Reviews

New Directors/New Films 2019 (March 27-April 7)

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The 48th annual edition of ND/NF, curated by The Film Society of Lincoln Center and Manhattan’s Museum of Modern Art, spotlights 35 features and shorts from promising directors worldwide. Senior film critic Kurt Brokaw examines five dramas and documentaries, including Chinonye Chukwa’s Opening Night prison drama, Clemency, premiering in New York just 13 days after California’s governor granted temporary reprieves to over 700 inmates on the state’s death row.

Rendez-Vous With French Cinema — Feb.28-March 10

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Rendez-Vous With French Cinema unreels in Lincoln Center February 28-March 10. The 24th annual edition, co-sponsored by The Film Society of Lincoln Center and UniFrance, presents nearly two dozen new French dramas, most having their US or New York premieres. Senior film critic Kurt Brokaw viewed everything available and selects Invisibles (above), Paul Sanchez Is Back!, and Raising Colors as favorites. Read those reviews here.

New York Jewish Film Festival—January 9-22

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Senior Film Critic Kurt Brokaw offers recommendations from the 28th edition of the New York Jewish Film Festival (32 features, 6 shorts, most US, World, or New York premieres). The festival, which runs from January 9th through the 22nd, is co-sponsored by the Jewish Museum and the Film Society of Lincoln Center. Check through January 22nd for updates!

 

DOC NYC  Film Festival Nov. 8-15

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Senior Film Critic Kurt Brokaw samples the 9th annual edition of American’s largest documentary festival.  Over 300 films–47% directed or co-directed by women–plus shorts, panels and student entries
moved onto 16 downtown Manhattan screens in one jam-packed week.

New York Film Festival Sept. 28-Oct.14

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Senior Film Critic Kurt Brokaw views the entire main slate plus all shorts in the
56th New York Film Festival Sept. 28-Oct.14. Read critic’s choice reviews on
his top favorites which will post in one continuing article over the next three weeks.

Rewind!: Scott Rosenberg and Con Air

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In early August, as part of their “Rewind!” series, the Coolidge Corner Theater in Brighton, MA held a special 35mm screening of the 1997 film Con Air, followed by a Q&A with screenwriter Scott Rosenberg. Like all the special events held by the Coolidge, it was great fun for fans of the movie and a special treat for those coming to Con Air for the first time. The Independent’s Mike Sullivan was at the event and shares this review.

Elsie Fisher as Kaylie in the movie Eigth Grade laying on her bed looking at her computer.

Independent Film Festival Boston 2018 Recap

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Evan Crean reviews his favorites films from this year’s Independent Film Festival Boston (IFFBoston), which ran from April 29 to May 2, 2018 at the Somerville Theatre, The Brattle Theatre, and The Coolidge Corner Theater.

Best of 17th Annual Tribeca Film Festival

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At Tribeca’s 17th annual film festival (April 18-29), 46% of 99 features were directed by women! Senior film critic Kurt Brokaw picks his favorite female-centric dramas and documentaries, plus the best of all 55 shorts.