KINETIC CARNIVAL - The Coney Island Blog

Saving Coney Island Depends On You!

2009-11-23T17:03:00.005-05:00

The plan to revitalize Coney Island made a big step forward last week when the Bloomberg Administration announced the City will be purchasing seven acres of land from developer Thor Equities. While this releases a big hold from a developer who seemed to only descend on Coney Island under the false impression to change it for the better and only reveling himself themselves as another speculator in the end, the city still needs to modify the current plan in order to keep Coney Island alive with the same character and spirit it has always thrived on.

A word out from the Save Coney Island group makes it loud and clear:

This is good news, but it's not enough to save Coney Island

We're concerned that the City's plan for Coney Island leaves only a narrow strip of land for outdoor amusements. This tiny amusement area would be hemmed in by four high-rise hotels rising up to 27 stories. To add insult to injury, these proposed hotel towers would be built on top of many of Coney Island's most historic buildings, obliterating what remains of Coney Island's rich past.

If this plan is executed, it would ruin Coney Island forever.

Save Coney Island is committed to doing everything we can to fix this plan and making sure that Coney Island reaches its potential as a world-class amusement destination - as the playground of the world.

But we need your help. Over the next few weeks, Save Coney Island will be announcing exciting new initiatives to ensure both the short- and long-term success of the People's Playground. We need you to be a part of our effort. If you have skills to offer as a volunteer, please let us know. If you can donate money, that would be terrific.

With your support, we will help to make Coney Island great again.

Coney Events: The Siren Screen Series

2009-11-23T16:53:00.005-05:00

A Park Slope pub gets the Coney buzz with a night of Coney-short films.

Here's the lineup:
1) John Salvatore - "Sodom by the Sea" - narrative, 19 mins.

2) Ilya Chaiken - "The 100 lovers of Jesus Reynolds" - narrative, 7 mins. (Ilya is known for the indie feature "Liberty Kid")

3) Howie Alex - "Falcons are Three" - narrative, 6 mins.

4) Lila Place - "Under the Roller Coaster - doc, 15 mins.

5) David Rogers - "The Light of Eons" - narrative, 16 mins.

6) Adam Davis - "The Green Flash" - narrative, 25 mins. (this movie was shot in 1989 and stars Omar Epps in his first ever role)
See you there!!

For more information, maps and other resources, visit the Save Coney Island website

The Siren Screen Series
at the Black Horse Pub
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009
8pm
$10 cover
located
68 5th Avenue @ 16th Street
Park Slope, Brooklyn

All profits go to support Save Coney Island

Coney Pioneers Given Awarded Postumously

2009-11-17T23:10:00.011-05:00

Among the glitz of the Las Vegas style show world, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo 2009 held in Nevada gave kudos to the creators of the beacon of glitz of the older world at the turn of the century in Coney Island. Fred Thompson and Skip Dundy, who were the dreamers around a depression ara who dared to imagine and turn their dreams into a motion of lights and dazzling beauty and spectacular amusement.

Last year's IAAPA Expo 2008 was held in Orlando, where Lynn Kelly, president of the Coney Island Development Corporation attended, bringing back a roster of names and good handshakes. At least that's all we know. Last year what happened in Orlando stayed in Orlando. However, this year what happened in Las Vegas will surley be brought back here to Coney. On behalf of Skip and Dundy, Coney Island History Project director, Charles Denson and co-founding partner and Coney Island Cylcone Roller Coaster operator, Carol Hill Albert accepted the award.

(Pictured above with Carol Albert and Charles Denson is Tim O'Brien, Chairman of the IAAPA Hall of Fame Committee.)

Image courtesy of IAAPA

The ceremony kicks of the event of the IAAPA International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. It's the largest trade show of its kind, dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry in regards to permanently situation amusement facilities.

From the Coney Island History Project press release:

"We'd like to see Coney Island rebuilt with the same sense of creativity and wonder that Thompson and Dundy showed 100 years ago," said Charles Denson, Executive Director of the Coney Island History Project and author of Coney Island Lost and Found. "Thompson and Dundy were risk takers who used new technology to create a sense of wonder. They were competitors who joined forces. Their creativity came out of competition. Coney Island needs multiple operators to succeed."

