Stoop Chat with Maani & Mr. Sweat – Directed by Marj Kleinman, Christine Thomas Yoon
Runtime: 14:09
“Stoop Chat with Maani and Mr. Sweat” brings you to the Brooklyn stoops of Mr. Sweat, a dapper neighborhood elder and Vietnam veteran with old school swagger, and Maani, a young aspiring entrepreneur. Against the vibrant cultural backdrop of Bedford-Stuyvesant, this documentary captures the power of mentorship and the enduring spirit of Black identity. Through the simple act of playing stoopball, wisdom is passed down, dreams take shape, and the past’s lessons help guide the future. Exploring faith and masculinity, the short film tells the heartwarming story of the strength found in community, the lessons shared between generations, and the amazing transformative power of love.
This short is the third in a series of short, intergenerational “Stoop Chat” docs designed to increase social connection between youth and elders, while preserving neighborhood narratives and celebrating cultural heritage. It builds on the Stoop Stories community project, founded at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, to connect, support, and celebrate our NYC neighbors. The goals of the project are to uplift and encourage more community connections in a time of significant loneliness and isolation, particularly for youth and elders. The pilot, “Stoop Chat with Jimmy & Shanaya” (2024) received 6 awards, including best documentary at The NYC Mental Health and Wellness Festival, the Audience Award at Better Cities Film Festival, and two Anthem Awards for community engagement.
Funded by Brooklyn Arts Council and the Stoop Stories community, this series pilot was directed by Stoop Stories founder and Emmy-nominated producer Marj Kleinman, and award-winning documentary filmmaker Christine Thomas Yoon, in collaboration with the Stoop Stories Collective of storytellers and artists.
After The Deluge – Directed by Tara Young
Runtime: 14:30
A scrappy, expressionistic artist finds respite from the isolation of her small apartment on a park bench. When a self-possessed lone traveler encroaches, angry sparks fly until the two find unexpected common ground. Written by John Patrick Shanley (MOONSTRUCK, DOUBT) and starring Trae Harris (ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK), Grace Rex (SEVERANCE).
IFFY – Directed by Olivia Jampol
Runtime: 07:56
With the help of a furry friend, a toxic couple tries to fix their broken relationship by preparing an elaborate and macabre feast.
Jeff – Directed by Julia Hebner
Runtime: 24:34
A phone sex operator loses her grip on reality, caught in a hypnotic relationship with a caller making disturbing confessions.
Sleeping With Gus – Directed by Antony Raymond
Runtime: 09:04
In a sleek, surreal restaurant teeming with flamboyant patrons, Gustavo, a soft-spoken young man, unwittingly becomes the center of a seductive, mysterious web of intrigue.
Well-Rounded – Directed by Sancheev Ravichandran
Runtime: 10:30
Sheela thinks Griffin is the perfect guy-until one morning she discovers he’s a flat-Earther.
Re-Entry – Directed by Ariel Mahler
Runtime: 15:52
When a trans scientist rediscovers a lost satellite from her former life as a NASA engineer, she’s forced to confront her painful past in order to reconcile who she once was with who she’s always been.