“The Rural Life and Spirit” at Rooftop Films

From glitzy, hipster-courting sponsors—including IFC Films and “New York” magazine—to the free flavored beverages (courtesy of Vitamin Water during the show) and free alcohol (courtesy of Radeberger Pilsner at the after-party around the corner), Rooftop Films Summer Series 2010, at first glance, seems to have taken a page from the slick playbook of the Gen Art Film Festival. There’s the indie band to warm up the crowd before the screening and a bulky program the size of “Interview” magazine. There are trailers for the IFC channel’s latest TV hit and for YouTube-sensation-turned-documentary-feature “Winnebago Man.” By the time the nine o’clock program finally rolls, inevitably fashionably late, you’ve nearly forgotten what you came there to see in the first place.

But then the sky goes dark, and one of the 23 features or 21 shorts programs included in this “14th Annual Summer Series of Underground Movies Outdoors” begins. And the magic of cinema slices right through the hype.

To read the rest visit The House Next Door at Slant Magazine.