We hope now that with the city aquiring much of the land, speculator Joe Sitt and Thor Equities had a grip on, the city will reflect upon this honor to Skip and Dundy and rethink their plan and come up with a better solution to the little land that is left for amusements in Coney Island. And yes, smaller more independent amusement and entertainment operators are needed but it's going to be tough to entice them to come here to Coney Island and make their dreams happen during these hard economic times. But then again Coney Island was never for the weak and fearful.

You can read the full press release at the Coney Island USA message board.

[This post has been updated]

Turning Point In Coney Saga: City Buys Sitt Land

2009-11-12T10:52:00.005-05:00

A major turning point in the Coney Island revitalization saga happened yesterday as the City most of Sitt's hold on Coney Island. Which in the end proves Sitt was who we always thought he was: a speculator. The city has agreed to pay $95.6 million for 6 or so acres of Sitt's land he owned in Coney Island. Most of that is the land in the core of the amusement area including the former Astroland lot. What Sitt still owns in Coney Island is still questionable as what will be the situation there.

Curbed writes:
Nastiness has reigned on both sides, and in the end he'll get $95.7 million in taxpayer skrilla for seven acres, a slightly ridiculous amount given the market value of land nowadays.

The New York Times writes:
Each side claimed victory, though no one wanted to comment for the record before Thursday’s announcement. While Mr. Sitt got much less than the $140 million he had been demanding for 10.5 of the 12.5 acres he owned, the $95.7 million for 6.9 acres came to more than $300 a square foot — a huge amount in the current market. Mr. Sitt, chief executive of Thor Equities, plans to develop hotels and stores in the 5.6 acres he still owns as the city invests in the neighborhood.

Seeking Revival, City to Buy Land in Coney Island [NY Times]
Coney Island Land Deal Finally Sealed [Curbed]
Closing Bell: City Reaches Deal with Sitt for Coney Land [Brownstoner]
Save Coney Island Applauds City’s Land Purchase, but Warns It’s ‘Not Enough’ [Save Coney Island]

Coney Vid: A Look Back...Before The Saga

2009-11-11T02:36:00.008-05:00

A look back at a not-so-distant past summer in Coney Island. A summer that was yet untouched by greedy hands. A Coney Island that needed repair but was still alive and thriving without its future in peril or in question. A Childs Building that still had not let in the sun for decades, a thriving boardwalk, the Wonder Wheel still shimmering in the sunlight, the B&B Carousel whirling to the grind of the organ, an Astroland still alive and kicking, and the Top Spin and the Zipper still spinning with verve.

Coney Island- Summer, 2005

Posted by CoasterToolProd [YouTube]

Coney Goodies: Get Cozy This Winter Lola Starr Style

2009-11-10T10:07:00.004-05:00

From the Lola Staar store:

Get Cozy with Lola Staar this Fall! Check out our incredible sale on all our Lola Staar cozy gear! Lola has designed tons of adorable new online exclusive items to keep you warm as the brisk breese drifts onto the boardwalk! Hoodies only $25 (usually $35)! Long Sleeve Tees $15 (usually $25) Now till Thanksgiving! Don't be left out in the cold!!

Take me to Get Cozy with Lola!

Save Coney Island Meeting Update: Tonight!

2009-11-09T01:38:00.007-05:00

The Save Coney Island group meets tonight at Freddy's on Dean Street in Brooklyn.

From the Save Coney group:

Meet in Freddy's back room from 7-9 pm tonight (Monday, November 9th) for an important meeting about our exciting post-rezoning-vote strategies to preserve and expand Coney Island's amusement district.

Topics that will be discussed:
1.What steps to take to create a landmark district in Coney Island
2. Ways to effectively lobby City Hall to buy up land and dedicate it to amusements
3. How to expand our constituency in Coney Island and across the city
4. Other ways to pressure the city that depend on your participation
5. Fundraising efforts so we can have more resources to fight the fight!

We need your input and help on all of these subject to make a difference in Coney Island. We will break into small groups to collect ideas and find solutions to the tough challenges that lie ahead. Your presence at this meeting will affect strategic decisions that need to be made in the very near future.

