Get ready to immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of cinematic visions as the Wallabout film festival returns to the Lower East Side of Manhattan on Saturday, May 3rd, at 3pm. Join us for a day of excitement, featuring a curated selection of experimental and artist-made student films, a panel discussion with select filmmakers, and special remarks from the festival organizers. To cap off the evening, a reception will follow, providing ample opportunities to mingle with the creative minds behind the films.
Day 2 of the festival, hosted at Pratt’s Film and Video Building on Sunday, May 4th, promises to be just as captivating, with a showcase of animated films, followed by the main selection, a testament to the diverse range of talents on display.
The Origins and Evolution of Wallabout Film Festival
Sixteen years ago, a group of visionary students from Pratt Institute embarked on a mission to create a platform that would spotlight emerging student filmmakers. The first Wallabout Film Festival, held on April 23, 2009, was a groundbreaking success, featuring thirty films from thirteen countries and attended by an audience of over 180 people. The event was not only a celebration of cinematic innovation but also a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students who coordinated the festival.
Since its inception, Wallabout has been curated by an interdisciplinary group of Pratt students who delve into the history and theory of film festivals, gaining invaluable practical experience in the process. Under the guidance of a professor, these students take on the responsibility of organizing every aspect of the festival, from submitting the call for submissions to selecting the films and running the festival itself. This hands-on approach allows them to develop a deep understanding of the complexities involved in putting on a public-facing festival.
Curated Films for Day 1: e-flux Screening Room
The festival features a diverse range of films, including experimental and artist-made student productions. On Saturday, May 3rd, the e-flux Screening Room will host a selection of films that showcase the boundless creativity and imagination of student filmmakers. Some of the standout entries include:
- Veils of Landscape (5 minutes) by Chihiro Yamanaka
- Yesterday I Found… (1 minute) by Kinga Klajbor
- White Reminiscences (4 minutes) by Suhao Zhang
- The Fig Tree (3 minutes) by Nilsu Demirel
- Bokeh Baraneh (5 minutes) by Amir Akhavan
- Bandage (9 minutes) by Geng Zhang
- PRESS (3 minutes) by Anna Pancini
- en cemento (4 minutes) by Maya Ivona
- Sadulur Opat Lima Pancar (5 minutes) by Rizky Zulfanny
- Breakfast (3 minutes) by Victoria Okuneva
- Embroidering the Abyss (7 minutes) by Fikri Al Murtaky
- The Storm is Passing Over (4 minutes) by Emilia Carbajal and Frances Freyder
- gothyang (9 minutes) by Rain Park
- Featherbrain (6 minutes) by Paul Charff
Some of these films may contain strobing effects, so please be advised to exercise caution if you have photosensitivity or epilepsy.
Join the Celebration at the Awards Ceremony and Reception
After the screenings, join us for a panel discussion with select filmmakers, followed by a reception that will provide a unique opportunity to meet the talented individuals behind the films. This event is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines the Wallabout Film Festival.
Day 2: Animated Films and Main Selection
The following day, Sunday, May 4th, will showcase a selection of animated films, followed by the main selection, a showcase of the festival’s most outstanding films.