Cityscapes

As a precursor to the Festival and a new part of the program, the 2007 Tribeca Film Fellows were challenged to create the opening of Tribeca Film Institute’s annual youth media screening—Our City, My Story. Armed with cameras and divided into teams of four, the fellows descended on every corner of New York City to capture the spirit of their city on film.

The Fellows spent three weeks travelling to every corner of New York City (from the South Bronx to Staten Island): collecting sounds, images and interviews of people, places and things that define New York to them .

This is what they came up with--Cityscapes shows us their own city and their very own stories.

BLACKOUT, by David S. Dennis

I knew that Blackout (Directed by Jerry LaMothe) was going to be amazing and let me tell you… it was. Upon arriving to the theater late, I was welcomed into the seats in front, the ones that make you feel like you’re under the screen. With that seat, things were off to a bad start but once the movie started, it was so enthralling that I did not mind, in fact I did not realize I was so close to the screen. Jerry LaMothe does a phenomenal job directing an ensemble cast one of whom is the granddaddy of the Blaxsploitation era… Melvin Van Peebles. The story is very simple but profound. It is one of the hottest days in the summer and all of a sudden there is a blackout. Terror, death, and displeasure fill the air on the lightless night. The next morning, the community still hot and bothered is at the brim of knocking each other apart. I will leave it there. I would compare it to Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing because it has that same interracial community on a hot day dealing with a problem vibe.

It is a great movie and a nice topic for community leaders to discuss.

PLANET B-BOY at the Drive-In, by David S. Dennis

Picture yourself sitting in a chair, in an outside theater site filled with hundreds of people. A titanic screen ahead of you with a stage in front of it and flipping men competing for attention from the crowd. Soft rain pellets pinching your face. This is where I was.

My initial impression of Planet B-Boy (Directed by Benson Lee) before watching it was that it was going to be just another hip-hop themed dance movie. But it was not. It was so much more. Basically the film revolves around the art of b-boying, which means to dance “funky”. By this I mean dance from the heart and soul. The main protagonists were dance groups that came from all over the world, who wanted to battle in Germany. The beginning of the film focuses on the history of b-boying and then goes on to the different groups who want to settle the score.

The reason I love this movie so much (since I was jumping in my seat cheering while also trying to bust a move of my own) is that it has a well-constructed formula that informs, entertains, and persuades. It was informative about the whole history of b-boying and where the phenomenon is today. It was comedic in that it showed the interactions between different ethnic groups, cultures, and countries all fighting for one goal. It was persuasive in that it inspires me to get up and start b-boying and shows me what a rich and fascinating history the hip-hop culture has.

Just go watch this uplifting movie so that you can feel the surge of electricity flowing up your spine which will have you dancing in your seat.

Where God Left His Shoes, by Matt Yaggy

You would think that Christmas Eve would be a time when anyone can catch a break. However, Frank Diaz (John Leguizamo) learns just the opposite in Where God Left His Shoes directed by Salvatore Stabile. Before being able to get an apartment, Diaz needs to find a job by 6:00 P.M. on Christmas eve. Shoes is wonderfully acted and directed.

Throughout the movie Diaz come close to catching many breaks and has the audience rooting for him the whole time. The movie also deals with the tumultuous relationship between Frank and the rest of his family. While they do have their differences, it ultimately comes down to the fact that the family loves each other. Even throughout all the hard times in the shelter and being thrown onto the street, the family stays close. This film may draw some comparisons to The Pursuit of Happyness but they are very different tales. Shoes is able to weave a tale of sadness mixed with comedy and ultimately leaves you with a profound hope.

Where God Left His Shoes, by Kristy Garcia

This movie was so good. I don't want to give up what it's about, but basically it is about a man and his family, and how they become homeless. It is so moving. I can honestly say that this movie touches the heart. And the best thing about it is that even though the movie is sad, it leaves you with the feeling that the family will be ok. I can honestly say that I fell in love with this movie and that anyone else that sees it will feel the same way.