SEE YOU THERE!
Freddy's Bar and Back Room
485 Dean Street Brooklyn, NY 11215
phone: 718.622.7035
That's the corner of Dean Street and 6th Avenue in Brooklyn.
(In the proposed footprint of the Atlantic Yards Project!)
For directions visit website: Freddysbackroom.com

Save Coney Island Stragety Meeting Monday

2009-11-06T10:38:00.003-05:00

This coming Monday at 7 pm is an important Save Coney Island strategy meeting. Presented will be strategies and movements for a new direction in saving Coney Island from the grips of greedy developers and city officials. And of course expect a fun social and tipsy atmosphere.

Location and further info to come up shorty so stay tuned at SaveConeyIsland.net

Save Coney Island Fundraiser

2009-11-06T10:35:00.003-05:00

From the Save Coney Island group:

This Friday, November 6 At 9 pm, see Angie Pontani's show "This is Burlesque" and support Save Coney Island AT THE SAME TIME! 10% of the door at Sweet Carolines will go to support Save Coney Island's efforts to create a C.I. historic district and keep pressure on the city to designate park land for outdoor amusements. Be dazzled and entertained by the beautiful Angie Pontani and comedian Murray Hill in the funniest and sexiest show this side of the Mississippi. The show kicks off at 9:00 pm.Sweet Carolines is at 322 W. 45th Street between 8th & 9th Avenues.

For more information visit SaveConeyIsland.net

Coney Boardwalk Repairs Resume For Winter

2009-11-04T09:42:00.004-05:00

Image courtesy of Rubys Host

As our good friend, Rubys Host, brings us, fences are going back up on the Coney Island Boardwalk from the Stillwell Bathhouse to Gregory & Paul's (which is now run by Paul's daughter). They have even snug a fence in the sand and have removed most of the benches. The railings are next to go in preparation for the continuation of the repairs on that part of the boardwalk. The light posts are to remain as they work around them.

Rubys Host points out that Cha Cha's is still open on weekends and the Polar Bear Swims have started for the '09/'10 season.

Coney Vid: Skuld II

2009-11-02T20:24:00.007-05:00

A Coney Island nostalgic lull footage taken from various Prelinger films.

Skuld II

Description:

Posted by CartwheelofFortune [YouTube]

Please Stand By....

2009-10-21T18:23:00.004-04:00

Our system crashed a few days ago and currently under repair. We'll be back soon.

Coney Events: Halloween Spooktacular

2009-10-21T17:21:00.003-04:00

Coney Island USA is throwing open its doors for a horrifying evening of Halloween hijinx and fiendish fundraising, and you’re invited. The ghoulishly gifted Adam Rinn and that terrifying temptress Legs Malone will preside over the festivities including all your favorite Burlesque Beauoooties, Sideshow spooks and Variety vampires!

Coney Island USA Halloween Benefit

Hallowen Spooktacular

October 24, 2009

8pm to midnight

Tickets: $20 Advance

$25 day of the Event

at the Coney Island USA 1208 Surf Ave.

Thor's Hurriane Proof Tents Can't Handle Nor-Easter Winds

2009-10-19T11:08:00.005-04:00

Image courtesy of Captain Nemo (CIUSA message board)

Thor Equities Flea By The Sea non-festival had a very slow start as their naked tent structures awaited reinstallation of the tarps that were hurricane proof. For weeks the tent tenants waited. Now that the season closed and the flea market ended without a memorable season proof shows us that tents were of the same weak structure as previously installed. A few winds this season close has left the unattended tents sagging and ripping in the small winds. As Captain Nemo shows us through his pictures posted on the Coney Island USA message board, Thor Equities has demonstrated that they continue to neglect their property and has still not removed their tents and get out.

We hope Thor Equities finally sells to the city and end their hold on Coney Island.

