The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) is pleased to announce the slate for its upcoming Screen Forward Series. Screen Forward gives filmmakers in the process of self-distribution or micro-distribution the unique opportunity to gain a much-coveted theatrical release in NYC. Selected films will have an exclusive one-week run at the state of the art Made in NY Media Center by IFP in DUMBO, Brooklyn. The Screen Forward screening series is proudly sponsored by Shutterstock.

The Fall/Winter 2015 schedule includes: Khalik Allah’s Field Niggas, Alison Bagnall’s Funny Bunny, Michael J. Larnell’s Cronies, and Stephen Cone’s Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party.

October 16 – October 22

FIELD NIGGAS, directed by Khalik Allah

A wise-cracking, probing urban flaneur, Khalik Allah paints an impressionistic portrait of the loiterers and denizens in and around 125th Street and Lexington Avenue in Field Niggas. Beneath the bright lights of a corner convenience store, Allah wields his crystalline gaze on a series of faces and personalities as they ruminate on race, societal inequalities, family, drugs, homelessness, romance, police brutality, and, ultimately, their histories, in a collective chorus.

Though un-synced, the visuals and narration perfectly complement one another, forging a viewing experience that functions as a near interactive tapestry as the stories’ strands envelope your conscience. Animated street photography at its apotheosis, Field Niggas carries a heady, haunting undercurrent, with aesthetic panache to burn.

(World Premiere: True/False Film Festival 2015)

November 13 – November 19

FUNNY BUNNY, directed by Alison Bagnall

Gene spends his days canvassing about childhood obesity. One day he canvasses Titty, an emotionally-arrested 19-year-old who has successfully sued his own father to win back a large inheritance and gotten himself disowned in the process. Gene discovers that Titty has an ongoing online relationship with the beautiful but reclusive Ginger, who is an animal activist. Gene convinces Titty to make a pilgrimage to meet Ginger where the two men form a close bond despite both of them being drawn to the enigmatic Ginger, who is in need of rescue.

(World Premiere: SXSW Film Festival 2015)

December 11 – December 18

CRONIES, directed by Michael J. Larnell

Louis and Jack have been friends since forever, so how could anything as lame as adulthood change that? But Louis’s first adorable attempts at grown-folk business are increasingly at odds with Jack’s ceaseless quest for new damns not to give. One hot summer day, Louis makes plans with his new friend Andrew, and Jack refuses to get left behind, both metaphorically and literally. Twenty-four hours later, everything has changed.

(World Premiere: 2015 Sundance Film Festival)

January 8 – January 14

HENRY GAMBLE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY, directed by Stephen Cone

Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party spans the 24 hours containing the birthday pool party of 17-year-old preacher’s kid Henry Gamble. The night before the party, Henry and his friend Gabe, have a sleepover. Typical teenage boy chat quickly turns sexual, and it’s silently implied that Henry, on a search for identity, has a crush on Gabe.

(World Premiere: 2015 Maryland Film Festival; Official Selection: BAMCinemaFest 2015)

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In addition to a theatrical release, IFP also provides each filmmaking team with comprehensive audience engagement and grassroots outreach strategies, publicity support, coverage in Filmmaker Magazine, and offers a revenue split to all participating filmmakers.

Screen Forward is open to all artists and filmmakers who have feature length films, web series or serialized content to showcase publicly. Films are selected based on artistic merit, along with perceived marketplace and audience engagement potential. Alumni of IFP’s core programs are strongly encouraged to apply, as are films, web series and projects that have been covered by Filmmaker.

To apply for the program or purchase tickets to upcoming screenings, please visit https://thegotham.org/programs/screenforward.