NYWIFT Press Room

This award-winning documentary chronicles the pre-Roe v. Wade era when young female activists who called themselves ‘Jane’ built an underground network for women with unwanted pregnancies, providing safe, low-cost illegal abortions to an estimated 11,000 women. Post-screening discussion: filmmakers Tia Lessin and Emma Pildes with Dr. Wendy Chavkin, Columbia/Mailman School of Public Health; co-founder, Global Doctors for Choice. Moderator: Katie Chambers (New York Women in Film & TV).

Co-Sponsors: Anthropology, Center for Religion and Media, Cinema Studies, Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality

East Quogue resident, Ruth Ann Harnisch, discusses two films she produced that first screened at the Sundance Festival last week, as well as some of her favorite films from the festival, during the Monday Meditation segment on The WLIW-FM Heart of The East End with Gianna Volpe

NYWIFT New York Women in Film and Television has a weekly series to bring updates and vital information about the impact of COVID-19 and current events in the media and entertainment industry. The series is called NYWIFT Talks. The NYWIFT Talks are free and open to anyone who wants to attend with pre-registration. The program takes place virtually as a webinar via Zoom. Registrants will receive a link to attend the webinar the day of the event.

This Friday, January 27, 2023 at 4pm, the next NYWIFT Talks will have STUNTWOMEN in conversation. The STUNTWOMEN will be discussing their work, how the pandemic has changed their career and what new protocols have been set to keep everyone safe.

One Hand Don’t Clap. 1988. USA. Directed by Kavery Kaul. With Lord Kitchener, Calypso Rose. Digital restoration by the Academy Film Archive and the Women’s Film Preservation Fund of New York Women in Film & Television; courtesy of Riverfilms. North American premiere. 92 min.

Kavery Kaul’s engaging documentary traces the history of calypso and soca music from their birth in the African-East Indian traditions of Trinidad and Tobago through its worldwide diaspora, including its popularization in the 1950s by Harry Belafonte and the new independent distribution networks that arose to serve the expatriate community in the 1980s. […]

“Sneakerella” was released on Disney+ last May.  Set in the vibrant street-sneaker subculture of New York City, “Sneakerella” is a high-energy, music-driven movie that puts a contemporary twist on the “Cinderella” fairy tale…Recently, Disney Plus Informer had the opportunity to interview Executive Producer Rachel Watanabe-Batton who discussed what her recent Emmy win meant to her and shared insight on Contradiction and Struggle, the production company she founded which aims to reframe history and conventional politics of respectability and branding and talked about the possibility of a sequel to “Sneakerella.” […]

New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT) Virtual Hangout with BIPOC Doc Editors will be at 6p.m. on January 10, 2023. This virtual speed networking mixer is a safe space to ask entertainment related questions, seek advice, employment and other industry opportunities. BIPOC Doc Editors will be joining the conversation. You can engage the group, share ideas and contact info. […]

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced today the annual selection of 25 influential motion pictures to be inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. Selected for their cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to preserve the nation’s film heritage, the newest selections include a vibrant diversity of American filmmakers, as well as landmark, works in key genres and numerous documentaries.

Betty Tells Her Story was the first independent documentary of the women’s movement to explore the ways in which clothing and appearance affect a woman’s identity. It is used in film studies, psychology, sociology, women’s studies and many other academic disciplines as a perceptive look at how our culture views women in the context of body image, self-worth and beauty in American culture. The film was restored with a grant from New York Women in Film & Television’s Women’s Film Preservation Fund. […]

When Harry Met Sally …, Iron Man, The Little Mermaid, Hairspray, House Party and Carrie are among the 25 cinematic gems chosen this year for the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry, it was announced Wednesday….

Betty Tells Her Story was the first independent documentary of the women’s movement to explore the ways in which clothing and appearance affect a woman’s identity. It is used in film studies, psychology, sociology, women’s studies and many other academic disciplines as a perceptive look at how our culture views women in the context of body image, self-worth and beauty in American culture. The film was restored with a grant from New York Women in Film & Television’s Women’s Film Preservation Fund. […]

Modern Films, a leading London-based film banner which notably distributed “Drive My Car,” will release Dina Amer’s emotional and thought-provoking character study “You Resemble Me” in the U.K. and Ireland….

The trio also enlisted the support of a flurry of organizations to get the movie out in U.S. theaters and build an event around its release, notably New York Women in Film and Television, Free the Work, the Africa Center, the Future of Film Is Female, NYU’s Center for Social Media and Politics, Women Under the Influence, WScripted, BIPOC Editors, Muslim Public Affairs Council Hollywood Bureau, MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition, Film Fatales, Africa Film Festival, Letterboxd, The Gotham and Human Rights Watch, among others. […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) has presented 10 scholarships and 14 festival awards to new and established filmmakers at seven New York-area festivals throughout the past year, a press release has announced. Cash awards and one-year association memberships gifted by the NYWIFT aim to nurture the next generation of women in media.

According to NYWIFT CEO Cynthia Lopez, the organization has expanded its festival partnership as part of its mission to “recognize top-tier talent, emerging voices, and the women content creators making waves in narrative and documentary filmmaking.” Lopez added, “It is so impressive that these recipients not only completed their films during the pandemic – they excelled in reinventing how films are made during this time.” […]

New York Women in Film & Television has presented 10 scholarships to film and television production students and 14 festival awards to filmmakers at seven New York area festivals in 2022 as part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of women in media.

The organization presented festival awards for Excellence in Directing across various categories to Ellie Foumbi (“Our Father the Devil”) and Laura Checkoway (“The Cave of Adullam”) at the Hamptons International Film Festival; Ju Martins (“Nā Kama Kai – Children of The Ocean”) and Cassie Hay and Amy Winston (“Queens of Pain”) at Montauk Film Festival. […]

New York Women in Film and Television weekly series NYWIFT Talks is holding a special NYWIFT Talks Holiday Special: A Look Behind Lifetime Movies. This is a free for all to attend event happening on December 9, 2022 from 4-5pm. In this virtual NYWIFT Talks, the love of Lifetime Original movies will be the conversation. […]

In the United States in 2022, fields such as Aircraft piloting, Agriculture, Architecture, Construction, Finance, and Information technology, are still male-dominated industries. For a woman who is working in a male-dominated environment, what exactly does it take to thrive and succeed? In this interview series, we are talking to successful women who work in a Male-Dominated Industry who can share their stories and experiences about navigating work and life as strong women in a male-dominated industry. As a part of this series, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Zenaida Mendez.

Zenaida Mendez is the Director of Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) El Barrio Firehouse Community Media Center and was recently awarded the 2022 Jewell Ryan White Award for Cultural Diversity from the Alliance of Community Media. Mendez has an extensive career in public service, community activism, television production, and filmmaking, and is currently the executive producer of several monthly MNN productions. As a social justice activist, she is an avid voice for tolerance and has many years of experience working as an advocate for women’s and LGBTQI+ rights, as well as economic, racial and environmental justice. She also just began her second term of the Board of Directors of New York Women in Film & Television. […]

Sana Que Sana unveils an unfortunately common story in Latinx heritage, one afflicted by machismo and shame. It follows director Gabriella Aguirre’s grandmother as she collects the pieces of a shattered legacy, after learning that her husband of fifty years had been leading a secret life. Set in Cali, Colombia, Aguirre allows us an intimate view into her grandmother’s experience of contending with the idea of “happily ever after.” We are left to ask ourselves, can love last forever?

The short film premiered September 16th, 2022, at the New York Latino Film Festival, which showcases Latin American filmmakers in all genres. It was later showcased by the New York Women in Film and Television organization at the Hamptons International Film Festival, where Aguirre was recognized for her early-stage achievement among several other emerging directors. […]

Exploring the life of ‘Europe’s first female suicide bomber’

7-10 p.m. at 18 W. Houston St. 