Flickr Convoy: Cool Slumming On The Boardwalk

2009-10-17T17:55:00.004-04:00

Image courtesy of Freaklance / KC Flickr Group

As the Coney fall and winter starts to roll by, pro-year-round activists will reconfirm their desires while slumming through their dismal Coney winter's non-season - yearning for bowling alleys and indoor water parks, north-Brooklyn photographers will arrive in the droves to record what always seems to be the last year for Coney 'as we know it', greedy land speculators will generate new ideas to take over what seemed to be a piece of cake to cash in on, city officials will continue to stand defiant utilizing underdeveloped parcels of the city as token pieces to push through their agendas, and genuine Coney lovers will unravel the mess of Coney's saga and restrategize their next move to save a place they have no power over and which they can only dream of while sitting tired on a boardwalk bench looking helpless out onto the ocean.

Hopefully new light will shed on Coney in the coming months that will brighten its future and the people who stand by its soul and integrity.

Join the Kinetic Carnival Flickr Group to add your Coney Island images and have them featured on this blog.

Coney And Beyond Music Vid: "Feed The Machine" Starring Rev. Billy

2009-10-14T23:52:00.005-04:00

Brought to our attention by Coney gal Ruby's Host. A video starring Rev Billy who is a NY City advocate who also shares our plea to save Coney Island, and who opposes the greed machine of corporatism that is taking over our culturally diverse city.

The Dutch band Soulstar has released their new video, "Feed the Machine", feat uring the holy gospel of Rev. Billy Talen and the Church of Life After Shopping! "Feed the Machine" presents a consumer society going haywire. We're thrilled to have our work applied to some hot electronic
beats!

Feed the Machine (Soulstar feat. Rev. Billy) from Soulstar on Vimeo.

Boom-A-Ring An Annual Event For Coney?

2009-10-14T23:29:00.005-04:00

After a hugely successful run the folks at the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus want to make their Coney Island Boom-A-Ring show an annual event at Coney Island.

The Northeast Regional Public Relations Manager for Feld Entertainment, Inc., Paulina Piekarski, told the New York Post, “It makes sense for many reasons to come back to Coney Island, many of which are more than economic”.

Their still needs to be negotiations with their favorite Coney Island landlord as of yet; Taconic Investment. The know not to entertain any business with Thor Equities. Something learned from their attempt this past summer with the untrustworthy, "developer"/land speculator Joe Sitt.

The New York Post wrote:

The Boom-A-Ring’s arrival to Coney Island at the start of the summer came with much fanfare as Borough President Marty Markowitz and City Council member Domenic Recchia joined Mayor Mike Bloomberg at Nathan’s Famous for a few celebratory hot dogs.

Piekarski called the summer engagement “wonderful” and said that ticket sales “exceeded expectations.”

Though PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals will most likely strike up a small tent of their own every summer to house their protesters, the show should be expected to thrive in Coney on an annual basis.

Let's hope the 'Elephant vs. Man Bun Eating Contest' and the 'FDNY's Elephant Bathing on Surf Avenue also become annual events of their own.

Coney Island Boom-A-Ring return in the works [NY Post]

Halloween A-Scarium At The NY Aquarium

2009-10-08T23:33:00.004-04:00

Dress up the family and join us for our annual Halloween celebration, occurring over two special weekends. Learn all about monsters of the deep while you enjoy games, prizes, and arts and crafts. Beginning October 10, experience our Haunted Sea-fari Perils of the Sea.

Special Offer: A child age 3-12 wearing a wildlife costume will receive a free General Admission ticket when accompanied by an adult purchasing any full-priced adult admission ticket. Limit one free child per paying adult.

Activities take place noon–4:00 p.m.

A-Scarium Activities
Haunted Sea-fari Perils of the Sea
Storytelling
Music
Pumpkin-carving Demonstrations
Crafts
Treat Stations
New 4-D Movie!

For full information visit the NY Aquarium website!

Award Winners Of The 2009 Coney Island Film Festival

2009-10-07T10:43:00.004-04:00

Image courtesy of Norman Blake (CIFF)
Left to Right: Brian Paccione, Jake Armstrong, Michelle Brundige (Grizlet), Jack de Sousa (Grizlet), Howie Alex, Craig Butta, Charles Denson

2009 Award Winners

Best Feature: "Sea Legs", Craig Butta
Best Short: "Basket Bronx", Martin Rosete
Best Documentary Feature: "The Prince of Mermaid Avenue", by Charles Denson
Best Documentary Short: "Young at Heart", Brian Paccione
Best Experimental: "Who Shot Coney Island?", Howie Alex
Best Silent Film: "The Institute of Seance", Kevin Corcoran
Best Animateion: "The Terrible Thing of Alpha 9!", Jake Armstrong
Best Music Video: "Blue Sky", Kaiser Cartel, Grizlet
Best "Made in Coney Island": "The Poor Man's Follies", Micropunta

