RIOC Objects To Rooftop Films Outdoor Movie At Southpoint Park Because It Is Not "Family Friendly" - Are There Any Adults On Roosevelt Island?
You Tube video of Rooftop Films 2008 trailer
According to Gothamist, Roosevelt Island's Southpoint Park will be the venue for one of Rooftop Films outdoor movie nights. During a Gothamist interview with Rooftop's founder Mark Elijah Rosenberg, it was announced that:
On Saturday, August 15, we’ll be hosting a screening of Greg Kohs’ documentary “Song Sung Blue,” an astonishing and uplifting documentary about two American dreamers who fought to make people happy and forget their worries by playing the music of one of America’s favorite crooners, Neil Diamond. The man himself will be in town that week, so if you aren’t going to see him at The Garden, come out and join us for Neil Diamond Karaoke, and watch this joyous film. Free on Roosevelt Island.But hold on. Not so fast. Maybe Southpoint Park will not have movies shown there this year. RIOC President Steve Shane forwards this message from RIOC's Program Co-ordinator:
Perhaps I can clear this up. I was approached a few weeks ago byNeedless to say, I think a Rooftop film venue at Southpoint Park would be great. I hope that one documentary not being "family friendly" is not a reason to deny Rooftop permission to use Southpoint Park as a venue for outdoor films. There are adults who live on Roosevelt Island that would prefer to see a film that is not for the "kiddies" every once in a while.
Rooftop; I met with two of their representatives at Southpoint to see if
we might be able to accommodate two of their shows- one in August, one
in September, both shows being free to the public. They also claimed to
have Jessica Lappin's support for the endeavour.
The sticking point currently seems to be the content of the movies
they wish to show. Both nights would feature documentaries, and
apparently one is not, how should I say it, "family-friendly"? I've
been speaking with Daisy from Rooftop to get a more accurate description
and possible prescreening of the movie for us so we may be able to give
a yes or no.
Bottom line- this is another Todd P thing- NOTHING has been
scheduled, nothing has been paid for at this point in time. August 16th
is rapidly approaching and without a definite grasp of what it is
Rooftop is trying to show, I cannot proceed with the permitting process.
It is outrageous that a film's content is being reviewed by a RIOC employee for it's suitability to be shown on Roosevelt Island. What qualifies this person, or any other government worker, for such responsibility? RIOC should not be in the business of regulating the content of outdoor movies shown on Roosevelt Island by a private sector business or organization, particularly in a location as far from what goes for civilization on Roosevelt Island, as is Southpoint Park. There is also something called the First Amendment which, unless the films are "obscene", I believe precludes government agencies from preventing them being shown if the sole reason for doing so is the content of the film.
RIOC, allow outdoor films to return to Southpoint Park and start the permitting process with Rooftop Films!
UPDATE 4PM- RIOC President Steve Shane responds:
My views on the first amendment are not relevant. This is supposed to beUnfortunately, by limiting what can be seen on Roosevelt Island to "outdoor family entertainment", RIOC through the actions of NY State public employees, is getting involved in defining an "acceptable community standard" for Roosevelt Island.
outdoor family entertainment and I do not want to get in the middle of
what constitutes an acceptable community standard.
UPDATE 9:40 PM - In response to my question of:
Why does an outdoor movie event at Southpoint Park have to be "family entertainment"? Is there no place for for an intelligent, adult, (non-obscene) outdoor movie not appropriate for children on Roosevelt Island?RIOC President Shane responds:
If there is not such a place, is that setting a community standard for Roosevelt Island by RIOC.
Because there is no methodology for screening the attendees. I would have no objection to any kind of movie or other entertainment presentedThe gate at Southpoint park certainly provides a method of screening out children or those under a certain age if a movie is not appropriate for them to see so I still don't see why RIOC needs to play the role of Nanny to adult Roosevelt Islanders.
indoors, duly advertised. If you can figure out how you would advise
adults as to what they may be viewing and that it may not be suitable
for their non-adult accompaniers, then we could talk. However, outdoor
movies have the aura of family entertainment on Roosevelt Island. If you
want to see other kinds of presentations, there are plenty of venues for
you. "Outrageous" seems to be a bit over the top in response.
RIOC is not setting the community standards for Roosevelt Island. If
you want to present anything in a non public setting, you or anyone else
is certainly privileged to do so.
5 comments :
How would you like it if your kid(s), assuming you have them, came out to watch the movie and witnessed an obscene scene in the movie not suitable for children or anyone under the age of 18. I agree with RIOC, considering the many families on the island, they're doing the right thing by pre-screening the movie.
Absolutely ridiculous that the RIOC sees fit to censor. Perhaps they could do something useful with their time/energy like posting bus schedules/routes in the bus stops along the island.
Nah...
That would be too easy.
Or how about they show the movie at a later time, such as when children should be sleeping. I'd go to a 10pm movie on a friday or saturday. Or another thought would be maybe post the mpaa rating on the flyers, that way it's made clear what age the movie is appropriate for and if parents decide to take their kids it's completely up to them.
FYI: Todd P scheduled his event (unfortunately cancelled due to thunderstorms) with the cooperation and consent of the RIOC, and paid for permits.
I know nothing of the Rooftop Films situation, but Todd P's event was arranged by the book and definately should not be badmouthed as an unsanctioned event.
Just so everyone knows, the screening WILL go on, as planned, on August 16th, with RIOC's approval, with Thunder in attendance along with her kids and filmmaker Greg Kohs should make it there as well. So all is clear and approved, and we will be doing live karaoke beforehand (Neil Diamond songs only), so email songsungblue@rooftopfilms.com with your name and the song you want to sing if you want to sign up. First come first serve. The event is free. Read all about it here:
http://rooftopfilms.bside.com/2008/films/songsungblue_rooftopfilms2008
--Dan Nuxoll
Program Director
Rooftop Films
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