Watch a screening of “You Resemble Me,” a film about Hasna Aït Boulahcen who is known as “Europe’s first female suicide bomber.”  Following the screening, a panel discussion will be moderated by Katie Chambers — the senior director of community and public relations at New York Women in Film & Television — and will feature film director Dina Amer and producer Elizabeth Woodward. Tickets are $18.

With You Resemble Me currently playing at the Angelika Film Center, Filmmaker presents two guest posts about the film’s self-distribution, one by the film’s writer and director, Dina Amer, and, below, one by producer Elizabeth Woodward.

After a beautiful premiere in Venice, 30 festival awards from over 70 festivals around the world, our special film You Resemble Me did not have any meaningful distribution offers on the table….

We ended up partnering with a variety of organizations like New York Women in Film and Television, Free The Work, The Future of Film is Female, Letterboxd, Women In Film, The Gotham, NYU, The Africa Center, WScripted, Lighthouse Film Festival, BIPOC Editors, Human Rights Watch, Muslim Public Affairs Council Hollywood Bureau, MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition, Pillars Fund, Wscripted, Film Fatales, Africa Film Festival and more. […]

Carter Smith’s queer horror Swallowed, starring Jena Malone and Cooper Koch, was awarded the U.S. narrative feature grand jury prize at the 2022 NewFest Festival, which runs through Oct. 25 in New York…

NewFest also handed out a number of other honors as part of this year’s festival. That includes the Chevrolet Changemaker Award for a Black LGBTQ+ director, which went to Black As U R‘s Rice and the NewFext x NYWIFT Emerging Filmmaker Award, which was given to Dress Up‘s Karina Dandashi. […] 

Author Sue Monk Kidd once said, “Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here.” There are thousands of stories remaining in the minds of women around the world. How do we encourage the next generation to stretch and rise to new heights? When planting the seed of possibility, seeing is believing, or so goes the age old adage. The same is true of reading, listening and hearing, which is exactly why Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon, Co-Founders of The Writers Lab, felt the time had come to raise the voices of women, particularly those over 40. The result reaches far beyond the outcomes of film, books and plays. Even more powerful is the enduring foundation of confidence, resilience and clarity their community embodies. It’s no wonder they are two of our 2022 inductees in the Advancing Diversity Hall of Honors.

The Lake Placid Film Festival, which began on Thursday, continues for three more days of film screenings, special events and seminars through Sunday afternoon. Various venues around the village will play host, including the High Peaks Resort (festival headquarters), Palace Theatre and Lake Placid Center for the Arts…

Seminar: Brave New Worlds: Women in Sci-Fi. Katie Chambers will moderate this session with panelists Julie Neira Campoverde, Emily Kaye, Eunice Levis and Anna White. Modern science fiction is about a whole lot more than little green men. From “Star Trek” to “Arrival,” science fiction world-building allows artists to explore political and cultural issues, and build idealized, equitable societies. This event is hosted by New York Women in Film & Television and Upstate Women in Film & Television.

HamptonsFilm today announced the full list of feature and short film award winners for the 30th anniversary edition of the Hamptons International Film Festival, including the Audience Award winners in the Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature and Short Film categories…

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) Awards:

OUR FATHER, THE DEVIL, directed by Ellie Foumbi (Narrative)

THE CAVE OF ADULLAM, directed by Laura Checkoway (Documentary) […]

Red carpet photos from HIFF 2022 includes images of NYWIFT filmmakers and leadership.

On Sunday, October 9, from noon to 2:30 PM, New York Women in Film & Television will host its annual Women Filmmakers Brunch at Mulford Farm in East Hampton.

The brunch precedes its Women Calling the Shots short film showcase, which includes screenings of select short films showcasing the outstanding achievements by female filmmakers around the world. Visit the NYWIFT website to register. 

Short films include “Bea, Seriously,” directed by Hanna Gray Organschi, “Dear Mama,” directed by Winter Dunn, “El Carrito,” directed by Zahida Pirani, “Girls Got Game,” directed by Elizabeth Lo, “Paper Geese,” directed by Elizabeth Chatelain, and “Sana Que Sana,” directed by Gabriella Aguirre.

The Women Calling the Shots showcase was curated by NYWIFT’s Barbara Vasconez, Rashiek Smart, and Easmanie Michel, and HIFF’s Anna Lawrence and Megan Costello.

The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS) has announced the lineup for its annual New York Greek Film Expo, a Greek film festival for all New Yorkers, to be held September 29—October 9, expanding to four theaters across the New York metro area.

HFS will present 15 screenings of 12 films, including two documentaries. Four of the films are directed by women. Films that are in Greek have English subtitles. Screenings will be held at the Village East Cinema in Manhattan; the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) in Astoria; the Alpine Cinemas in Brooklyn; and the Pelham Picture House in Westchester. […]

This week is closing off with many new leadership hires, department expansions and roster additions. Let’s see who’s coming into Q4 hot this week in the agencies world….

Leslie Fields-Cruz was named the new board of directors’ president for New York Women in Film & Television. Fields-Cruz has four years of experience on the board, including roles as the vice president of programming and membership, while also holding the position of executive director of Black Public Media since 2014. […]

Leslie Fields-Cruz, executive director for Black Public Media, was appointed board president for New York Women in Film & Television. She succeeds Jamie Zelermyer, EP and host of the podcast I Was Never There and former VP of physical production for Focus Features. Fields-Cruz joined the board in 2018 and previously served as VP of programming and VP of membership.

The Writers Lab (TWL) and its members have a lot to celebrate this month. A press release announced that the organization has selected winners of their eighth annual Writers Lab for screenwriters over the age of 40. TWL also announced the renewed endorsement from industry luminaries Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman, along with the Lab’s induction into the Advancing Diversity Hall of Honors. 

This year’s entries saw a significant quantity of genre scripts, especially comedy. Many also submitted historical stories about pioneering women that are, as TWL noted, “a crucial response to the current political and cultural shifts that threaten their autonomy.” […]

HamptonsFilm announced today the full slate of programming for the 2022 edition of the Hamptons International Festival (HIFF), including the Closing Night presentation of the New York premiere SR., directed by Chris Smith, the Centerpiece screening of Sarah Polley’s WOMEN TALKING, additional Spotlight selections, as well as Signature Programs including Views From Long Island; Conflict and Resolution; Air, Land & Sea; and Compassion, Justice & Animal Rights. The 30th edition of the festival will feature a lineup of films that are 54% female-directed and represent 34 countries from around the world….

SHORT FILMS – NEW YORK WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION: WOMEN CALLING THE SHOTS

Presented in partnership with NYWIFT […]

HamptonsFilm announced today the full slate of programming for the 2022 edition of the Hamptons International Festival (HIFF), including the Closing Night presentation of the New York premiere SR., directed by Chris Smith, the Centerpiece screening of Sarah Polley’s WOMEN TALKING, additional Spotlight selections, as well as Signature Programs including Views From Long Island; Conflict and Resolution; Air, Land & Sea; and Compassion, Justice & Animal Rights. The 30th edition of the festival will feature a lineup of films that are 54% female-directed and represent 34 countries from around the world….

SHORT FILMS – NEW YORK WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION: WOMEN CALLING THE SHOTS

Presented in partnership with NYWIFT […]

Audrey Rosenberg has a long list of impressive credits in film and television. To name just a few, she co-founded Invisible Pictures, where she was a producer on Bull, which premiered in the Uncertain Regard section of Cannes 2019; and is an executive producer on the Topic.com premiere digital series Soul City. Rosenberg was Emmy-nominated as executive producer along with Steven Soderbergh on the HBO documentary, His Way; executive producer on the Emmy- winning HBO documentary By the People: The Election of Barack Obama, produced with Edward Norton. She was part of the producing team with Christine Vachon on Douglas McGrath’s Infamous, starring Sandra Bullock, Daniel Craig, and Toby Jones. She produced Sean Gullette’s award-winning feature, Traitors, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, and had its North America premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. A member of New York Women in Film and Television and the Producer’s Guild of America, Rosenberg is also on the board of Zimbabwe based organization The Soft Foot Alliance.  […]

NYWIFT Board Member Alex Cirillo discusses her career, her work with NYWIFT, and the premiere of her series The Captain

“Diverse stories and diverse storytellers give viewers a chance to walk in another person’s shoes. They open viewers’ eyes to another way of looking at things, and another way of looking at themselves.”