Coney Events: Kustom Carshow at Coney Island

2009-10-05T10:47:00.004-04:00

Special Show at The Freakbar Featuring:
The Turbo A.C.s
The Brains
The Arkhams

Kustom Carshow at Coney Island!
Open to Pre ’64 Hot Rods and Kustoms. Carshow Parking from 3pm to 10pm on West 12th St Between Surf Ave & The Boardwalk.

The Rumbler Car Club Presents "The Sideshow"

Saturday, October 17, 2009
3 pm
$10
at Coney Island USA 1208 Surf Ave.

Flickr Convoy: Pale Hat Peir Jumpers

2009-10-05T10:39:00.005-04:00

Image courtesy of Pablo57 / KC Flickr Pool

Fashion statements and free spirits on the boardwalk come on a daily basis.

Join the Kinetic Carnival Flickr Group to add your Coney Island images and have them featured on this blog.

2009 Coney Island Film Festival Line Up For Sunday Oct. 4th

2009-10-03T15:51:00.016-04:00

Sunday, October 4, 2009
1:00pm
PRO GRAM 11

Fight Day
Chris Cassidy, Brooklyn NY, USA. Documentary Short, 6:30

Are You Happy?
Jonathan Berman, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Documentary Short, 6:15

Finding Meeky: A Fragmentary History
Roy Kohn, Toronto ON, Canada. Documentary Short, 13:47

Bay Rizz "Rescue"
Mike Rizzo , Brooklyn NY, USA. Documentary Short, Mockumentary, 4:53

Outside the Last Game at Yankee Stadium
Chris DePierro, West New York NJ, USA. Documentary Short, 22:00

The Retired Chef
David Elinson, Brooklyn NY, USA. Documentary Short, 4:00

No Strings Attached
Lisa Whitmer, San Francisco, CA, USA. Documentary Short, 37:00

Sunday, October 4, 2009
2:00pm
PROGRAM 12
Coney Island Films

'Blue Sky' Kaiser
Cartel Grizlet, Brooklyn NY, USA. Music Video, 3:41

End of the Line
Melody Idakaar, Landing, NJ, USA. Documentary Short, 6:21

Against The Tide
Doug Durant , West Babylon, NY, USA. Documentary Short, 8:00

Young At Heart
Brian Paccione, Poughkeepsie NY, USA. Documentary Short, 12:29 (Pictured)

The Poor Man's Follies
micropunta, Milano, Italy. Documentary Feature, 60:00

Sunday, October 4, 2009
3:00pm
PROGRAM 13

Here's Herbie
Mary Wickliffe, Los Angeles CA, USA. Narrative Short, 11:07

8 Days Later
Jun Naito, Brooklyn NY, USA. Comedy Short, 10:55

Real Gone
Johnny Von Golden, Brooklyn NY, USA. Experimental, 5:36 (Pictured)

Far From Home
Christian Amundson, Brooklyn NY, USA. Silent Film, 7:00

Mermaids of New York: Bambi the Mermaid
Ilise S. Carter, Mica Scalin, New York NY, USA. Documentary Short, 10:00

The Dishwashers "Sweetcheeks"
Simona Prives, Brooklyn, NY, USA, Music Video, 1:34

Ed Hamell Rant & Roll
Kate Valentine, Brooklyn NY, USA. Documentary Feature

Sunday, October 4, 2009
4:00pm
PROGRAM 14

The Terrible Thing of Alpha-9!
Jake Armstrong, Brooklyn NY, USA. Animation, 5:45 (pictured)

Slim and Lena
Mollye Asher, New York NY, USA. Narrative Short, 11:46

True Beauty This Night
Peter Besson, Sherman Oaks CA, USA. Comedy Short, 10:00

Shoebox Redhead
Matthew Lawrence, Toms River NJ, USA. Comedy Short, 15:00

Pirates of the Broadway: Part Deux
Laura Newman, Brooklyn NY, USA. Comedy Short, 7:30

