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By Matthew Perlman
Brooklyn Daily
From May 30–June 8, the Brooklyn Film Festival will screen 100 different independent films at three cinemas — with selections from all over the globe, including feature-length narratives, animated shorts, and documentaries. With so much going on, deciding what to see can be a daunting and time consuming prospect — so we did all the hard work for you. Here are our picks of the flicks.
“Tonita’s”
A 20-minute documentary about a Purto Rican social club in Williamsburg. The short touches on issues relevant to the changing neighborhood, including cultural clashes and effects of gentrification. It is part of an online initiative to document and preserve the history and culture of Williamsburg’s south side called “Living Los Sures.”
Windmill Studios, June 1 at 7:30 pm, and IndieScreen, June 2 at 10:30 pm. $12.
“I Believe in Unicorns”
This coming-of-age story — about a teenage girl alternating between the harsh reality of caring for her disabled mother and the fantasy life she creates with her powerful imagination — received plenty of praise following its debut at South by Southwest.
IndieScreen, May 30 at 8 pm. $40.
“Who Took Johnny”
A documentary exploring the mystery surrounding Johnny Gosch — a paperboy in Iowa who went out on his morning route 30 years ago, and never returned. He became the first missing child to appear on the side of a milk carton, but the extraordinary efforts made to find him were to no avail.
Windmill Studios, May 31 at 5 pm, and IndieScreen, June 7 at 5:30 pm. $12.
“Up on the Roof”
This 17-minute short from a London filmmaker explores the reaction of a troubled young boy when a girl he likes finds her way in to his secluded personal space on the roof of a building. More importantly, it stars Maisie Williams — better known as Arya Stark from “Game of Thrones.”
Windmill Studios, June 3 at 10 pm, and IndieScreen, June 5 at 10:30 pm. $12.
The Brooklyn Film Festival at Windmill Studios [287 Kent Ave. between S. First and S. Second streets in Williamsburg, (718) 384–7300, www.brooklynfilmfestival.org] and IndieScreen [289 Kent Ave. between S. First and S. Second streets in Williamsburg, (347) 227–8030]. May 30–June 8.