The month of July is considered Good Beer Month and in celebration of all things suds, Anthology Film Archives would host a short but effective Beer Film Festival on Tuesday night, welcoming in local lovers of craft beers for an informative and interactive affordable evening. Curated by Jimmy Carbone, the active owner and proprietor of craft beer haunt Jimmy’s No. 43, dozens of guests were welcomed into the Second Avenue theater and subsequently plied with tasty eats and distinctive beers during the evening’s reception. But not until after having the opportunity to watch some finely crafted beer related short films.

The three hour event would feature roughly seven films- some as brief as commercials for intricately made brews (Sixpoint’s “Dr. Klankenstein” Stein creation and their collaboration with Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Mast Brothers Chocolate - “3Beans”) and others, more dynamic looks at local brewers and their brewing processes. Features on the likes of Carton Brewing Company in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey and Peekskill Brewing, courtesy of online beer duo The Happy Hour Guys were particularly informative, enticing viewers to take the short trip to each place. Other clips from Sierra Nevada and promotional pitches for ‘Beer For Beasts’ and Rockaway Brewing Company’s canning line and a Beer Nation TV trip to Newburgh Brewing Company rounded out the hour long run of films.

Following the string of short films, guests were welcome to enjoy an unlimited supply of refreshing beers courtesy of Sixpoint, Rockaway Brewing and 508 Gastrobrewery as well as an array of creamy cheeses, fresh charcuterie and salty pretzels, all washed down with splashes of tasty beer. Rockaway Brewing Company’s “Toasted Summer” was our favorite of the night similar to many of the other attendees that we interacted with during the casual afterparty. The relaxed setting was just the first Beer Film Festival hosted by Carbone and his friends, but it’s almost certain to set the stage for a much larger, grander event in the months to come.

- Jane Van Arsdale