In Pete Hamill’s Downtown, an ode to his native city of New York, he writes, “Reading our rich history makes the experience more layered. But it is not a substitute for walking the streets themselves.” Coming to know the city demands that we take in its foliage, its turnstiles, its culture. Regarding culture, Hamill trains his lens on lower Manhattan because the art, music, and movies born “downtown” are particularly vital to the city’s spirit. That’s the contention of the Downtown Festival, a celebration taking place over three weekends that highlights art and artists that “contribute to the fabric of ‘downtown.’” Screenings of Jeffrey Scotti Schroeder’s Or Something and Olmo Schnabel’s Pet Shop Days, among other films, will take place at the Roxy Cinema, while music performances and panel discussions are slated at various other venues. Check the festival’s Web site for details. —Jack Sullivan