spike Lee’s 2 Fists Up, maybe you can too? We’re just saying.
THE AoBFF EXPERIENCE:
- We create opportunities to connect with your peers and industry at our world-class audience talkbacks, panels for networking and skill building, and of course our beloved Launch Party.
- We are aggressive about promoting our screenings to press and audience: We have over 4,000 Facebook fans and our promoted posts get over 10,000 views each.
- Your film’s festival run is an important part of its long-term marketing plan. We will partner with you to make the most of your AoBFF screening; before, during and after the festival. Premiering with us pays off!
- Our communication skills are legendary; you’ll always be in the loop.
- We produce broadcast quality interviews with AoBFF filmmakers that appear on our streaming platform Brooklyn On Demand (brooklynondemand.com), online and on Roku even after the festival ends.
- Our filmmakers love screening with us! See industry testimonials here
Our Mission
The AoBFF team
CO-FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: JOSEPH SHAHADI
Joseph Shahadi co-founded and has Executive Directed the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival since 2011. He co-developed AoBFF’s streaming channel, Brooklyn on Demand, and the streaming festival IndieBOOM!
Joseph consulted on the first edition of LitFilm, a film festival that focuses on films that celebrate the literary side of filmmaking, at the central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. He was a Judge for the 48 Hour Film Project and guest lectured in the Film Department at St. Francis College in 2018. Joseph was invited to contribute critical essays for Art in Odd Places as a 2017 Thinker-in-Residence. He was formerly the Festival Coordinator for the DUMBO Dance Festival, where he curated and produced DDF’s first ever site-specific works, staged along the Brooklyn waterfront, and served on its Board of Directors.
Joseph holds a Ph.D. in Performance Studies from New York University where he was awarded the Corrigan Doctoral Fellowship and the Performance Studies Award. He is also a practicing, Brooklyn-based interdisciplinary artist, making experimental theater, photographs, video, installations and works on paper. His work appears in several private collections and has been exhibited in New York, regionally in the United States and internationally in Europe.
Joseph Shahadi co-founded and has Executive Directed the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival since 2011. He co-developed AoBFF’s streaming channel, Brooklyn on Demand, and the streaming festival IndieBOOM!
Joseph consulted on the first edition of LitFilm, a film festival that focuses on films that celebrate the literary side of filmmaking, at the central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. He was a Judge for the 48 Hour Film Project and guest lectured in the Film Department at St. Francis College in 2018. Joseph was invited to contribute critical essays for Art in Odd Places as a 2017 Thinker-in-Residence. He was formerly the Festival Coordinator for the DUMBO Dance Festival, where he curated and produced DDF’s first ever site-specific works, staged along the Brooklyn waterfront, and served on its Board of Directors.
Joseph holds a Ph.D. in Performance Studies from New York University where he was awarded the Corrigan Doctoral Fellowship and the Performance Studies Award. He is also a practicing, Brooklyn-based interdisciplinary artist, making experimental theater, photographs, video, installations and works on paper. His work appears in several private collections and has been exhibited in New York, regionally in the United States and internationally in Europe.
CO-FOUNDER/PRODUCING DIRECTOR: ANTHONY DeVITO
A 4th-generation Brooklynite, Anthony DeVito has over 25 years experience in the world of advertising and marketing as an art director, copywriter and creative director, working at some of NYC's top ad agencies on campaigns for television, print, interactive and social media. He co-produces every aspect of AoBFF and creates all branding and promotional efforts for the festival.
Anthony is a SAG-AFTRA actor, writer, and comedian. His recent credits include the feature film BROS, Season 3 of The Morning Show, House of Cards, NBC's The Mysteries of Laura and Blindspot, HBO's Boardwalk Empire, independent films and national commercials. Website
A 4th-generation Brooklynite, Anthony DeVito has over 25 years experience in the world of advertising and marketing as an art director, copywriter and creative director, working at some of NYC's top ad agencies on campaigns for television, print, interactive and social media. He co-produces every aspect of AoBFF and creates all branding and promotional efforts for the festival.
Anthony is a SAG-AFTRA actor, writer, and comedian. His recent credits include the feature film BROS, Season 3 of The Morning Show, House of Cards, NBC's The Mysteries of Laura and Blindspot, HBO's Boardwalk Empire, independent films and national commercials. Website
SCREENPLAY COMPETITION DIRECTOR: GINA LEONE
Gina Leone has written several screenplays and TV pilots. One of her pilots was under consideration at Intrinsic Value Films. She works for screenwriter-producer-director Chris Soth (Firestorm) as his teaching assistant for his mentorship program. She was also a script reader for the popular and prestigious BlueCat Screenplay Competition and currently reads scripts for the Austin Film Festival Coverage Program as well as a second round reader for their annual competition. She is also the former director of Raindance NYC – one of 11 film hubs around the world of the Raindance Film Festival headquartered in London.
Gina Leone has written several screenplays and TV pilots. One of her pilots was under consideration at Intrinsic Value Films. She works for screenwriter-producer-director Chris Soth (Firestorm) as his teaching assistant for his mentorship program. She was also a script reader for the popular and prestigious BlueCat Screenplay Competition and currently reads scripts for the Austin Film Festival Coverage Program as well as a second round reader for their annual competition. She is also the former director of Raindance NYC – one of 11 film hubs around the world of the Raindance Film Festival headquartered in London.