Asa part of our series called “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker,” I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Kavery Kaul. Kavery Kaul is an award-winning director, producer, and writer, who uses an intimate lens to craft stories which boundlessly straddle different worlds….

On September 9th, Kaul’s latest documentary feature The Bengali will premiere at The Quad Ciema in NYC, co-presented by New York Women in Film & Television and the Indo-American Arts Council. […]

The announcement of the NYWIFT Member Screening of Kavery Kaul’s The Benegali appeared on page27 of the August 27 edition of The Weekly Bangalee. 

New York Women in Film & Television will have the theatrical premiere of Kavery Kaul’s “The Bengali” as the season opener of its NYWIFT Member Screening series which is being co-presented by the Indo American Arts Council. 

The film is about an unlikely quest that takes an African American woman from New Orleans to India in search of her family’s past sparking an intriguing encounter between East and West.

It reclaims the story of the first Indians who came to the U.S. in the late 19th century and married African American women here. […]

Independent film festivals have been known to launch the careers of some of today’s biggest filmmakers, such as Steven Soderbergh, Quentin Tarantino, Catherine Hardwicke, and Wes Anderson, just to name a few. Will the next virtuosic talent or blockbuster emerge from the 23rd Woodstock Film Festival?

…There will be conversations with each of the honorees and panels featuring the four filmmakers who participated in the spring filmmakers residency/incubator, a panel presented in collaboration with NYWIFT (New York Women in Film and Television), featuring Karen Allen, a panel in collaboration with the Writers Guild of America East, and more. […]

Industry stalwarts including director Cheryl Dunye (“Bridgerton”), actor, writer, director Romola Garai (“The Amulet,” “Becoming Elizabeth”), producer Elizabeth Karlsen (“Mothering Sunday”) and Sky Comedy commissioning editor Tilusha Ghelani have joined the illustrious roster of mentors at The Writers Lab U.K. & Ireland.

Now in its second year in the territory, the lab, which supports women and non-binary writers over 40, is set up to discover new writing voices from across Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The initiative is produced by Untamed Stories’ Julia Berg and Ruth Spencer and TWL co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon.

It is presented with support from Dirty Films, the independent production company headed by Cate Blanchett, Andrew Upton, Coco Francini and Georgie Pym. […]

“I spent the better part of the last decade dedicating my career to creating opportunities for women, people of color, and LGBTQ creators through my incubator and production company Big Vision Empty Wallet long before it was the cool thing to do. We created programs, ran labs, produced events, and partnered with festivals, distributors and financiers all to support creators and get their projects made and seen, and we had a great time doing it!”

Asa part of my series about leaders helping to make the entertainment industry more diverse and representative, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Alex Cirillo, producer of the new Derek Jeter docuseries “The Captain,” which premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Festival in June and will broadcast on ESPN on July 18.

Cirillo is a Producer, Director, and Vice President of the Board of Directors of New York Women in Film & Television, which advocates for inclusion in the media industry and supports women at every stage of their careers through professional development programming, networking opportunities, and funding. […]

“Many mainstream documentaries tend to focus on the trauma of the Black experience. Although it’s important for these stories to be told, the Black experience is much more diverse and is filled with more joy and laughter than is ever represented on screen. So, although my work doesn’t revolve directly around making popular culture more representative of the US, I’m satisfied knowing that the work I do at Black Public Media supports and amplifies the authentic experiences of Black people.”

As a part of my series about leaders helping to make the entertainment industry more diverse and representative, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Leslie Fields-Cruz, Executive Director of Black Public Media (BPM), which supports the development of visionary content creators and distributes stories about the global Black experience to inspire a more equitable and inclusive future.

This June, BPM had four projects premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Festival: After Sherman, Black Movement Library, Hazing, and Inner Wound Real. In addition to her work at BPM, Fields-Cruz is a Vice President on the Board of Directors at New York Women in Film & Television, which advocates for inclusion in media and supports women at every stage of their careers through professional development programing, networking opportunities, funding, and advocacy.[…]

“…How underappreciated producers are and how little people understand about what we do. I can’t tell you how many times people still ask me “What exactly do producers do”? When a person really does the job of producer and fills that role, there is no way the whole operation can happen without them. Film Festivals still put all the emphasis on directors and many people call themselves producers on projects when they are not actually fulfilling that role. I think if I knew what an unsung hero role producer is, I may have approached certain projects and career choices differently.”

Asa part of our series called “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker”, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Audrey Rosenberg, a Peabody-Award-winning and Emmy-nominated producer known for her ability to cultivate talent, develop material, and champion projects from inception to release…. Rosenberg serves on the Board of Directors of New York Women in Film & Television, which advocates for inclusion in media and supports women at every stage of their careers through professional development programming, networking opportunities, and funding. […]

Spanish language article about NYWIFT support of several projects from Good Pitch Local: Puerto Rico, as well as the new Latina Pipeline Initiative.

Executive Director of New York Women In Film & Television steps Into The J Lounge to discuss NYWIFT’s latest initiatives. 

Jamie Zelermyer stops by to preview her podcast “I Was Never There” which debuted at Tribeca on June 9th.

New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT), announced it will officially co-host 14 films by women and BIPOC creators at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. The festival, which takes place from June 8-19, is being held both virtually and in person.

The films span four categories and emphasize NYWIFT’s mission of advocacy for inclusion, diversity and equity across the media landscape. Addressing topics such as reproductive rights, assisted suicide, space travel, drug addiction, Hollywood exploitation, climate change, immigrant narratives and perspectives, religion, the war in Ukraine, equality and more.

“The Tribeca Festival has been a pivotal force in the New York City entertainment community, particularly during times of crisis,” said NYWIFT Executive Director Cynthia Lopez in a statement on June 8. “We are thrilled to partner with the festival this year to co-host these wonderful projects – each one made during a global pandemic and social upheaval – and celebrate women and BIPOC creators who are bringing smart, entertaining, and engaging work to the screen.” […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) announced that it will officially co-host 14 films by women and BIPOC creators at the 2022 Tribeca Festival. The festival takes place June 8-19, 2022, both virtually and in-person in New York City.

The projects span four categories and speak to the heart of NYWIFT’s mission of advocacy for inclusion, diversity, and equity across the media landscape. Tackling topics including assisted suicide, reproductive rights, space travel, drug addiction, Hollywood exploitation, climate change, immigrant narratives, religion, body image, the war in Ukraine, women’s equality, and more, the films showcase NYWIFT’s commitment to advocacy and the furthering of media as a vessel for positive social change. […]

New York Women in Film & Television will provide film production grants to El Pueblo vs. Austeridad / The People vs. Austerity and Coquito. The projects come from two of the 12 media making teams selected for Good Pitch Local Puerto Rico, where they pitched live from Puerto Rico via webcast to a group of advisors, with connections to non-governmental organizations, distributors, and foundations.

Prior to pitching, selected projects underwent an intensive professional development workshop series and received one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals as part of the program. The program was produced by NYWIFT, ADocPR, the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival, and Doc Society.

This is the first step in NYWIFT’s new Creative Workforce: Latina Pipeline Initiative. […]

EXCLUSIVE: The Pursuit of Love‘s Emily Mortimer and Rocks co-writer Claire Wilson are among the guest mentors for The Writers Lab UK & Ireland’s second script development program for women and non-binary screenwriters aged over 40.

