Senate Resolution No. 1161

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMEMORATING the 11th Annual Art of Brooklyn Film
Festival on June 1-12, 2021

WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be underestimated; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those organizations and events whose commitment and creative
talents have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of
the citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, The Art of Brooklyn Film Festival (AoBFF) is a unique event
that brings Brooklyn's celebrated film and media makers together with
their peers across the country and around the world; and

WHEREAS, The award-winning AoBFF is a filmmaker-focused event,
platform and showcase for exciting emerging creators and established
voices which partners with film distributors and media organizations,
hosts world-class talkbacks, creates innovative programming for
networking and skill building, and screens in state-of-the-art theaters
for enthusiastic audiences across Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, Founded by working artists in 2011, ten festival premieres
have gotten theatrical distribution to date, with one becoming an HBO
series; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization has held events in 19 different
venues in nine neighborhoods across Brooklyn, often partnering with
local businesses and organizations to reach the widest possible
audience; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, its innovative approach to ensure no single
point of view dominates the curation process includes working with a
different Guest Festival Director every season; its ethical and
transparent submission policy is a model for the industry; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its co-Founder and Executive
Director, Joseph Shahadi, whose involvement is, and always has been,
characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and
an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of
the event and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Art of Brooklyn
Film Festival; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when artistic
creators of such remarkable talent and accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it


RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 11th Annual Art of Brooklyn Film Festival on June 1-12,
2021; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Joseph Shahadi, co-Founder and Executive Director of the
Art of Brooklyn Film Festival.