Watch These Short Films from Bay Area Movie Buffs in Quarantine

Thank you, New Parkway

Odds are, if you’re going to The New Parkway, you’re looking for more than just a movie. Since 1996, the quirky Oakland theater/bar/restaurant/gathering place has used film as a way to foster community — there’s even a commercial before shows that encourages customers to start a conversation with their neighbors. On any given week, you can catch a screening of your favorite classic horror movie, join friends for trivia, or eat cereal while watching cartoons with strangers. So, how does a theater that’s all about connection handle social distancing? With more movies, of course.

While it’s closed during the shelter-in-place, The New Parkway is holding a Quarantine Film Festival for short films made by locals while in quarantine (running through April 30). Some ground rules: People can’t shoot the films in public, violate the shelter-in-place order in any way, or submit anything longer than three minutes. The categories are narrative, mini-documentary, how-to, and music videos — so there’s a lot of opportunity to channel that cabin fever into something a little more creative.

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We talked with The New Parkway staff and got a sneak peek at some of the entries. (Watch them below.)

Carlos Courtade, community outreach and marketing manager at The New Parkway, said the Quarantine Film Festival was just one result of a brainstorm on how to keep engagement high during a time where people can’t meet in real life — human connection is the main goal.

“First and foremost, we’re community centered. We’re not your average movie theater,” he said.

In addition the film festival, The New Parkway has been looking for other ways to get by business-wise during this time. It launched a Kickstarter to fund renovations that will keep employees at work during the Covid-19 closures; so far, it has raised nearly $50,000 from 751 backers, exceeding the $25,000 goal. It’s also been offering food delivery — but customers aren’t ordering specific meals, they simply enter their dietary restrictions, preferred size, and let The New Parkway fill their crate with seasonal dishes. The program delivers meals in recyclable containers to locations in the East Bay — and, according to Courtade, has already been quite successful. You can order online here!

During this fraught and uncertain time, many are worried about how their favorite small businesses will make ends meet during the pandemic. Through it all, The New Parkway is coming up with creative ways to stay true to its mission — and bring some much needed levity and humor as well, which we at The Bold Italic always appreciate.

Without further adieu, below, watch some of the videos that have been submitted to The New Parkway so far. And if you have some spare time (you do), why not make your own? Hint: Courtade says that the “how-to” category could use a few more submissions.

Untitled

A horror movie most parents can relate to RN

Safe Place

For when you’re scared to go outside

See-Saw

For imagining the amount of housework that could be done if only you could launch your child into the air with a see-saw

Virus Blues

A music video equal parts catchy and informative