The Most Promising Young Filmmakers in Brooklyn
Tony Gerber and Maxim Pozdorovkin, The Notorious Mr. Bout
(screening Wednesday, June 25)
Which neighborhood do you live in?
TG: I live in Boerum Hill and work in Gowanus. I live with my wife, father-in law and two kids on the block my wife grew up on. I love it very much but am apprehensive that it has changed more in the last five years than it has in the previous 20.
MP: I have been in and out of New York for many years. Moving back to Brooklyn four years ago, I moved to Bed-Stuy and love it. Beautiful architecture, great community and just a short walk from BAM.
Do you think living in Brooklyn affects your work?
TG: No question. The diversity of our neighborhood is magical and inspiring. We are down the street from one of the largest mosques in the city and a stone’s throw from the projects. There is serenity to our block yet it feels deeply connected to the larger world.
MP: Living in Brooklyn is a catalyst in many ways. Frequent encounters with likeminded people often yield the most productive detours.
Is there a “Brooklyn film scene”?
TG: My office and edit rooms are in the Old American Can Factory (now unfortunately known as the building across the street from Whole Foods). I am on a floor with other Brooklyn filmmakers, whom I love and depend on daily for inspiration to continue the uphill walk called independent filmmaking. Yes, there is a very strong film scene in Brooklyn that I would describe rather as a community.
MP: These days in Brooklyn, you can’t spit and not hit a filmmaker, so there is certainly a strong community. Most Brooklyn filmmakers probably wouldn’t want to belong to any scene that would have them as members.
What film that’s not your own are you most excited about at the festival?
TG: Amanda Rose Wilder’s Approaching the Elephant. I hear it is beautiful and missed it at True/False.
MP: Memphis, because I’ve heard so much about it and have been kicking myself for missing it at Sundance. Plus, I’m excited to revisit those gems by Les Blank, who is much missed and needs to be more celebrated.
What’s your favorite movie theater in Brooklyn?
TG: BAM Rose Cinemas because it is right down the street and thankfully programs first run films as well as art house classics and imports.
MP: Spectacle Theater and UnionDocs, because they constantly show work that surprises me. I also use every chance I get to see something on the new screen at the BAM Harvey Theater because the image quality is unmatched.