Film4 Senior Film Commissioning Executive Farhana Bhula and Top Boy producer Yvonne Isimeme Ibazebo have also been announced for the programming, with Curzon CM Development Fund joining the Lab as it enters its second year. […]

The New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT) is pleased to announce that it will be providing them with a film production grant. El Pueblo vs. Austeridad / The People vs. Austerity And Coquito. The projects come from two of the 12 media-making teams selected for Good Pitch Local Puerto Rico, where they pitched live via webcast to a strong group of consultants with connections to NGOs, distributors and foundations from Puerto Rico . Prior to pitching, selected projects underwent an intensive professional development workshop series and received one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals as part of the programme. The program was produced by NYWIFT, ADocPR, the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival (PHLAFF) and the Doctor Society. […}

The Israeli Pavilion at the Cannes Marché du Film (17-25 May) will present some of the latest film productions from the country for 2022-2023…

The Rabinovich Foundation – Israel Cinema Project‘s annual panel at the Israeli Pavilion will be held on Friday 20 May and is titled “My Shero and I”, where ten WIFTI (Women in Film and Television) heads from six continents will discuss their “sheros” – or heroines – as role models, how they have helped them grow and, most importantly, how we can all use our own “shero” to help us achieve our personal and professional goals. The panel will be moderated by WIFTI president Helene Granqvist, with the participation of Tsiako Abesadze (WIFT Caucasus), Nicole Ackermann (WIFT Germany), Katie Bailiff (WFTV UK), Patricia Chica (WIFT Montreal), Osnat Bukofzer (WIFT Israel), Kissy Dugan (WIFTM Italy), Inya Lawal (WIFT Africa), Joyce Pierpoline (NYWIFT) and Petrina D’Rozario (WIFT India & Screen). […]

The Writers Lab UK & Ireland, a development and marketplace programme for women screenwriters over 40 years old, is returning for a second virtual programme in 2022. The programme will select up to 12 writers across feature film and TV pilots, for a six-month script development process; submissions are open from today for three weeks.

The UK-Ireland version of the Lab is produced by Julia Berg and Ruth Spencer of UK production company Untamed Stories, in partnership with Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilson, who founded the original The Writers Lab US with New York Women in Film & Television.

The UK-Ireland programme is supported by Dirty Films, the Australian production firm headed by Cate Blanchett, Andrew Upton, Coco Francini and Georgie Pym. […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is pleased to announce that it will provide film production grants to El pueblo vs. austeridad (The People vs. Austerity) and Coquito. The projects come from two of the 12 media making teams selected for Good Pitch Local Puerto Rico, where they pitched live from Puerto Rico via webcast to a robust group of advisors, with connections to NGOs, distributors, and foundations. Prior to pitching, selected projects underwent an intensive professional development workshop series and received one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals as part of the program. The program was produced by NYWIFT, ADocPR, the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival (PHLAFF), and Doc Society. […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) otorgará fondos para producción cinematográfica a El pueblo vs. austeridad y Coquito. Los proyectos provienen de dos de los doce equipos de creación de medios seleccionados para Good Pitch Local Puerto Rico, donde postularon en vivo desde Puerto Rico a través de una transmisión web a un sólido grupo de asesores, con conexiones con ONG, distribuidores y fundaciones. Antes del lanzamiento, los proyectos seleccionados se sometieron a una serie de talleres intensivos de desarrollo profesional y recibieron tutoría individual de profesionales de la industria como parte del programa. El programa fue producido por NYWIFT, ADocPR, el Festival de Cine Latino de Filadelfia (PHLAFF) y Doc Society. […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is pleased to announce that 30 projects from 32 members have been officially selected for the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. The festival takes place June 8-19, 2022, both virtually and in-person in New York City.

The 30 projects span a remarkable 16 categories and exemplify the diversity of talent within the NYWIFT community. As the leading non-profit professional association for women in media in New York, NYWIFT boasts a membership made up of not only directors and producers, but writers, editors, casting professionals, actors, business executives, attorneys, and so much more. Many of those roles are reflected the in the 2022 NYWIFT Tribeca roster. […]

When Stewart Bird and Deborah Shaffer were conducting interviews for “The Wobblies,” they might’ve been a little bit surprised at times to think that in telling the story of the International Workers of the World, they might’ve been making a musical…

“We had applied for a restoration grant in 2003 to the New York Women in Film and Television, who gave us a grant to restore the film. In 2018, they had a screening at UnionDocs in Brooklyn and Stu and I were there and some of the people from NYWIFT and I think we were all shocked at how relevant the film was. I don’t think we all realized that we had made something that was going to [endure like this]. We didn’t intend for it to still be relevant. These problems should be solved, right? People shouldn’t still have to be fighting tooth and nail for a living wage, for an eight-hour day, for bathroom breaks, for health care. It’s shocking and appalling.” […]

In mid-March I had the honor and the pleasure of interviewing director, writer, filmmaker, and climate mama extraordinaire Rachel Lears. I was introduced to Rachel by New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) which joined forces with the National Democratic Institute during Women’s History Month, to co-present a panel  “Representation Matters for Climate Justice.” The Panel was part of the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women – you can watch the panel discussion, in its entirety, here.

Rachel and I  had a wonderful and wide ranging conversation about motherhood, careers, climate justice and climate hope as well as about Rachel’s new documentary film, To the End. […]

The Global Connections for Women Foundation honored New York Women in Film & Television executive director Cynthia López last weekend as one of its Top 100 Women in the World. In doing so, the foundation continued its tradition to recognize women’s accomplishments in exclusive settings that allow them to celebrate equity, diversity, and inclusion. This year’s theme was “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) announced the publication of its first-ever cookbook, The Producer’s Palate, during its March 30 industry screening of the Julia Child documentary Julia and Q&A with directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West. Produced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the book features recipes, photos, and personal stories from leaders in the NYWIFT community. Proceeds from book sales will support NYWIFT’s professional development and advocacy initiatives. […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) a annoncé la publication de son tout premier livre de recettes, The Producer’s Palate, lors de la projection du 30 mars dans l’industrie du documentaire Julia Child Julia et Q&A avec les réalisatrices Julie Cohen et Betsy West. Produit au plus fort de la pandémie de COVID-19, le livre présente des recettes, des photos et des histoires personnelles de leaders de la communauté NYWIFT. Le produit des ventes de livres soutiendra les initiatives de développement professionnel et de plaidoyer de NYWIFT. […]

The Writers Lab (TWL), the script development programme for women and non-binary writers over 40, has unveiled the participants for its first European edition.

The non-profit initiative will run virtually from April 7-10, and is designed to discover an intersectional range of diverse new voices in the film sector. The successful participants will be connected with leading screenwriters and producers in the industry. 17 writers from 13 countries have been selected.  […]

New York Women in Film & Television is deeply saddened to announce that former NYWIFT Board Member, longtime NYWIFT member, mentor, educator, and pillar of the New York film community Michelle Materre passed away this weekend after a battle with cancer, surrounded by family and friends. Tami Gold and I visited her at the White Plains Hospital on Wednesday March 9, 2022, and she was peaceful and recognized our presence.

Michelle’s insight and guidance impacted countless lives and careers, and her consistent and creative championing of Black creators from development to distribution and beyond helped shape our industry. We extend our condolences to all in our community whose lives she touched. […]

On Saturday, April 9th, 2022, the Global Connections for Women Foundation unveils our list of Top 100 Women in the World; these remarkable women exemplify the pinnacle of strength, bravery, industrious leadership, resilience, business acumen, and equity. We continue our tradition to recognize women’s accomplishments in exclusive settings that allow us to celebrate equity, diversity, and inclusion.