The 2007 Fellows Tour the Festival

As part of the 2007 Tribeca Film Fellows program, the young filmmakers take a tour of the festival itself—learning all about what it really takes to put a major film festival on.

Tribeca Director of Operations, Mee Lee, took the Fellows on a tour of the "Tribeca Campus". Fellows hung out at the FIP Lounge and learned how a Festival makes sure that all the Filmmakers, Industry and Press that attend a major festival get checked in, sorted out and directed to where they need to be.


Print Traffic & Presentation Manager, Chris Myers, showed the Fellows that a Festival isn't just about watching movies, its about making sure that each print of a film gets to New York, gets to each other their screenings and looks the best it possibly can. Chris showed the Fellows the little-known secrets of the Festival--the revision room, the film and tape stock, and where it's all kept...




Maggie Kim, Programming Manager, talked to the Fellows about how each film is selected... After a year-long process of screening thousands of films and musing over which is meant for the Festival, Maggie tried hard not to reveal too many of the Festival secrets, although the Fellows certainly did try to get her to!

Film Fellow Highlights

Legendary documentarian Albert Maysles dropping in on the 2007 Tribeca Film Fellows to show them his reel and teach them a little bit about Direct Cinema.

All of the 2007 Our City, My Story filmmakers gathering together at AMC 34th Street Theater before the gala screening of their work.

The Film Fellows learning to work together via "human knot" outside Tribeca Cinemas

Pierre Lalumiere Kayitana, Thierry Dushimirimana and Gilbert Ndahayo--three visiting Rwandan filmmakers--spent the day with the Film Fellows, exchanging stories and ideas.

The 2007 Tribeca Film Fellows had a chance to attend the premiere of Angelina Jolie's experimental documentary about the world, A Place in Time . Here they are posing with Angelina Jolie, Wyclef Jean and other members of the cast.

At a special private youth screening held at the SOHO Apple Store, students screened the TFF '07 documentary Darius Goes West and had the chance to attend a lively Q&A with Darius and six other members of the film crew.

Filmmakers Jerry Lamothe (Blackout) and Oscar nominee Rachel Grady (Boys of Baraka, Jesus Camp), participating in the Listen Up!/TFI panel "Sink or Swim: Filmmakers Tell All About Getting Their First Films Made"

Young filmmakers from NYC mingle with their peers (and with MTV's Gideon Yago!) at the Youth Filmmaker Party at the Kyle Kauffman Gallery (with Gideon Yago)



Each Film Fellow was paired with a professional filmmaker mentor who helped them to develop their original film ideas into pitches. Here are a few shots of the Fellows and mentors working together.

Film Fellow Brian Fernandez chats with a Fordham representative as part of Next Steps: From High School to Higher Ed--an event where the Fellows were able to meet college and university representatives and learn a bit more about what is in store for them.

Breaking In: Careers in the Industry, an event where the Fellows met with producers, studio executives, editors and more to learn about what kinds of careers there are out there in the film world.

Graduation Time!

At the end of a long, busy and exciting month, the Film Fellows are ready to deliver their pitches. After working with their mentors, writing and revising--the 2007 Tribeca Film Fellows finished up their Festival by delivering their pitches to friend, family and mentors in the Tribeca Cinemas Main Dining Room.

Dameon Mills

Wyatt Maker

David Dennis

Jessica Rondon

Meet the 2007 Film Fellows!

Lilibeth Chauca, 17

I’m 17 years old. I took art for the first time in the 6th grade and have never stopped enjoying it. I got involved in film because of my high school – Manhattan Center – and love doing it because it allows me to be creative while also getting out my message to the public.

David Dennis, 16

I attend Art and Design High School where I study filmmaking. I love to draw, write compelling stories, act and direct films.

