Open City Mixtape: Short Films by A.V. Rockwell

Open City Mixtape: Short Films by A.V. Rockwell

10 Episodes

Rising director A.V. Rockwell captures life on the streets of New York City in this collection of ten short films—a mix of documentaries and narratives—depicting a cross section of some of the eight million lives whose stories are often overlooked. Shot in luscious monochrome and set to evocatively eclectic soundscapes, they are by turns gritty and transcendent snapshots of the dreamers, schemers, hustlers, and youths who give the cultural capital its singular rhythm.

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Open City Mixtape: Short Films by A.V. Rockwell

10 Episodes

  • The Dreamer
    06:42
    The Dreamer
    Episode 1

    The Dreamer

    Episode 1

    Directed by A. V. Rockwell • 2012 • United States

    Armed with a saxophone and a plastic cape, Larry “Antenna Man” Connor makes a name for himself the best way he knows how.

  • Heist
    02:16
    Heist
    Episode 2

    Heist

    Episode 2

    Directed by A. V. Rockwell • 2012 • United States

    A gang of four take to the streets to create their own opportunities in this grimy vignette.

  • Trey (Interlude)
    02:07
    Trey (Interlude)
    Episode 3

    Trey (Interlude)

    Episode 3

    Directed by A. V. Rockwell • 2012 • United States

    During a ride on the Staten Island ferry, nineteen-year-old Trey opens up about his life and the dreams he hopes to realize in New York City.

  • Too Much Cendi (Skit)
    00:24
    Too Much Cendi (Skit)
    Episode 4

    Too Much Cendi (Skit)

    Episode 4

    Directed by A. V. Rockwell • 2013 • United States

    Enter La Bodega . . .

  • G.F.C.
    03:22
    G.F.C.
    Episode 5

    G.F.C.

    Episode 5

    Directed by A. V. Rockwell • 2013 • United States

    Facing the inevitable wrath of his enemies, a Harlem youth decides to take matters of fate into his own hands.

  • Kids
    04:45
    Kids
    Episode 6

    Kids

    Episode 6

    Directed by A. V. Rockwell • 2013 • United States

    Two East New York siblings find a new game to play: mimicking the family drug business.

  • B.L.B.
    12:45
    B.L.B.
    Episode 7

    B.L.B.

    Episode 7

    Directed by A. V. Rockwell • 2014 • United States

    Often left alone due to his struggling mother’s work schedule, Jahlil, a precocious young boy from the Bronx, spends most of his time roaming New York City’s transit system. Using the perks of life underground to his advantage, he soon discovers ...

  • A City of Children
    01:46
    A City of Children
    Episode 8

    A City of Children

    Episode 8

    Directed by A. V. Rockwell • 2014 • United States

    Summer in the city: for the youth, there’s no better season to enjoy New York’s balmy charms.

  • El Train
    03:59
    El Train
    Episode 9

    El Train

    Episode 9

    Directed by A. V. Rockwell • 2014 • United States

    Spend a dreamy day traveling through New York City with one of its most infamous, yet beloved, local characters.

  • Indigo’s Smile (Interlude)
    02:45
    Indigo’s Smile (Interlude)
    Episode 10

    Indigo’s Smile (Interlude)

    Episode 10

    Directed by A. V. Rockwell • 2014 • United States

    During a late night underground, we meet Indigo, an optimistic Sudanese immigrant who opens up about her dreams of prospering in a new world.

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