This year’s Top 100 Women list includes Hortense le Gentil (Global Executive Leadership Coach and Best-selling author, Aligned), Renee Montgomery (2-time WNBA Champion), Ekpedeme “Pamay” M. Bassey (Chief Learning and Diversity Officer for the Kraft Heinz Company), Carmen Bryant (Director of Marketing Indeed.com and Cultural Ambassador)… Cynthia López (award-winning media strategist and former Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment), Professor Caroline Makaka (Founder and President of Ladies of All Nations International and Creator of We Are The Change World Movement), Viola Edward (CEO and co-owner of GRIT Academy) and others. […]

The trade group New York Women in Film and Television is hosting its inaugural NYWIFT Tech Talks in partnership with Company 3 and Entertainment Partners. 

NYWIFT’s mission is to highlight the work of women working in the entertainment industry and recognize excellence. Digital advancements have been instrumental tools for our success during the pandemic, Black Lives Matter and the economic crisis. Tech Talks is the group’s effort to provide case studies, present new ideas, and demonstrate what lies ahead for women working and developing creative projects with digital technologies. A four-day virtual conference with media professionals revolutionizing the tech industry, which will explore how emerging technologies have helped our industry and everyday life adjusting to the current world. […]

Cinema Village is once again the home of SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival, NY – SRFF2022. The Friday, March 18 program includes four short films, two documentaries, and a narrative feature. Q&As with the filmmakers follow each session. Read more.

Block of Short Films #1 Health at 3:00 PM – Stoneheart: An Undying Gift by Nicholas Markart, Defense Contract by Doug LeBow, Storgetnya by Hovig Hagopian, Eyes Can Tell by Heidi Majander.

My Yang Gang Diary – Documentary Feature by Ching Juhl | United States | 90min at 5:00 PM, Q&A moderated by Katie Chambers – NYWIFT Read more. […]

The 5th annual New York Women in Film and Television Shorts Festival is available to watch online. Presented in partnership with iWomanTV, shorts will screen until March 31, 2022.

Top films will be awarded the Audience Choice Awards based on the most views. First place (most watched film) will receive the $1,000 prize and second will receive $500 with the third place audience favorite getting $250 in prize money. Winners will be announced April 8th. Dramedy, Crime, Comedy, Biopics and Sci-Fi are among the shorts offerings.

Tune here: www.iwoman.tv

In a public statement, the New York Women in Film & Television said its organization stands with the Ukrainian Film Academy, European Film Academy, European Producers Club, Cannes Film Festival, and British Academy of Film and Television Arts in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine’s sovereignty and freedom should be respected. […]

HamptonsFilm announced today that the 30th anniversary of the Hamptons International Film Festival will take place October 7 – 16, 2022, with live and in-person events and screenings. For the 2022 edition, the festival will be extended to a 10-day event with additional film programming across the Hamptons…

Each week someone affiliated with the film or the festival will look back on the film’s impact during the festival. Artistic Director David Nugent, Executive Director Anne Chaisson, Senior Programmer Megan Costello, Advisory Board member and MOMA Chief Film Curator Rajendra Roy and New York Women in Film & Television Executive Director Cynthia Lopez are among those selected for the first round of installments. […]

The Writers Lab US has opened for submissions for its 2022 edition! Submissions of feature film and pilot scripts by women screenwriters 40+ are being accepted via Coverfly now for an in-person intensive to take place near NYC in November. The early deadline is March 10 and regular deadline is March 30. As NYWIFT is a co-founder of The Lab, all Women in Film organization members get an exclusive discount on applications. […]

Meeting Gloria in 2019 at the40th Annual New York Women in Film and Television Muse Awards, I was blown away by her openhearted, unguarded kindness. Security guards at the event were trying to keep people away from her, and there she was, pushing security away so she could greet her fans. Meeting her, it’s clear she is thoughtful, self-aware, and deliberately present with those around her. Recently, I had the joy of reuniting and speaking with her over Zoom. […]

EXCLUSIVE: Fremantle and HBO Max Nordic are getting behind the inaugural European edition of The Writers Lab (TWL), the program devoted exclusively to script development for women and non-binary writers over the age of 40.

Founded and produced by Elizabeth Kaiden, Nitza Wilon and New York Women in Film & Television, the lab expanded from the U.S. into the UK in 2021, and its first European version is now open for submissions (until February 7) ahead of a six-month virtual program that will commence in April. Julia Berg and Ruth Spencer’s Untamed Stories are partners on the UK and European editions. […]

The Writers Lab Europe (TWL Europe), with support from Fremantle and HBO Max Nordic, has announced the first virtual script development programme of its kind for women over 40.

The Writers Lab is the only programme devoted exclusively to script development for women and non-binary writers over 40. Originally founded in the US, the US programme is supported by Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and Oprah Winfrey, in association with New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT). With partners Julia Berg and Ruth Spencer of Untamed Stories, the Lab expanded into the UK in 2021 with Cate Blanchett’s Dirty Films. […]

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered today as an American hero: a bridge-builder, a shrewd political tactician, and a moral leader. Yet throughout his history-altering political career, he was often treated by U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies like an enemy of the state. […]

On Thursday, December 16th, The New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT) hosted a virtual award ceremony, their 42nd annual Muse Awards which celebrated women of vision and achievement in the film, television, and the music industry….

The first muse award was presented to Christy Haubegger, EVP, Communications and Inclusion Officer at WarnerMedia, recognized for advancing diversity in the entertainment industry. Haubegger founded Latina Magazine in 2014, a platform created to give a voice to members of the Latinx community. She also worked as a film producer on the romantic comedy, Spanglish in 2005. Haubegger continues her fight to increase the representation of Latinx men and women in the entertainment industry. “I am so grateful for this muse award, I plan to honor you every day to continue to serve the community every day,” said Haubegger. […]

Inside this week’s biggest Hollywood premieres, parties and openings.

42nd Annual NYWIFT Muse Awards

Thursday night’s virtual Muse Awards, presented by New York Women in Film & Television, celebrated those of vision and achievement with honorees Sandra Oh, WarnerMedia exec Christy Haubegger, producer Alexis Fish, filmmaker and activist Jason Da Silva, director Darnell Martin and and actor Patina Miller. […]

The Writers Lab (TWL), the non-profit script development programme for woman and non-binary writers over 40, has launched a European edition. Submissions for the Writers Lab Europe (TWL Europe) will be open from January 6-31, with the virtual lab taking place in April 2022 and ongoing mentoring, development and marketplace sessions taking place in the following months. 

Up to 15 writers will be selected, with the scheme open to English-language features or pilots. Mentors and guests include directors Susanne Bier (The Night Manager), Jasmila Žbanić (Quo Vadis, Aida?), Isabel Coixet (Secret Life Of Words), Nadine Labaki (Capernaum), producer and writer Jantje Friese (Dark), playwright and writer Christina Ham (Them), and producer Ameenah Ayub Allen (Rocks, Ali and Ava). […]

The New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) will hold its 42nd annual MUSE Awards virtually on December 16th, beginning at 1 pm eastern standard time. The event is pay-what-you-can to watch online for anyone who registers on the organization’s site. The event will be followed by a virtual VIP mixer following the awards presentation….

I spoke with the Executive Director of NYWIFT, Cynthia Lopez, about the history of the Muse Awards. We also discussed what makes this event special and what she most looks forward to as NYWIFT hosts its 42nd awards. […]

New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT) have announced the honorees of this year’s Muse Awards. An annual tribute to “women and men of outstanding vision and achievement in front of and behind the camera in film, TV, music, and digital media,” the 2021 edition will be held virtually December 16, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed. CBS Sunday Morning contributor Nancy Giles will host the ceremony, whose theme this year is perseverance.

The 2021 recipients are Sandra Oh, stage and screen actress Patina Miller, director Darnell Martin, chief inclusion officer at WarnerMedia Christy Haubegger, LGBTQ content producer Alexis Fish, and disability rights activist Jason DaSilva. […]

Sandra Oh and Patina Miller are set to be honored at the 2021 New York Women in Film and Television Muse Awards.

