Invite to NYC-ites: free movie/music/drinks -- BURNING IN THE SUN makes its debut

Big news! A documentary that TrustMovies has been following since he first saw maybe 15 minutes of film from it at last year's Independent Film Week (that initial post is here; he then did a follow-up/interview with the filmmakers a few months later) has finally come to fruition and will be given an outdoor screening, complete with drinks, music and fun tomorrow night - Saturday, September 19. Here's all the info you need below. Come and discover the story of a wonderful young man in Africa who's bringing "green" energy for the first time to needy villages. This film say a whole lot about possibilities for alternative energy -- both here and abroad.

BURNING IN THE SUN is having its world premier showing in partnership with NY-based Independent Film Project (IFP), Rooftop Film's Summer Series, and Solar One’s Solar-Powered Film Series. To kick off Climate Week NYC (dedicated to raising awareness and taking action to curb climate change), Solar One -- New York's Green Energy, Arts and Education Center in Manhattan -- will be hosting a free solar-powered outdoor screening of Burning in the Sun on their beautiful pier overlooking the East River. Doors open at 8pm and we suggest you come early. The evening will begin with live music courtesy of Sound Fix Records at 8:30pm, followed at 9:00 by the film screening and Q&A with the filmmakers, and will finish up with a free open bar party until midnight.

Co-directors Cambria Matlow, right, and Morgan Robinson, left).

Here's a quick synopsis of what you'll be seeing: Burning in the Sun tracks 26-year-old charmer Daniel Dembele -- equal parts West African and European -- looking to make his mark on the world. Seizing the moment at a crossroads in his life, Daniel decides to return to his homeland in Mali and start a local business building solar panels – the first of its kind in the sun-drenched nation. Daniel's goal is to electrify the households of rural communities, 99% of which live without power. The documentary tells the story of Daniel’s journey growing the shaky startup into a viable company, and of the business’ impact on Daniel’s first customers in the tiny village of Banko. Taking controversial stances on climate change, poverty, and African self-sufficiency, the film explores what it means to grow up as a man, and what it takes to prosper as a nation.

The filmmakers and their sponsors would love you to join them for this exciting free evening of great music, wonderful company, drinks -- and a fantastic film. And it's all FREE. These days, can you ask for anything more?

For information about the screening and the series, visit the Rooftop Films website.

For information about the venue and directions to get there, visit the Solar One website.