June 23—30, 2022
On-sale dates:
Thu, May 12 for BAM Members & Patrons
Thu, May 19 for General Public
Launched in 2009 as a showcase for new independent films, the annual festival is an extension of BAM’s year-round film program, collecting the most innovative new work from festivals in the US and around the world and bringing them to New York City audiences. This year’s festival features blazingly personal works by filmmakers who have defied industry odds to realize their singular visions. Overflowing with funny, moving, challenging, and thought-provoking discoveries from the cutting edge of independent film, BAMcinemaFest is a celebration of all that movies can be when bold, uncompromising artists are empowered to tell their own stories.
Lead sponsor of BAMcinemaFest:
Leadership support for BAM Access Programs provided by the Jerome L. Greene Foundation.
Leadership support for BAM Film provided by the Ford Foundation and The Thompson Family Foundation
Stories of Black women, and bereaved partners, who are left behind in maternal healthcare.
A naive pretty boy meets a rough-and-tumble disco queen in this Gen Z Brooklyn rom-com.
Damian Marcano’s award-winning breakout debut about a young father’s scheme to sell weed.
A daring documentary about a radical Mexican/Chicanx performance artist and his troupe.
Kit Zauhar’s exciting, honest film about a young woman launched into adulthood.
These shorts focus on family, connection, and trauma—from the political to personal.
Lily Gladstone stars in this narrative/doc hybrid about a meandering road-trip.
The unexpected, uplifting story of the Middle East’s first all-female thrash metal band.
Jason Kohn pulls back the veil on the secretive diamond industry.
A filmmaker searching for answers—and ice cream—in this doc-existential comedy.
A selection of formally inventive short films ask questions about art and history.
New restorations of filmmaker Ayoka Chenzira’s visionary work.
This portrait of community activism explores the cost of becoming the symbol of a movement.
Visually stunning films that capture the quiet essence of humanity.
Ramin Bahrani’s acclaimed film about the life and lies of the bulletproof vest inventor.