Additional honorees for the 42nd annual event, once again being held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic, include writer-director Darnell Martin, WarnerMedia executive vp, communications and chief inclusion officer Christy Haubegger, disability rights activist Jason DaSilva and LGBTQ content producer Alexis Fish.

Oh, known for her roles on Killing Eve and Grey’s Anatomy, most recently starred in the Netflix comedy The Chair. […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is proud to present the 42nd Annual NYWIFT Muse Awards virtual event on Thursday, December 16, 2021. The event will be held virtually beginning at 1:00PM ET and available for all those who register to watch online at nywift.org/muse. This year’s theme is “Perseverance,” as NYWIFT recognizes the innovation and fortitude of creatives who overcame the challenges of the last two years. A virtual VIP networking mixer will follow the awards presentation.

CBS Sunday Morning contributor, comedian, actress, and self-described “Accidental Pundette” ​Nancy Giles​ will again host the event, which celebrates women and men of outstanding vision and achievement both in front of and behind the camera in film, television, the music industry, and digital media. […]

UMass Amherst professor emerita Liane Brandon, a founder of New Day Films, has received a grant from the New York Women in Film and Television’s Women’s Film Preservation Fund (WFPF). The grant will be used to restore and preserve one of Brandon’s early films, “Sometimes I Wonder Who I Am.”

The film, which Brandon made in 1969, was one of the earliest films of the women’s movement. It is a brief portrayal of a young mother which grew out of the experiences of a consciousness-raising group called Bread and Roses in Cambridge, Mass., who found they were not alone in their feelings, emptiness, anger and fear. Bread and Roses was one of the first “women’s liberation” groups in the country, and the film was one of the first independent films of the fledgling women’s movement.

Grey’s Anatomy fan favorite Sandra Oh will be back on the big screens as she landed a role in Pixar’s first Asian-led movie Turning Red as the lead’s mother named Ming….

The Grey’s Anatomy alum is set to join this year’s New York Women in Film and Television Muse Awards to be aired on December 16, which will be hosted by CBS Sunday Morning contributor Nancy Giles.

The Hollywood Reporter announced Oh alongside Patina Miller, Darnell Martin, Christy Haubegger, and Jason DaSilva are to be celebrated on the 42nd annual event as “men and women with outstanding vision and achievement in front of and behind the camera in film, TV, music, and digital media.” […]

Fancy nominating your favourite films of all time for inclusion in the US National Film Registry? Then take a look at this.

Earlier this month, the Women’s Film Preservation Fund (WFPF) of New York Women in Film & Television nominated two WFPF-preserved films for inclusion on this year’s National Film Registry.

Both films explore a diverse range of issues and innovative approaches to film-making practiced by women makers. […]

Murina, the Croatian drama directed by Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović that world premiered earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, was named the Best Narrative Feature at the Hamptons Film Festival, which handed out awards Monday for its 2021 edition…

New York Women in Film & Television Awards

QUEEN OF GLORY
Directed by Nana Mensah (narrative)

INTRODUCING, SELMA BLAIR
Directed by Rachel Fleit (documentary)

The 25th Anniversary Urbanworld Film Festival announced its 2021 award winners on Sunday, closing day.  Best Narrative Feature (U.S. Cinema) went to the Latinxfilm 7th and Union – directed by Anthony Nardolillo. Best Narrative Feature (World Cinema) was awarded to the Columbian drama, The City of Wild Beasts – directed by Henry E. Rincón. Best Documentary Feature went to Target: St. Louis Vol. 1, an explosive environmental racism exposé – directed by Damien D. Smith, and Ale Libre; and U.S. immigration exposé directed by Maya Cueva, was the winner of BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT…

BEST FEMALE DIRECTOR, US NARRATIVE FEATURE

Women Is Losers – Directed by Lissette Feliciano

This Is Not A War Story – Directed by Talia Lugacy

Presented by New York Women In Film & Television – $1,000 Prize (Each)

THE JURY:

• Katie Chambers, Community Engagement Director, NYWIFT
• Cynthia Lopez, Executive Director, NYWIFT
• Zenaida Mendez, Board Member, NYWIFT

While many businesses, guilds and unions across the country activated programs to address diversity in the past year, the impact of COVID job losses on women and women of color especially in the entertainment business — a fact that Women in Film’s Hire Her Back program addresses…

They wanted to build “a campaign around shining a light on the disproportionate number of women who lose their jobs first and get rehired last, and making sure that we were creating a resource that women in the entertainment industries could tap into to help them bridge some gaps financially.” 

They also partnered with New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) and Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA), and launched a fund to help women who were out of work.

Victoria Alonso has been promoted to president, physical and post production, visual effects, and animation production at Marvel Studios. A 15-year studio veteran, Alonso will oversee the divisions across the studio’s slate of films and series and continue to report to Marvel Studio co-president Louis D’Esposito…

She was named one of People en Español Magazine’s top “Poderosa” Most Influential Hispanic Women in 2019 and 2020, and was honored in 2015 with the Muse Award for Outstanding Vision and Achievement from New York Women in Film & Television. 

ASTORIA – The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS) on September 16 announced the lineup for its New York Greek Film Expo 2021, to be held in theaters, October 1-10. Selections include eight feature-length films and five film shorts, as well as award-winning presentations and U.S. premieres…

GREEN SEA, directed by Angeliki Antoniou, Saturday, October 2, 7 PM – Directors Guild Theater, and Friday, October 8, 7 PM – Museum of the Moving Image. Anna has lost her memory but hasn’t forgotten how to cook. She gets a job in a working-class seaside taverna, where amid the aromas of old beloved recipes, she struggles to rediscover herself. This film, directed, written, and starring women, is being co-presented by New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT).

East Hampton, NY (September 15, 2021) – HamptonsFilm announced today the full slate of programming for the 2021 edition of the Hamptons International Festival (HIFF), including the Closing Night presentation of Wes Anderson’s THE FRENCH DISPATCH, the East Coast Premiere of Pablo Larraín’s SPENCER as the Saturday Centerpiece Film, and additional films to the Spotlight section, as well as Signature Programs including Views From Long Island; Conflict and Resolution; Air, Land & Sea; and Compassion, Justice & Animal Rights. The 29th edition of the festival will feature a lineup of films that are 53% female-directed and represent 34 countries from around the world…

HIFF also announced six programs of short films this year, including Narrative Competition, Documentary Competition, New York Women in Film & Television: Women Calling the Shots, the University Short Films Showcase, This Will Be Our Year, and the Views from Long Island Showcase. Additional shorts will appear before feature films as well. 

Linda Kahn, a children’s TV executive for more than 40 years who also was a former board president of New York Women in Film & Television, has died. She was 72. NYWIFT said she died August 30 but did not provide details.

“NYWIFT mourns the loss of longtime member & past Board President Linda Kahn, whose decades-long career shaped the trajectory of so many beloved brands & characters in children’s media,” the organization said in a tweet. […]

New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT) is a non-profit organization that began in 1977 to support women in the film and television industry. NYWIFT advocates for equality in film, television and media and supports women at all stages of their career.  They offer professional development programs, networking opportunities, screenings, grants and fiscal sponsorships, as well as other programs to support their mission. 

