Something Old, Something New0

FilmShop Brooklyn’s fall 2010 season ended with something old and something new. Graham Meriwether screened the first 20 minutes of his documentary “American Meat,” which long-time FilmShoppers have seen in various stages during its production, and Doug Hosdale screened a rough cut of his new short comedy called “The Duel.”

“American Meat” examines the complex economics and ethics of the nation’s meat industry: how it grew into the factory farm system we have today, and how a growing movement of independent farmers are proposing alternative arrangements. Graham has shared all manner of raw footage and rough cuts over the past few years. At the start of the season, in fact, he screened a version of the film’s introduction that lasted almost 40 minutes. FilmShoppers agreed that his newest cut, some 20 minutes shorter, retains the work’s power while helping clarify challenges faced by individual farmers. Indeed, this farmer-centric angle distinguishes “American Meat” from all of the recent food-related documentaries that have premiered in recent years—it’s one film definitely worth watching when it debuts.

Ending on a light-hearted note, Doug Hosdale screened “The Duel.” It follows two history geeks as they re-create famous historic duels to win the lasting affections of a woman, beginning with the famed face-off against Aaron Burr that cost Alexander Hamilton his life. Without giving too much away about the ending, suffice it to say that neither man poses a threat to Takeru Kobayashi or Joey Chestnut. Doug served as director of photography on “The Duel.” Also joining us to hear FilmShop’s comments was Alec Pollak, one of the film’s producers. Interestingly, they began working together on the project—along with writer and co-producer Kris Keeley and director Zorikh Lequidre—after the quartet responded to a meetup.com posting seeking film collaborators.

That’s it for this season of FilmShop but save the date for Saturday, January 8, 2011 when FilmShop presents “Regifted,” a night of short films and music. Works from the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Hong Kong FilmShop chapters will be shown. Festivities also include a gift swap, photo booth, and live music from Living Days, Xylos, DJ Jan Woo, and VJ Shantell Martin. Doors open 8 p.m. at The Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6th Street, Brooklyn. Admission is $10 at the door.