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR/EDITOR: JAKE KING
Jake King has been with the Art of Brooklyn Team since 2013, joining as a volunteer while attending St. Francis College. Jake eventually moved up to tech director in 2018, with responsibilities ranging from running screenings, checking film files for technical specs, to cutting festival promo trailers and filmmaker interviews. Jake also works as a freelance film editor, having edited 4 independent short films, an upcoming feature documentary, and online learning tutorial videos for CUNY Kingsborough. He also writes film reviews, both for The Knockturnal and his own personal blog, @jakekingfilmreviews. Jake is an avid film buff and loves to collaborate with artists to help their stories be told, something he values deeply. Website
Jake King has been with the Art of Brooklyn Team since 2013, joining as a volunteer while attending St. Francis College. Jake eventually moved up to tech director in 2018, with responsibilities ranging from running screenings, checking film files for technical specs, to cutting festival promo trailers and filmmaker interviews. Jake also works as a freelance film editor, having edited 4 independent short films, an upcoming feature documentary, and online learning tutorial videos for CUNY Kingsborough. He also writes film reviews, both for The Knockturnal and his own personal blog, @jakekingfilmreviews. Jake is an avid film buff and loves to collaborate with artists to help their stories be told, something he values deeply. Website
PROGRAM MANAGER: JOHANNY MOTA
Johanny Mota is an award-winning filmmaker based in New York City. She began her career as an actress and appeared in several theater, TV productions and commercials. After feeling discouraged by the lack of roles available to Latinx actors she began writing and creating content. She wrote & produced a ten-episode web series titled "Internet Affairs". In 2016 she co-produced and made her directorial debut with the short film "Cheryl & Denise" which went on to win Best Comedy at the Madrid International Film Festival. Her latest film "Where's Lilli?" which she also stars in, screened at over fifteen film festivals and garnered several awards. Johanny holds a BA from the University of Rhode Island, and an M.F.A. in Writing & Producing for Television from Long Island University. As a writer and producer Johanny aims to tell emotional and relatable stories that represent the Latinx community in a positive light. Website
Johanny Mota is an award-winning filmmaker based in New York City. She began her career as an actress and appeared in several theater, TV productions and commercials. After feeling discouraged by the lack of roles available to Latinx actors she began writing and creating content. She wrote & produced a ten-episode web series titled "Internet Affairs". In 2016 she co-produced and made her directorial debut with the short film "Cheryl & Denise" which went on to win Best Comedy at the Madrid International Film Festival. Her latest film "Where's Lilli?" which she also stars in, screened at over fifteen film festivals and garnered several awards. Johanny holds a BA from the University of Rhode Island, and an M.F.A. in Writing & Producing for Television from Long Island University. As a writer and producer Johanny aims to tell emotional and relatable stories that represent the Latinx community in a positive light. Website
The AoBFF Board
DUSTIN WILLAMS - Board President
Dustin Williams is a Brooklyn-based independent film producer. After graduating from The New York Film Academy in 2007, he created his production company 2x4 Productions LLC, with the goal of becoming a recognized force in the industry. The company produced their first feature film “Second Chance” in 2014 with the film making its world premiere at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood California. The film went on to win multiple awards and was acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. Today, the company has multiple films in different stages of production including “Left with Only Rain” staring Liana Liberato, Jordan Rodrigues, Rumer Willis, and Richard Kind, which will begin sales at the Cannes Film Market in May 2022 as well as the directorial debut of actor David Zayas’ “10-13” which is slated to begin production in 2022.
Dustin Williams is a Brooklyn-based independent film producer. After graduating from The New York Film Academy in 2007, he created his production company 2x4 Productions LLC, with the goal of becoming a recognized force in the industry. The company produced their first feature film “Second Chance” in 2014 with the film making its world premiere at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood California. The film went on to win multiple awards and was acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. Today, the company has multiple films in different stages of production including “Left with Only Rain” staring Liana Liberato, Jordan Rodrigues, Rumer Willis, and Richard Kind, which will begin sales at the Cannes Film Market in May 2022 as well as the directorial debut of actor David Zayas’ “10-13” which is slated to begin production in 2022.
MICHA MAGID
Micha Magid, is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of the fast casual restaurant group Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque which grew from a pop-up in Brooklyn to a brand that now features locations throughout the New York metropolitan area, with an additional outpost in the Middle East. Magid started his career within the mergers and acquisitions department of JPMorgan Chase. While there, the NYU Stern School of Business graduate advised a diverse range of industries with companies operating in media and technology, aerospace and defense, consumer brands and others. He later made the move into investment management, at several hedge funds focusing on value opportunities as well as special situation investment strategies. Magid’s last position in the hedge fund industry was at SuttonBrook Capital Management where he served as a Portfolio Manager. Magid also took on the roles of anchor investor and board member for the New York City-based Bulldog Gin, which achieved rapid success leading to its acquisition by Campari and serves in an advisory role for several startups in the hospitality and technology industries. Magid currently lives in Manhattan with his wife and two kids.
Micha Magid, is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of the fast casual restaurant group Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque which grew from a pop-up in Brooklyn to a brand that now features locations throughout the New York metropolitan area, with an additional outpost in the Middle East. Magid started his career within the mergers and acquisitions department of JPMorgan Chase. While there, the NYU Stern School of Business graduate advised a diverse range of industries with companies operating in media and technology, aerospace and defense, consumer brands and others. He later made the move into investment management, at several hedge funds focusing on value opportunities as well as special situation investment strategies. Magid’s last position in the hedge fund industry was at SuttonBrook Capital Management where he served as a Portfolio Manager. Magid also took on the roles of anchor investor and board member for the New York City-based Bulldog Gin, which achieved rapid success leading to its acquisition by Campari and serves in an advisory role for several startups in the hospitality and technology industries. Magid currently lives in Manhattan with his wife and two kids.
About The Art of Brooklyn
Founded in 2011, The Art of Brooklyn is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization that curates a conversation between the new, Brooklyn-based art community, immigrants, transplants and those born and raised in the borough. We produce the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival, Brooklyn On Demand and IndieBoom Film + Music Festival