Katie Chambers, the Director of Community Engagement at NYWIFT spoke with us about their programming. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NYWIFT has increased the number of programs they offered regularly and switched to a virtual format. […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is pleased to announce the presentation of 11 scholarships to film and television production students in 2021 as part of the organizations’ ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of women filmmakers. Nine scholarships were presented to women studying at Brooklyn College, City College, Columbia University, Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, Hunter College, New York University, and Stony Brook University, funded by the Ha Phuong Foundation. Two students received the NYWIFT Sabrina Wright-Gilliar Award at the Academy for Careers in Television & Film (TvF). […]

Our conversation with Jamie Zelermyer ranges from NYWIFT’s mission and programs, to a review of the progress made by women in film and TV over the last 10 years. Jamie also speaks about the importance of community and how that can be helpful to young women and men starting out in the business

Later this week, as executive director of the professional association New York Women in Film & Television, Cynthia López will oversee the 2021 NYWIFT Summit: The Creative Industry Radically Reimagined. López is an award-winning media strategist, and former Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, where she implemented strategies to support film and TV production throughout the five boroughs. López is the recipient of many coveted industry awards including: 11 News and Documentary Emmy Awards, a Special Emmy Award for Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking, three Peabody Awards, and two duPont-Columbia Awards. In addition, she received the National Association of Latino Independent Producers Award for Commitment to Corporate Diversity. […]

New York Women in Film & Television has announced that the third annual NYWIFT Summit will be held between the 22nd and 25th of June. The summit examines strategies to create meaningful change in the industry, mobilizing support and leadership, which will contribute to creating a more diverse and inclusive Hollywood.

This year’s conference, billed as “The Creative Industry Radically Reimagined,” will specifically hone in on the best practices for indies and media companies, which are actively reassessing their objectives, staffing and community responses. The conference will also look at the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated financial downturn on the industry, as well as lessons taken from the Black Lives Matter Movement, and recent waves of violence against the AAPI community. […]

During this Pride month, many different factions within our community are celebrating their identity and showing their Pride. While some members are fighting to add their color to our Pride flag, there is a minority group within our community that often goes unnoticed – our LGBTQ family with disabilities. This Pride season, filmmaker Suzanne Guacci turns the spotlight on LGBTQ people with disabilities in her groundbreaking film, T11 Incomplete, tackling a subject matter and characters that are marginalized by society. […]

The Writers Lab UK and Ireland, the international offshoot of the script development program for woman and non-binary writers over 40, has unveiled its first cohort of screenwriters and projects.

The non-profit organization, that counts Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman among its supporters, has selected 12 participants that will take part in the lab, set to take place online from June 10-13, with additional sessions spread over the following five months. […]

Today when you hear about Vimeo, some of you guys remember it as a YouTube competitor whereas most of you might not even know what it is. For people who do know and have ever used Vimeo’s video service, you’ll know that it wasn’t really a good alternative. And over the years Vimeo suffered severe losses, making it difficult for the company to survive, losing ground to YouTube, Netflix and others. …

In November 2018, Sud was named #14 on Fortune’s 2018 ‘40 under 40’ list. In 2019, she was awarded with a Muse Award by the New York Women in Film & Television. She also is a designated Young Global leader of the World Economic Forum. […]

After a comprehensive national survey, Howard University announced that it has appointed Phylicia Rashad as Dean of the recently re-established College of Fine Arts.

The legendary “Cosby Show” actress, who graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Howard University with excellent results, will begin her new role on July 1. …

The J Lounge had the pleasure to interview NYIWFT Loreen Arbus Grantees Alyscia Cunningham and Lisa Denker. The Loreen Arbus Disability awarness Grant Highlights women filmmakers who have a physical or developmental disability and this year two amazing and incredibly talented women have won the grant. […]

[NYWIFT Member] Tricia Brouk is an international award-winning Director, Writer, Filmmaker, former TEDx Producer and Executive Producer of The Big Talk Live, was recently chosen to receive the Empowered Woman of the Year Award for 2021 given by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP). Her exemplary role as a female professional in a male dominated industry displays her influence, capability, and proficiency. […]

The hugely successful New York Writers Lab, supported by Oprah Winfrey, Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep, is coming to the UK. The Writers Lab UK & I is for women-identifying writers over 40 (submissions close 22 April 2021) and is ran in association with Birds Eye View. Birds Eye View is a not-for-profit that centres the female perspective in film and campaigns for gender equality in all film spaces. Birds Eye View run nationwide film events throughout the year bringing ever-greater audiences to films by women. The Director at Large and Oscar winning producer (Six Shooter), Mia Bays, has worked in the film industry for over 29 years as a producer, creative producer, distribution and sales expert. […]

Deadline has been extended so if you are a UK or Irish female scriptwriter 40 years of age or older, don’t hesitate apply today.

It is a  4-day virtual script development lab June 10-13 with post-lab support for features/pilots by women-identifying screenwriters 40+ in the UK & Ireland they accept features and TV pilot scripts. This is an amazing opportunity for women who have not managed to yet get their unique voice heard. With mentors such as Ruth Wilson of His Dark Materials, The Affair;  Tanya Qureshi of I May Destroy You (now Commissioning Editor, BBC Comedy); screenwriter/producer Abby Ajayi of How To Get Away With Murder; showrunner Angela Kang of The Walking Dead; actor /writer/producer Sharon Horgan of Motherland, Catastrophe and screenwriter Meg LeFauve of Captain Marvel, Inside Out. […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is pleased to announce the presentation of the Loreen Arbus Disability Awareness Grant to winner Lisa Denker for her documentary feature Still Judy, with a first-ever Honorable Mention awarded to Alyscia Cunningham for her documentary feature I Am More Than My Hair. The film completion grant, now in its 14th year, is provided through the generosity of longtime disability rights advocate Loreen Arbus and awards $7,500 to a woman filmmaker for a film on physical or developmental disability issues; the Honorable Mention receives $1,500. […]

The spring application season is officially open for arts funders seeking female filmmakers, as shown in this list of grant resources…

The Loreen Arbus Disability Awareness Grant is awarded to a US-based female filmmaker “for a film on physical or developmental disability issues”. The grant is made through New York Women in Film and Television and totals $7,500. It is intended to assist in the production of a work-in-progress and can be of any length or genre. Learn more about the grant in the PW Knowledgebase. […]

EXCLUSIVE: The Writers Lab UK & Ireland, the international offshoot of the script development program for woman-identifying writers over 40, has confirmed its mentors for 2021.

On the roster are: actor and producer Ruth Wilson; producer Tanya Qureshi of I May Destroy You (and now Commissioning Editor, BBC Comedy); screenwriter and producer Abby Ajayi of How to Get Away with Murder; showrunner Angela Kang of The Walking Dead; actor, writer and producer Sharon Horgan of Catastrophe; and screenwriter Meg LeFauve of Captain Marvel. […]

Good things happen when women come together, especially when it’s a conversation with women podcasters and filmmakers of color about how emerging Afro-Latina voices are reshaping our country’s cultural identity. At “Fierce Women Podcasters,” a webinar hosted by New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), moderator Barbara Vásconez led a talk between Rocio Mendez, Mercedes Ilarraza, Grasie Mercedes, Ona Oghogho, Sola Adenekan and Julissa Contreras. All masters in their creative fields, they shared thoughts on struggling with identity, creating space for women of color and podcasting’s current power to effect change. […]

In a time when women are suffering most from the economic crisis and fewer job opportunities in the arts, this Women’s History Month we can celebrate and support the beautifully diverse work of female filmmakers. New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT), the preeminent entertainment industry association for women in New York, energizes their network of artists, producers, and other professionals through training and development programs, as well as crucial grants. The nonprofit’s prestigious Ravenal Foundation Grant, which supports the production of a feature film from a female director over 40, was presented in December 2020 to filmmakers Sarah Knight (first prize, $5000) and Signe Baumane (second prize, $2500). I was lucky enough to speak with both Knight and Baumane to get the inside scoops on their processes and how their unique approaches to storytelling explore the complex issues of modern womanhood. […]

New York Women in Film & Television culminates its month-long recognition of Women’s History with a weekend of screenings celebrating female creators in film, television, and media. NYWIFT will screen IFC Films’ critically acclaimed Farewell Amor March 26-27 as part of its annual Support Women Artists Now Day celebration in partnership with SAG-AFTRA, FF2 Media, Women in the Arts & Media Coalition, HerFlix, In Creative Company, The Gotham, African American Women in Cinema, and Women Make Movies, followed by a talkback with filmmaker Ekwa Msangi on Saturday, March 27 at 12 p.m. EDT. Then the 41^st Annual NYWIFT Muse Awards celebrating women of vision and achievement will have its educational broadcast on CUNY TV on Sunday, March 28 at 8 p.m. EdT.   […]

