Brooklyn’s creative legacy takes the spotlight this fall with Playback: The Brooklyn Watch Party, a new Brooklyn film festival celebrating the borough’s influence on cinema, music, art, and culture. Co-founded by filmmaker Spike Lee and Clara Wu Tsai, the inaugural two-day event will take place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) on November 6th and 7th, 2026, as part of BAM Film 2026.
Created by filmmaker and producer Nicholas Ma with guest curators, Playback will bring together artists, storytellers, and communities through repertory screenings, live talks, music performances, poetry, and cultural events exploring Brooklyn’s creative spirit.
Beyond BAM’s venues, the festival will feature a free street fair with live music, local food, and interactive experiences celebrating the borough’s neighbourhoods. The event will close with a special screening of Spike Lee’s acclaimed Crooklyn, featuring appearances by Lee, Alfre Woodard, and other guests.
Presented by BAM with Spike Lee and Clara Wu Tsai, Playback: The Brooklyn Watch Party introduces a festival format where cinema meets the wider cultural landscape of Brooklyn. Tickets go on sale in September, with more programme details to follow.
