Rooftop Films

Great experience.
A highly recommended Brooklyn end of summer experience.
I liked the short film that played before the main film more than the main film, but I also enjoyed the main film.
It was the first time I've seen a movie outside of my own home since February or early March.
I'm really grateful for this experience as I had never been to drive-in movie theater in New York.
The Sunset Park location is beautiful.
We were given free potato chips when we parked.
I had so much fun.

Lovely ! Had a great time and a great view! Bathroom are available and make sure your cars can adjust the radio-channel!!

Though the films are always subject to opinion, the concept of Rooftop Films is utterly brilliant. Sitting a top of the concrete jungle of Brooklyn to view an independent / short film(s) with the backdrop of the urban landscape is a nice alternative to the corporate-run theatre experience. Follow it up with a potential after-party or cocktail hour and an opportunity to socialize with the film's crew, and RF becomes a gateway for a night to remember.

For the most part, the experience is extremely well organized. There is a group of staff members who help keep the crowds moving all the way from check-in to the seat. The layout of the seats is organized as such to where everyone should have a decent view of the screen itself. Depending on the film and makeup of the crowd, most folks are generally quiet and respectful throughout the screening. Acoustics are good and the picture quality is solid for an outdoor viewing.

Of course, this is all possible due to their levels of membership, which ranges from $40 to as much as $250 a year. Every level has different benefits, which include everything from entry status to line priority for summer series movies. It may sound a bit much but it's not a far departure from the regular movie theatres where the prices are slowly creeping up all the time. Attend enough screenings and the deals actually quite solid.

Naturally, there are some pitfalls that folks should be aware of:

* It's outside. When high up, this means it could be really chilly during the night. Bring adequate protection, like a blanket, or another layer to stay warm. You're also at the mercy of the weather. Rainy days, snowy ones, may result in a screening being moved.

Also, sometimes the hipsters will bust out a cig and ignore all rules as if they're Chuck Norris. Someone will happily rat out that person, that is, till they rat themselves out ::cue puff of smoke:::

* Sometimes people are distracting. This isn't stadium seating unfortunately with premium surround sound. But someone's big head in the way is not as bad as someone hooting and hollering in the theater.

* On occasion, some films will bore you to pieces. This is just the nature of film in general. I can't get mad at it.

I'm not imploring everyone to become a member, but I will say that it's worth checking out Rooftop Films when given the chance. If you love the arts and feel like supporting the community, then I would recommend becoming a member (of any level) and check out more films as they become available.

And of course, if you're not willing to come to Brooklyn, RF has expanded to where screenings are happening in Manhattan *and* in Queens. Everyone wins. Except kids. Leave them at home.

Best movie night out! Coolest vibes, and overall amazing place to be. Me and my husband just love spending time at Rooftop Films!

First year as a member and I absolutely loved it. I was able to attend the premier of "Rough Night Out" and had a blast.
My favorite venue was at the William Vale Hotel Roof Top in Williamsburg.
I attended a couple of other events that took place at industry city, showing a series of short films supporting independent film makers such as Visit Seattle.
Over all great vibes, beautiful scenery and great music. They have some quick bites and and provide wine and beer donated by their sponsors like Tanqueray and Corona.
Check them out!

What a great experience! I highly recommend giving this place a visit. They take precautions due to Covid-19, you have to keep your windows rolled up upon arrival. Once you are parked you can roll down drive side windows of your car but passenger windows have to remain closed at all times. There are bathrooms on premise to use. When we went in July they were not serving food, I believe pre covid it was something they offered so I would keep this in mind and bring food and drinks with you to snack on while you watch the movie! I would recommend getting there earlier as it is first come first serve for where you will park. If you are in an SUV you will be parked behind the cars which will be in the first three rows. We arrived 30 mins prior to opening and were first in line so we got the front row of the SUV rows and it was great view. I will defiantly be going back again! ALSO the VIEW is INCREDIBLE, especially when the sun goes down, it was my favorite part! There is more then one location, keep in mind that this location I went to was at the Brooklyn Army Terminal.

New York has plenty of fantastic events, but Rooftop Films is by far my favorite. Spend an evening under the stars on a graffitied roof top of a chartered school on the lower east side with an opening performance by a local band, an awesome selection of independent films, and free beer at the after-party at a bar nearby. The very fact that they're offering all this in NYC for $12 makes you want to donate to the organization.

I've only been to the Open Road Rooftop. You have to walk up a few flights of stairs, but the venue is absolutely amazing. The wide-open rooftop is decorated with graffiti and a skate-board ramp, with exposed windows where you can see the sun set as you munch on snacks and sip drinks they sell by the entrance. The opening bands give you a glimpse into the local talent, and you feel like you're supporting the local arts! As for the films, I have yet to leave the rooftop untouched and unmoved by any of their selections.

I've generally gone by myself and haven't taken advantage of the after party, but I'm definitely going to try to catch a few films in the other venues this summer. If you have a few free evenings in NYC, this is a must-visit.

Support the independent film industry, and have a blast while you're at it!

Love Rooftop Films. We have been coming for years. Great experience of watching indy films outdoors.

My one issue is the choice of music. It's so WHITE! Come on Rooftop Films this is NYC. Be more representative of the City's population.

Went to the "Lovers of Hate" screening on 6/19/2010. This screening was on the roof of the infamous Seward Park Complex at Essex and Grand. Oddly enough, I used to have an NYU class twice a week in this exact building. But never on the roof.

And I dunno if I could've concentrated in class if it was held on the roof. Because this rooftop is spectacular. Walls covered in rad graffitti art, the breathtaking views of the city, the spaciousness... and under the moon and star light... just so quintessentially New York.

My friend and I had a fabulously romantical dinner around the corner at 'inoteca and entered Seward Park with a few minutes to spare before the movie began. 10 bucks gets you in. But 6 flights of stairs gets you to your seats. What a hike!

We managed to find seats right in the center of it all, but because it's not stadium seating, this lil shorty had to strain her neck to watch the screen. But other than that, no complaints.

Truly a gem in the city. Can't wait to see the shorts all about Brooklyn at Fort Greene Park. Check out the rest of the schedule around NYC: http://www.rooftopfilms.com/2010/schedule/

Enjoy!

I saw the Manhattan viewing off of Grand Street for the Dark Toons. Sadly, my enjoyment of the experience was marred by all the smokers -- in line, during the film, in the stairwell. I felt like I was standing/sitting/breathing in a bog of 2nd hand smoke from which there was no escape but death.

Unwanted carcinogens aside, the films were nice treats for the eyes. Very creative short animations done in various styles. Serve food/beer before/during screenings and have a live,local band start off the night before the screening which was also quite nice. Tickets were $9; $10.50 online. Also a free-after party with sponsored beer, but unfortunately, had to pass on that... had enough of the smokers for the night.

Bring a blanket (or something soft )if you decide to go... seats run out fast!