Tribeca’s BMCC Theater glowed tonight as the NYC Film Fest launched. Over 2,000 saw 10 shorts— a Queens director’s ‘Bodega Dreams’ won top prize; X raved. A panel with Spike Lee—‘NYC’s lens’—packed 500; his stories sparked cheers. Tickets at $20 sold out fast; 75°F night buzzed. NYC’s cinema—indie heart shines.
Director Aisha Cole, 31, took $5,000 for her 15-minute film—bodega life nailed. Free popcorn—local brand—drew smiles; 300 bags gone. A youth workshop at 3 p.m.—100 kids edited clips—packed. New LED screens—crisp visuals—wowed. Tribeca’s vibe—NYC’s screen lives.
It’s not perfect—late start; tech lagged 10 minutes. Some shorts felt rushed—pacing off. Still, 10 films, 2,000 eyes—fest’s a hit. Post-show, Greenwich Street buzzed—film talk flowed. Runs till Sunday—NYC watches.
Cole’s 31—rising star? Lee’s 68—legend speaks. NYC filmed; Tribeca glowed. Film Fest—reels roll.