This weekend's fifth annual Bushwick Film Festival showcases work from Brooklyn-based filmmakers, artists and musicians at performing arts space Paperbox. The three-day festival features not only films—feature-length, shorts and experimental—but also music videos and live performances by some of the bands. Adding to the home-grown cred, many of the films were shot in and around the greater Bushwick area. Friday night's program begins with a selection of music videos, then screenings of L Magazine's Northside DIY Film Competition-winners Cork's Cattlebaron (short) and Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty.
Saturday's program focuses more on world issues, starting with a series of short films and concluding with the documentary PROBLEMA, which explores humanity's most basic question—Who are we?—as expressed by over 100 people from 50 nations gathered in Berlin's Bebelplatz square. Sunday opens with a panel discussion with directors and actors debating the differences between indie and studio productions, how the internet has changed filmmaking and other related topics. The festival closes with an evening of short films, music videos and documentaries. Three-day passes are available for $25 and single day tickets for $10.
Also this weekend:
Most of us don't have hundreds of millions of dollars at our disposal to surround ourselves with exquisite works of art, but the folks at the Affordable Art Fair don't think you have to. To prove it, they're taking over The Tunnel space in Chelsea for four days to exhibit thousands of original paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs ranging in price from $100 to $10,000. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking to start a collection or a seasoned vet, there are plenty of styles and price points for everyone.
There are lots of Oktoberfest shenanigans going on right now but the most relaxing and picturesque happens on Saturday at the Sunnyside Gardens Park Oktoberfest & Pumpkin Patch. This tranquil oasis is not typically open to the public, so take advantage of this rare opportunity to escape the urban cacophany without ever leaving the five boroughs. From noon until dusk, enjoy German style foods in the park's woodlands, pick a pumpkin and decorate it, or just the bucolic vibe and listen to some live music. You might just forget you're in New York City for the afternoon.
Getting lost in a corn maze might sound like kiddie stuff but the Queens County Farm Museum gives their Maize Maze a special, grown-up twist for two Saturdays this month. This Saturday, October 6th and Saturday, October 13th, brave souls can navigate the labyrinth until 9 p.m. at Maze By Moonlight without the comfort of daylight to guide your way. Arrive earlier in the day to enjoy the Apple Festival or select your perfect Jack O'Lantern canvas from the pumpkin patch. Admission to the maze costs $7 but wandering the apple and pumpkin areas is free.
