Summer guide '09: Free film festivals

Photo credit: Urbanite

Movies with a View is at Brooklyn Bridge Park from July 9 to Aug. 2.

By Perrie Samotin

psamotin@am-ny.com

We’re all for DVDs, Netflix and Apple TV, but sometimes when it comes to movies, there’s nothing quite like watching outdoors with the city as your backdrop.

This summer, check out free festivals set to show eccentric, classic and fabulous films on rooftops, in parks and on sand. Face it — no matter how big your flat screen is, it doesn’t compare.Movies With a View

brooklynbridgepark.org

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Movies With a View returns for its 10th season. Every Thursday, July 9-Aug. 27, expect too see flicks including “Raising Arizona,” “Paper Moon” and “Edward Scissorhands.” Each movie is preceded by a short film.

DJs from Brooklyn Radio will kick things off at 6 p.m., while RICE will sell grub on-site. Also, a free bike valet will be provided by Transportation Alternatives. Movies start at sundown.

NYC Food Film Festival

nycfoodfilmfestival.com

Foodies and film buffs will delight in this multi-sensory experience in which folks watch food films then sample the food portrayed — yum! The festival will screen films for five nights at Water Taxi Beach in LIC and at the new Water Taxi Beach on Pier 17. Created by filmmaker George Motz and chef Harry Hawk, some of this year’s titles include “Beef Is Bueno,” “Clam Pie” and “Thanksgiving."

From June 13 to June 19.

Central Park Film Festival

centralparknyc.org

Head to Rumsey Playfield (enter the park at Fifth Avenue and 69th street) Aug. 18-22 and catch films such as “Desperately Seeking Susan,” “Goldfinger,” “Twilight” and “Sex and the City.” Gates open at 6 p.m. and all films start at 8 p.m. Check the Web site for a full schedule.

Rooftop Films

rooftopfilms.com

Rooftop Films is known as one of the most dynamic film festivals around.

This summer expect 20 feature films to be screened among several NYC rooftops — almost all of which are New York, U.S. or world premieres.

More than 150 short films and themed programs are on tap, too. Check the Web site for locations and times.

Bryant Park Summer Film Festival

bryantpark.org

Perhaps the best-known outdoor festival, this year’s films start on June 15 and include “The Sting,” “Kramer vs. Kramer” and “Dog Day Afternoon.” The lawn opens at 5 p.m. and the films start between 8 and 9 p.m.

This year, ’withcraft is providing picnic pickups on film nights. Call or go to wichcraftnyc.com, place an order and pick it up at an on-site kiosk.

Bicycle Film Festival

bicyclefilmfestival.com

BFF is a pretty awesome international celebration of bikes through film, art and music. The NY dates are: June 17-21, though full schedules have not been announced. Check the Web site for info.

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