The Animation Block Party 2011 kicks off its eighth year today right in our hood!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYbCTkl84Lk

Tonight, Rooftop Films will host outdoor screenings at Automotive High, located at 50 Bedford Ave and N. 13th. Doors open at 8pm for live music and cartoons start around 9pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance. And in the event of rain (cuz it lookin’ kinda thunderstormy), screenings will simply go indoors.

After your first day of cartoon fun, kick back with some free beer courtesy of Radeberger at tonight’s after party at Matchless, located at 557 Manhattan Avenue.

Alas, the festival then moves further down the borough to BAMcinématek (Peter Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Avenue) for its Saturday and Sunday run. But with award winning independent shorts, studio animation and a first ever FREE animation trade show and art gallery exhibition, it’s totally worth waiting for the G.

For more information and a complete schedule, visit Animation Block Party 2011.

Gothamist reports that on Thursday, June 23, cops shut down a Rooftop Films screening on Wythe and South 2nd for public drinking despite having a valid liquor license.

Calling the incident a “permit misunderstanding,” Rooftop Films issued a statement saying:

If any patrons received summonses at the event, we will be more than happy to provide a copy of the valid liquor permit that covered the event, and Rooftop Films and the owners of the establishment will assist those patrons in dealing the NYPD in any way we possibly can. Please email Lela Scott MacNeil at lela@rooftopfilms.com.

Rooftop Films will also refund ticket sales from that night and offer two additional tickets to another show. Simply email lela@rooftopfilms.com.