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[title]The Art of Brooklyn Film Festival
Saturday August 4–12, 2012
Seeking to promote Kings County’s cinematic indie cred, the second season of this showcase features 54 independent filmmakers—both first-timers and Hollywood vets—who have lived and worked in the borough. But this rule is relaxed a bit for the opening-night screening: The 1991 flick Out for Justice—in which Steven Seagal plays a Brooklyn cop avenging his partner’s murder—is merely set here. Be sure to slick your hair back and don a mandarin collar for a Seagal look-alike contest. Daily screenings throughout the event are grouped around themes such as documentaries directed by women (Sun 5), an experimental “Film on Canvas” series (Aug 9) and “Brooklyn Laughs” (Aug 10), an evening devoted to comedy. Instead of your normal movie-theater popcorn, a mobile food court provides concessions such as tacos (three for $7) from Big D’s Grub Truck or a kimchi-laden chosun bowl ($8) from Korilla BBQ. The festival culminates with an awards ceremony at Founders Hall, followed by a screening of the winning films (Aug 12 at 1pm). St. Francis College, 180 Remsen St between Clinton and Court Sts, Brooklyn Heights (aobff.org). Times vary; $12, advance $10, all-access pass $45.
Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday August 4–Sunday August 5, 2012
Legend has it that on the fifth day of the fifth moon of the lunar calendar in 278 B.C., the Chinese poet Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River in Hunan province. To prevent evil water spirits from consuming their hero’s body, local fishermen set out onto the river, beating drums and splashing paddles. Centuries later, the rescue mission is commemorated with aquatic races held annually around the globe. New York’s event attracts more than 170 teams and 2,000 participants from across North America to compete for cash and other prizes. Starting at 9am, oarsmen will propel colorful teak vessels carrying drummers onto Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. Heats continue through the day, and performances—including a martial-arts demonstration by Shaolin masters, and traditional lion and dragon dances—will entertain spectators. More than 15 artists will lead workshops in traditional crafts such as calligraphy, rice-doll making and paper-cutting at an arts and crafts tent. If you need a snack, pick up some zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in palm leaves) as well as fare like vegetable lo mein and bubble tea ($5–$8.50) from Tea and Latte Sago. 111th St to Van Wyck Expwy between Flushing Bay and Grand Central Pkwy, Flushing, Queens (718-767-1776, hkdbf-ny.org). 9am–5pm; free. MTA shuttle runs from Mets–Willets Pt station.
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