Eva Duarte, 18

I’m a young, outgoing artist currently attending City-As-School. I enjoy writing, filmmaking and music and in the future hope to contribute to and be successful in the field of my choosing.

James Duarte, 15

Born and raised in the Bronx, I discovered an artistic side to myself at age nine. When I attended the Theater Arts Production Company Middle/High school I learned that I had a passion for filmmaking and I continue to do so in hopes of becoming a successful filmmaker.

Brian Fernandez, 17

Film is what I want to do. Rather than pick up a suitcase I chose to pick up a camera and it’s what I can see myself doing when I’m older.

Kristy Garcia, 17

I attend Jonathan Levin High School where I need to do better. I love film, my passion is editing and my goal is to try and learn something new about it everyday.

Iemi Hernandez-Kim, 16

I currently attend Edward R. Murrow H.S. In the future I hope to use film to change the world, even in a small way.

Wyatt Maker, 16

I’m Wyatt Maker and I think that’s all you need to know. I got to LaGuardia H.S. for the Performing Arts, I love to tell stories and um…I love M&M’s and uh…I have an infinite supply of unlocked potential. Oh yeah, and I can only write two sentences.

Dameon Mills, 19

Presently I attend Edward R. Murrow H.S. My future goals are to receive a degree in media arts, work in the film industry and give back to my community. My goals are to either become a film editor or producer. I feel that having the skills to perform such tasks is essential.

Melissa Murray, 16

I attend the Academy of Mount St. Ursula. To me film is a way of life and has always been a part of mine. I write and direct comedies and love to create new worlds where I get to control the lives of my characters.

Diana Mustafa, 19

I went to school at City-As-Brooklyn. In the future, I would like to direct films and write screenplays.

Steven Ramotar, 16

I attend the High School of Art & Design. Artistic forms of expression have always been a part of my life, whether it’s through painting, clothing, make-up, interior design, film, architecture, etc. I believe that by achieving success in school and preserving my artistic endeavors I can attend a great college and subsequently having a career in the arts.

Jessica Rondon, 16

The school l attend – Jonathan Levin H.S. – has helped me realize who I want to be. It has opened my eyes to a new world and made me realize that I am a leader and that I am meant for greatness and success.

Gustavo Santos, 19

I was brought up on the tip of Washington Heights, I attended George Washington High School, where I followed the right crew—Global Action Project. Artistic in every sense of the word. Can’t draw. Can film, graph, edit, and compose words into dreams.

Isaac Shrem, 17

I attend Midwood High School. I like playing guitar, writing music, songs, poetry, stories and screenplays. I think education is very important, but as an artist often find myself playing guitar instead of doing my homework. I try my best to maintain my 80-85 average, and at the same time try to participate in every art program that interests me.

Alexandra Singer, 18

Living in NY I’ve grown up exposed to different cultures while experiencing life in the diverse neighborhoods of the city. I believe that film is a medium that can bring people from different backgrounds together. Uniting people despite their differences is why I want to continue studying film.

Dominick Susca, 16

I attend the High School of Art and Design. I enjoy art, film and skateboarding. My future goals are to make short films that others can connect with, to influence society and to simply entertain. In high school I’ve made a short documentary – Hey Kid! Do a Kickflip! – which was recently featured in Art & Design’s film festival.

Shiya Trotman, 15

I am a 15 year-old teenager out of Brooklyn, New York. I attend the Urban Assembly School for Law and Justice where I have a 95% GPA. I’m a writer with an imagination to spark Einstein’s weirdest and wildest dreams. I can make a story out of anything. I can direct and plan to take the film industry to a place the world has not ever dreamed of.

Marsha Velez, 16

I’m a very imaginative person and can credit that to my habit of daydreaming. I hope to display my vision to the world and I have no doubt the film industry will help me get there.

Matthew Yaggy, 16

I am a young filmmaker. In my free time I write and make short films with my production team – Ticking Clock Productions.