Good Old Days
Seamus McNally, New York NY, USA. Narrative Short, 12:22

Cesar Salad
L. Gabrielle Penabaz, New York NY, USA. Narrative Short, 12:40

Intervention
Daniel Segal, Santiago Chile, Comedy Short, 12:13

Test Music Video
Robert Powers, Woodside NY, USA. Animation, 4:23

Sunday, October 4, 2009
5:00pm
PROGRAM 15

Strongman
Zachary Levy, New York, NY, Documentary Feature, 113 minutes

Sunday, October 4, 2009
6:00pm
PROGRAM 16

Mother
Kimberly Scott, Reel Works Teen Filmmaking, Brooklyn NY, USA. Documentary Short, 4:48

Medicine Man
Himkar Tak, New York NY. Narrative Short, 19:57

Basket Bronx
Martin Rosete, Madrid, Spain, Narrative Short, 14:00

Misunderstood
Clark Johnson, Scenarios USA, Brooklyn NY, USA. Narrative Short, 16:58

Father's Day
Brian Rolling, Brooklyn NY, USA. Narrative Short, 21:02

Maharishi
Mark Lediard, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Narrative Short, 9:30

Mugs
Ronnie Cramer, Denver Co, USA. Experimental, 4:24

F... That
Oliver Conrad, St. Moritz, Switzerland. Music Video. 3:30

Sensations of the Season
Jan Stephens, Portsmouth Hampshire, UK. Animation 5:08 (pictured)

For full ticketing, scheduling, and film entry descriptions visit the Coney Island Film Festival website.

2009 Coney Island Film Festival Line Up For Saturday Oct. 3rd

2009-10-01T19:12:00.030-04:00

Saturday, October 3, 2009
1:00 pm
PROGRAM 1

Flying Pumpkins, The Legend of Punkin Chunkin
Costa Mantis, Thousand Oaks Ca, USA. Documentary Feature, 88:00
Come along and have some fun with an unlikely assortment of men, women and children who share a common passion - making pumpkins fly! Did you know that the current world record for a flying pumpkin is 4,428.34 feet? Do you dare indulge yourself in pure, silly, unadulterated fun? These folks do - and you should see the fun they have doing it! 'Flying Pumpkins, The Legend of Punkin Chunkin' chronicles their shared passions and the fun they have making pumpkins fly.

Saturday, October 3, 2009
2:00 pm
PROGRAM 2

Somewhere Between Here and There
Liss Platt, Hamilton, On, Canada. Experimental, 10:30 (pictured)

The Double
Joseph Christiana, Hopatcong NJ, USA, Narrative Short, 9:00

What Is She To You?
Alden Burgess, Brooklyn NY, USA. Narrative Short, 11:09

I Don't Sleep I Dream
J.P. Chan, Brooklyn NY, USA. Narrative Short, 16:23

Damaged
Ramen Cromwell, Brooklyn NY, USA. Narrative Short, 11:52

The Beneficiary
Theodore Melfi, Santa Monica, CA, USA. Narrative Short - 17:59

There's No Justice, It's Just Us
Glen Steinmacher, North Bergen, NJ, USA. Animation, 3:50

Saturday, October 3, 2009
3:00 pm
PROGRAM 3

Brooklyn Force
Adam Bertocci, Bronxville NY, USA. Comedy Short, 12:53

Small Time
Jason Godbey, Brooklyn NY, USA. Comedy Short, 6:34

Silent Treatment
Jonathan Rothell, Shreveport LA , USA. Comedy Short, 6:30

Around the Block
Valerie Harrington, Brooklyn NY, USA. Narrative Short, 23:30

The Vaudevillian
Bryan Nest, Orange, CA, USA. Narrative Short, 17:00 (pictured)

Draw
Ryan Pearce, Plainview NY, USA. Narrative Short, 23:20

Got A Mind
Jim Riffel, New York NY, USA. Music Video, 3:48

Saturday, October 3, 2009
4:00 pm
PROGRAM 4
Coney Island Films

Koolkidz Music Video: Positive
Jivana P. Condak, Brooklyn NY, USA. Music Video, 5:00

