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Sometimes New York City film festivals feel like a generous Oprah has been shouting across the boroughs: “You get a festival! And you get a festival!” And honestly, we’re not mad about it. Any excuse to leave the apartment and mingle with fellow film lovers—without shelling out $50 on popcorn and soda—is a good one. Especially when the programming consistently highlights films and filmmakers flying just under the mainstream radar. (And also, you know, Martin Scorsese.) That’s been the Greenpoint Film Festival’s sweet spot for 14 years and counting.
The 2025 edition runs from Wednesday, August 6 to Sunday, August 10, transforming North Brooklyn into a hub for international storytelling, cinematic risk-taking, and community energy. More than 100 films from around the world are on the schedule, spanning narrative features, documentaries, animation, short films, and immersive XR experiences.
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This year’s opening night selection is Outrider, a kinetic portrait of “fast-talking poet” and activist Anne Waldman, featuring appearances by Patti Smith and Bob Dylan, with Scorsese serving as executive producer. The festival closes with Ravens, a haunting feature film inspired by the work of Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase. Written and directed by Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated Mark Gill, Ravens stars Golden Globe winner Tadanobu Asano (Shōgun) and follows his turbulent marriage and career as his alcoholism and violence gradually lead him down a path of obsession and ruin.
Festivalgoers have a few ticketing options: a $35 Day Pass grants access to that day’s screenings plus free popcorn, while the $125 all-access Green Pass gets you into all five days of programming, plus five cocktails and unlimited popcorn. Screenings will take place at 259 Green Street in the heart of Greenpoint.
The jury for this year’s festival includes art director Diego Quecano, actress, singer and dancer Genevieve Shi, producer Heather DiPietro, director Peter Lee, cinematographer Piero Basso, and producer and Audacity founder Rachel K. Fraser.
In a city overflowing with film fests, the Greenpoint Film Festival stands out for its authenticity, neighborhood roots, and dedication to bold, independent cinema. Plus, heading out for a day in Greenpoint means a reason to hit up Paulie Gee’s.
For a full list of screenings and schedule, visit the Greenpoint Film Festival’s website.