New York, New York — The award-winning, acclaimed, international festival is back for its summer series. The three-day festival runs from Tuesday, June 14th to Thursday, June 16th, at the Regal Cinemas in Times Square. This series is a hybrid format; We are screening 27 short film selections in-person and 14 selections (7 features and 7 shorts) throughout the week online through XerbTV. Doors open at 6 PM each day.
Showings will take place in two blocks, running from 6:15 PM to 8:15 PM and 8:45 PM to 10:45 PM. Festivalgoers can expect post-screening Q&As after each block, where our filmmakers dive deeper into their films and audience members can ask questions. Thursday will be our closing night ceremony from 7 PM to 10 PM at BKLYN Commons (sponsored by Brooklyn Brewery). During the ceremony, we’ll officially announce this season’s winners and give out awards and prizes. The festival features a wide selection of genres ranging from documentary, narrative, comedy, drama, horror, science fiction/fantasy, dystopian, suspense, romance, and speculative fiction works.
Our summer festival will be hosting several NYC premieres, including Ben Hirschhorn’s directorial debut with his film, “Goggles,” Ali Matlock’s sci-fi thriller “Shadows of the Dust,” and Anthony Paulino’s introspective and emotionally-stirring short, “Stranger In The Room.”
Katra stays true to its mission to showcase underrepresented perspectives and narratives. Festivalgoers can expect films showcasing social commentary, such as “Goggles,” a sci-fi commentary on the immigration issues in America, and “Hysterical Justice” by Hash Sesay, an analytical documentary that examines Black American social justice issues through the lens of Black comedy. “Home Room” directed by Tony Flair highlights a necessary story that enlightens its viewers about New York’s ongoing homelessness issues within the public school system. “Andrea” by Latino director and immigrant Armando Valdes-Kennedy tells a heart-wrenching coming-of-age story that’s reflective of the immigrant experience.
Shu-Ying Chung’s “Removable” also focuses on the immigrant experience, depicting a woman’s journey through guilt after her domestic violence report ends in her husband’s deportation. “Choc” directed by Brian Zahm explores LGBTQ+ issues by focusing on the triumphant story of Choc, a Black Chicago-native that overcame his tumultuous upbringing due to sexuality.
Viewers can also expect light-hearted BIPOC narratives. “Legit Married” by Cuban director Chelsea Gonzalez is a quirky, modern love story that begins after two friends enter a green card marriage so that the other obtain American citizenship. “Good Night” by director Eric Shahinian follows a newly “out” Armenian man and his subsequent date night with a prospective suitor.
Watchers will also get to experience harrowing dramas through the visionary lenses of Latinx directors. “Miracle Baby” was written by prominent actress Nancy Nagrant and directed by Mexican-American, award-winning director Michelle Bossy. This film is a psychological thriller that explores gender and politics. “Numb” features a mostly BIPOC cast with an evocative performance by actress/writer Luella Hill as the film’s leading lady. The story follows Luella’s character as she grapples with grief and struggles to retain her life after the loss of her husband. It’s directed by renowned Latino actor/director/writer/producer Carlos Moreno Jr.
Tickets are now available on the Katra Film Series website. Options include admission per block, two-day passes, and all-access VIP tickets (which include entry to the festival afterparty and closing ceremony).
The full festival lineup for each day with the film synopsis can be found below:
● Tuesday, June 14th: Block One
● Tuesday, June 14th: Block Two
● Wednesday, June 15th: Block One
● Wednesday, June 15th: Block Two
Festival Background Information:
Now in its 11th Year, the Katra Film Series is an award-winning international film festival and screenwriting competition dedicated to championing the next generation of diverse, inclusive, and multicultural filmmakers and content creators worldwide.
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatraFilmSeries/ Twitter: @KatraFilmSeries
Instagram: @KatraFilmSeries
Website: https://katrafilmseries.com/
Social Media Hashtags: #katra2022 #katrafilmseries #katrafilms11
Major Festival Partners and Sponsors:
Digital Ocean, Freelancers Union, UKW Media, Urbn/TV, GPop TV, JRM Rentals, BKLYN Commons, Brooklyn Brewrey, Media Makers, ReelWorks, NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment.
*Note: Press release submitted by Katra Film Series; reposted at their request.