The Tin Soldier
Jennifer Suhr, New York, NY, USA. Narrative Short, 5:00

Who Shot Coney Island?
Howie Alex , New York NY. Experimental, 5:30

I Had a Dream I Went to Coney Island
Sherwin Akbarzadeh , Australia. Experimental, 4:11

The Heart of Coney Island
Melanie Schiele, Brooklyn NY, USA. Documentary Short, 7:00

Woman on a Train
Joel Fendelman, Brooklyn NY, USA. Narrative Short, 9:20

The Mermaid Parade 2008
James Ford Nussbaum, Randolph, NJ, USA. Experimental, 6:00

Presque Isle
John D. Reilly, Erie, PA, US. Silent Film, 2:10

Jigsaw Soul - 'Cockroach Hotel'
Christopher Piazza, Brooklyn, NY, USA. Music Video. 3:55

It's All Here, It's All Real, It's All Alive!!!
Bianca Ahmadi & Kevin Chicas, Brooklyn, NY, USA. Experimental, 6:00

Frank Sidebottom Saves Coney Island
Brian Little, Chris Sievey, UK. Music Video, 2:16 (pictured)

Palmflower - Buried Under
Stacey Goldschmidt, Ray Borchers, Chicago, IL, USA. Music Video. 3:28

Coney Island 2057
Andrea Farkas, Janusz Swiatczak, Hempstead, NY USA. Experimental

Saturday, October 3, 2009
5:00 pm
PROGRAM 5

Friends (with benefits)
Gorman Bechard, Hamden CT, Narrative Feature, 93 minutes
Friends (with benefits) is a feature-length romantic comedy for all those allergic to romance, and for all who have come of (sexual) age in this cynical time of hook-ups, break-ups, and serial amour.

FRIENDS (WITH BENEFITS) is a tale of sexual identity and true love; of controversy and relationships redefined; a thinking person’s romantic comedy (with belly-laughs).

Saturday, October 3, 2009
6:00 pm
PROGRAM 6

Horn Dog
Bill Plympton , New York, NY. Animation, 4:30

Art Film
Amos Posner, New York NY, USA. Comedy Short, 3:30

Turf
Joe Zito, New York, NY. Comedy Short, 13:46

Circus
Lindsay Greer, Carbondale IL, USA. Experimental, 2:10

Attackazoids, Deploy!!
Brian Lonano, Staten Island NY, USA. Narrative Short, 4:16 (pictured)

Silent Film Star vs The Undead
Michael Pierce , Brooklyn NY, USA. Comedy Short, 10:40

Las Historias Mas Sexy Del Mundo! No.2 aka The Sexiest Stories on Earth!
Eric Cheevers, Washington ,DC, USA. Comedy Short, 14:30

Blood
Randy Scott Slavin, New York NY, USA. Music Video, 3:40

Rising Up: The Story of the Zombie Rights Movement
Laura Moss, Brooklyn, NY, USA. Comedy Short, Mockumentary, 27:45

Piece of Meat
Matt Conant, Norristown, PA, USA. Music Video. 4:00

Saturday, October 3, 2009
7:00 pm

PROGRAM 7

The Release of Jan
Jordan Roettele, Brooklyn NY, USA. Narrative Short, 14:00

Sea Legs
Craig Butta, Brooklyn NY, USA. Feature, 75:00 (pictured)

Saturday, October 3, 2009
8:00 pm
PROGRAM 8
Horror Films

X-Mess Detritus
Voltaire, New York, NY, USA. Animation, 1:30 (pictured)

The Institute of Seance
Kevin Corcoran, Media PA, USA. Silent, Horror, 9:10

The Babysitter
Kristen Gray, Astoria, NY. Narrative Short, Horror, 5:06

Wilted
Rafael De Leon Jr., Bronx NY, USA. Narrative Short, Horror, 5:25

The Fairy Princess
Stephen Lyman, New York NY, USA. Narrative Short, Horror, 14:35

