The 10th annual Coney Island Film Festival honors Darren Aronofsky, the Brooklyn-born director of the Coney Island classic, Requium for a Dream and The Wrestler for which Mickey Rourke won an academy award for his incredible portrayal of a troubled wrestler.

The mission of the festival, which runs from September 24th through September 26th, is to raise funds for the non-profit arts organization Coney Island USA, a group dedicated to the preservation of Coney Island and its history, nd to present an engaging program of films just steps from the fabulous boardwalk.

Check the festival website for the schedule of a eclectic group of films from the U.S. and all over the world, including a number of “made in Coney Island” productions each year.

The main screening venue is the legendary Sideshows by the Seashore theater, home to America’s last authentic 10-in-1 circus sideshow. The opening night celebration will  feature live performances by sideshow & burlesque stars.