COMICS in Bryant Park, Cheap FILM FESTIVALS, and a HEALTH CARE PARTY this Week!

COMICS PANEL – Word for Word Series in Bryant Park

Sometimes I want to avoid Midtown at all costs.  When it is hot, it seems hotter there.  When it is humid, it seems that all things stick a little bit better there too.  However, us broke-asses can’t always choose where an event is being held.  So buck up and take advantage of the Events in Bryant Park this Week.

Word for Word is a series of totally FREE workshops, readings, book clubs, and lectures that are held outside in Bryant Park and cover all sorts of written genres through August.  This week, you seriously need to get your broke butts there for 'œComics: From Every Angle.'  From 12:20-1:45 this Wed. Aug. 19, Danny Fingeroth, writer and editor of Superhero Comics, will host a panel of inspired comic-book artists, illustrators, and experts who will give new meaning to the growing genre of graphic novels.  Chip Kidd, David Mazzucchelli, Heidi MacDonald, and Joe Quesada, Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics, will be present.

Other FREE events this week include a 'œHousing Works Poetry' reading, a 'œBryant in the Park' theatrical performance, and Tai Chi, Yoga, and beginner friendly Knitting classes (yarn and needles are provided!).

'œComics: From Every Angle' @ Word for Word
Bryant Park [BDFV, MIDTOWN MANHATTAN]
Wed. August 19, 12:20-1:45pm
FREE

CHEAP FILM FESTIVALS

Also on Wednesday, in celebration of the release of Euna Lee and Laura Ling, the Brecht Forum presents a special evening of North Korean propaganda films.  'œOn Juche: North Korean Propaganda Films: Theirs and Ours' examines the tension build-ups between the US and North Korea.  This won’t be all serious either!  Don’t miss the hilarious Cunnlgius in North Korea, produced by Young-Hae Chang Heavy Industries.

'œOn Juche' @ the Brecht Forum
451 West Street, ground floor between Bank and Bethune [WEST VILLAGE]
Wed. August 19, 7:30pm
$6, $10, $15 sliding scale
212 242 4201

Thursday marks the New York Premiere of the Zero Film Festival.  This is the first festival exclusive to self-financed filmmakers, and it will be held at DUMBO’s Galapagos Art Space.  Team Zero has built an explosive program of no Hollywood nonsense, zero budget filmmakers featuring some of the finest hidden cinematic talent of our day. Participating filmmakers include Guy Ben-Ner, Alia Raza, Victor Varnado, Aaron Katz, and Timothy Saccenti.

On top of the dope films and financial political agenda, FREE PBR and a seriously visually enhanced After Party with music videos and life visual performances make this an event not to miss!

Zero Film Festival @ Galapagos Art Space
16 Main Street [DUMBO]
Thurs. August 20 7:30pm doors, 8:30pm screening, 10:30'“2am music
$10 advance, $15 door

HEALTH CARE FUNDRAISER PARTY

Finally, are you tired of this ridiculous health care debate?  Well kick in some support this week for a community health center actually making a difference called Third Root. On Wednesday from 6-11pm, Third Root is celebrating its first successful year of providing accessible, empowering, and collaborative health care!  Right on!  A sliding entry of $10-$20 (with the commitment to turn no one away – hint hint), this evening will promise to have great discussions along with passionate people committed to social change.

Performances by the Rude Mechanical Orchestra, My Gay Banjo, Bell’s Roar, and DanceAlisaDance.  Drink specials, a raffle, barbeque, and a special Third Root drink with rooty liquers and tastiness.

Third Root Fundraiser @ Sycamore Bar
1118 Cortelyou Road, between Westminster and Stratford [FLATBUSH]
Wed. August 19, 6-11pm
$10-20 no one turned away!
718 940 9343