Dead Sucks

Elias, Brooklyn NY, USA. Narrative Short, Horror, 8:50

Death In Charge
Devi Snively, Mishawaka, IN, USA. Narrative Short, Horror. 14:53

Dealbreaker
Mike Madigan, Troy MI, USA. Comedy Short, Horror. 10:00

Survivors
Soham Mehta, Austin TX, USA. Narrative Short, Horror. 12:55

Self-Inflicted
Davey Sherwinter, New York NY, USA. Narrative Short, Horror. 8:08

Paper Dolls Live in Glass Houses
Jonny Von Golden, Brooklyn NY, USA. Narrative Short, Horror. 12:39

Ice Cream Sunday
Victor Bonacore, Montclair, NJ, USA. Narrative Short, Horror. 17:08

Saturday, October 3, 2009
9:00 pm
PROGRAM 9

Day at Red Hook
Greg Kotis, Brooklyn NY, USA. Narrative Short, 5:16 (pictured)

Red Hook
Elizabeth Lucas, Brooklyn NY, USA. Feature, 85:00

Saturday, October 3, 2009
10:30 pm
PROGRAM 10
Special Screening: "The Warriors"

The Warriors
A Coney Island cult classic. Every year we pack the house and wouldn't you know it, it becomes an interactive film going experience! People reciting lines, loud applause, clanging beer bottles. CAN YOU DIG IT?? Advance ticket purchase strongly suggested to avoid sell out. We are the only venue in the Coney Island Amusement zone to screen this Coney Island Classic. See it in the actual neighborhood it was shot in!

For full ticketing, scheduling, and film entry descriptions visit the Coney Island Film Festival website.

2009 Coney Island Film Festival Line Up For Friday Oct. 2nd

2009-09-30T00:47:00.018-04:00

Friday, October 2, 2009
7:30 pm

Opening Night Screening: Step Right Up & The Prince of Mermaid Avenue

SHORT PRESENTATION:
"Step Right Up"
Luke Marshall, Silver Spring, MD, Doc Short, 28 Minutes, World Premiere!

Welcome to a world where the bizarre and the everyday meet. A world where hammering a nail into your head is done in front of an audience. A world where men and women will risk injury or death to swallow a sword. This is the world of the sideshow!

FEATURE PRESENTATION:
"The Prince Of Mermaid Avenue"
Charles Denson , Brooklyn, NY, Documentary Feature, 60 minutes, World Premiere!

The story of Jimmy Prince, owner of Major Meats on Mermaid Avenue, who retired after a sixty-year run as an anchor of the community.

Friday, October 2, 2009
9:30 pm

Opening Night Party at the Coney Island USA Freak Bar and Sideshows By The Seashore! Hosted by The Great Fredini. Live performances by Legs Malone, Nasty Canasta, Miss Cherry Delight, Cherry Pits, Billy The Id, Gary Ray, Scott

9th Annual Coney Island Film Festival
October 2-4, 2009
at Sideshows By The Seashore and The Coney Island Museum
in the historic Brooklyn neighborhood Coney Island, New York!

For full ticketing and scheduling information visit the Coney Island Film Festival website.

Coney Events: Chol Hamoed At Coney Island

2009-09-29T11:02:00.005-04:00

Direct from Coney Island USA:

Come celebrate the holiday of Sukkot at Coney Island USA's Sideshows by the Seashore with two great nights of “Jewish-Centric” sideshow, magic and variety entertainment. ’Meshuggena Magic for the Whole Mishpacha’ is the brainchild of Dick Zigun, Founder of Coney Island USA, and a nice Jewish Boy; as well as Adam Rinn, a Bar Mitzvahed magician, entertainer and Dean of Coney Island USA’s Sideshow School.

Wednesday, October 7, 4:30pm Show with Adam Rinn and Scott BakerWednesday October 7, 7:00pm Show with Adam Rinn and BenjiliniJeremy the Magician and David ‘the Kid’ Jaison will perform close up magic in the bar area during intermission

Thursday October 8, 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Both shows will feature Adam Rinn and Chris McDaniel, Jeremy the Magician and David ‘the Kid’ Jaison will perform close up magic in the bar area during intermission

Chol Hamoed at Coney Island!
Wednesday, October 7th & Thursday October 8th
Ticket prices are as follows:
$9.00 Adults
$5.00
Children under 12
at Sideshows By The Seashore
corner of Surf and West 12th street