In a remarkably short period of time, Josh and Benny Safdie have built a rich and distinct body of work. Perhaps best known for Daddy Longlegs, their films are characterized by a deep reverence for independent film history, wonderfully offbeat humor and characters, and an uncanny ability to capture on film the overpopulated bustle and rugged individualism that is New York City life.

All of these traits are very much at the fore for their sublime new short The Black Balloon, the story of a balloon accidentally set loose by its owner, launching a majestic and comic journey across a metropolis.

The Safdies have curated a program of classic, balloon-themed shorts, appropriate for all ages, which complement their latest work. Included in this program are:

The Black Balloon (Josh and Benny Safdie, 2012, 21 minutes)

The Red Balloon (Albert Lamorisse, 1956, 34 minutes)

The Balloonatic (Buster Keaton and Edward F. Cline, 1923, 22 minutes)

The Pincushion Man, a.k.a. Balloon Land (Ub Iwerks, 1935, 7 minutes)