The Downtown Festival: Chronicles of Shpongle + Q&A

Chronicles of Shpongle, a film by Paul Gondry
World Premiere

The film follows a group of religious harvesters in a forgotten mythological underworld hidden behind closed doors in contemporary New York City as they harvest a mind-altering fungus called “Shpongle” that links users to a fantastical world.

Screening followed by a Q&A with director Paul Gondry moderated by Jak Ritger 

ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL:
The Downtown Festival is a multidisciplinary celebration of independent film, music, art, and culture held across Lower Manhattan each October. Founded and directed by filmmaker Rebekah Sherman-Myntti, the festival brings together artists across disciplines and generations through film premieres, anniversary screenings, live music performances, artist talks, and special one-night-only events. Programming is led by Sherman-Myntti and Associate Director Briana Bursten, with a focus on discovery, experimentation, community, and genuine artist-to-artist exchange. The festival’s film program runs October 9-18 at Roxy Cinema, with additional programming and special events taking place all over downtown.