…Farewell Amor, the debut feature film from Tanzanian-American filmmaker Ekwa Msangi, follows Angolan immigrant Walter as he is joined in the U.S. by his wife and teen daughter after 17 years apart. Now absolute strangers sharing a one-bedroom Brooklyn apartment, they struggle to overcome the emotional distance between them. The film is both a universal immigrant story and the unique perspective of three characters bound together by history and hope. It is an intimate and deeply personal look at an inter-generational tale that has defined America since its inception. Msangi, who was recently named Film Independent’s “Someone to Watch” Winner, will participate in a live talkback moderated by NYWIFT Board President Jamie Zelermyer following the screening. The film is presented courtesy of IFC Films. […]

With more than 30 years of experience in writing and filmmaking, Nicole got her start in television news and has since become an award-winning writer, director, producer, educator, and podcaster…

“I love being a woman in the industry. I’m a proud member and former board member of New York Women in Film & Television. Promoting and collaborating with women is our life’s work. My experience with Film Fatales as a member has also been enlightening, inspiring and rejuvenating. I’m also a proud member of the Writer’s Guild Women of Color Caucus; the industry training put forth by the group are focused and beneficial in innumerable ways. Audiences can support women in the industry by sharing our successes and learned experiences.” […]

On March 12th at 1 PM EST, Fashion Group International (FGI) partnered with New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) to present “Fashion and the First Ladies,” a panel discussion on how the styles of the first ladies impact American culture…

According to Cynthia Lopez, New York Women in Fashion & Television was founded by two women (a journalist and filmmaker) in 1977, the night of the New York City blackout. “They brought ‘light’ to a very specific issue we were facing in the media,” said Cynthia, referring to the inequalities in pay, work, and job opportunities women were facing in the film and media industries. […]

The first lady of the United States is a position that has always been synonymous with American fashion.

“For a lot of Americans, the first lady represents the administration,” said Valerie Steele, the director and chief curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. “People feel that this is the wife of the president we elected, so she should represent that administration and more generally represent the United States to the world. We expect her to live up to that — that’s her job in a sense for us.”

In honor of Women’s History Month, Steele joined Fashion Group International and New York Women in Film & Television for a panel discussion about the first ladies of the U.S. and their impact on the fashion world. […]

“Fashion is nonpolitical and nonpartisan,” Oscar de la Renta (who dressed nearly every first lady of the last half-century) famously said. On Friday afternoon I was invited to watch a Zoom presentation in celebration of Women’s History Month, “Fashion and the First Ladies” presented by Fashion Group International and New York Women in Film & Television. Cynthia Lopez, Executive Director of NYWFT announced that this was the group’s 95th Zoom of the pandemic. “How do we commemorate the first woman Vice President during Women’s History Month?” she asked.

Now that the second week of March has come to a close, I’m not sure what to be more excited about: the fact that we get to spring forward this weekend or the fact that the end of this seemingly never-ending quarantine may be closer than originally thought? While each option is enough to make me actually want to dream again (you know, about traveling farther than just from my home to my mailbox), my plan is to continue moving forward with cautious optimism. But the good thing is there are a slew of virtual events happening over the next week that just might help you dream again, too. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, keep reading to find out more…

Fashion Group International (FGI) & New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) present Fashion and the First Ladies on Friday in celebration of Women’s History Month! In this hourlong virtual program, industry leaders Fernando Garcia, co-creative director of Oscar de la Renta, Director and Chief Curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology Valerie Steele, and fashion historian Carson Poplin will discuss the iconic looks from U.S. First Ladies of government in a candid conversation about how our First Ladies are fashion trendsetters. […]

Love it. Hate it. Debate it. When it comes to first ladies’ fashion, everyone has an opinion. The everlasting intrigue of first ladies’ designer choices and how those decisions can help fuel the economy were among the many takeaways from a virtual talk Friday.

The Washington Post’s senior critic at large Robin Givhan led the “Fashion and the First Ladies” discussion with fashion historian Carson Poplin, Oscar de la Renta co-director Fernando Garcia, and The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Director and chief curator Valerie Steele. From Michelle Obama championing American designers to Hillary Clinton’s penchant for pantsuits, the panelists delved into how fashion plays into politics, history and making or breaking public policy. The hourlong virtual talk was organized by the Fashion Group International and New York Women in Film & Television. […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) and the Fashion Group International (FGI) are proud to present “Fashion and the First Ladies” on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 1 PM EST in celebration of Women’s History Month!

In this hour-long virtual program, industry leaders Fernando Garcia (Co-Creative Director of Oscar De La Renta), Valerie Steele (Director and Chief Curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology), and Carson Poplin (Fashion Historian) will discuss the iconic looks from U.S. FIRST LADIES of government in a candid conversation about how our FIRST LADIES are fashion trend setters. The panel will explore how fashion plays a role and communicates in history, politics and contributes to the making or breaking of public policy. Archival images and current looks from recent FIRST LADIES dressed by Oscar de la Renta will be featured. The conversation will be moderated by The Washington Post Senior Critic at Large, Robin Givhan. […]

New York-based The Writers Lab has launched The Writers Lab U.K. and Ireland, with a script development program for women over 40. The initiative is supported by Dirty Films, the production company headed by Cate Blanchett, Andrew Upton and Coco Francini with development producer Georgie Pym.

The Writers Lab is the only program devoted exclusively to script development for woman-identifying writers over 40. The U.K. lab will be produced with U.K. partner Untamed Stories, the creative production hub helmed by development producers Julia Berg and Ruth Spencer. It is in association with Birds’ Eye View, the not-for-profit that champions the female perspective in film headed by Mia Bays. […]

​The Writers Lab ​(TWL) has announced the launch of ​The Writers Lab UK & Ireland ​(TWL UK & I) with the first script development programme of its kind for women over 40, in partnership with ​Untamed Stories ​and supported by ​Dirty Films​, the independent film and television production company headed by ​Cate Blanchett, Andrew Upton ​and C​oco Francini ​with development producer​ Georgie Pym, ​and in association with B​irds’ Eye View​. Submissions will open from 1-20 April 2021​. ​Learn more and apply at The Writers Lab website.

TWL UK & I​ will be produced with UK Partner ​Untamed Stories​, the creative production hub helmed by seasoned development producers ​Julia Berg​ and ​Ruth Spencer​; in association with ​Birds’ Eye View,​ the not-for-profit which champions the female perspective in film and headed by ​Mia Bays​. The Lab is supported by ​Dirty Films, as well as ​Screen Scotland, Screen Skills Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen ​and Ffilm Cymru Wales ​&​ ​BFI NETWORK​ ​with funding from the National Lottery​. The US programme, produced by co-founders ​Elizabeth Kaiden​ and ​Nitza Wilon​ and ​New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT)​, is supported by ​Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman​, and ​Oprah Winfrey. […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is accepting applications for the latest cycle of its Women’s Film Preservation Fund (WFPF) until May 1.

Since 1995, the fund has awarded grants to help preserve “films made by American women everywhere and films made in the U.S. by women from other countries,” according to a press release. Grants of up $10,000 are presented biennially.

The WFPF has preserved 135 movies, “bringing back into view important lost films and significant but overlooked films from the past, showing that women have been integral to filmmaking since its inception.” […]

In recent years, there has been conversation and controversy about which voices are being prioritized in front of and behind the camera in Hollywood. The film series “Nothing About Us Without Us” looks to celebrate and dissect representation as it appears in everyday life. Each of the seven shorts allows the audience to view the world from underrepresented individuals’ perspectives and to understand what it means to be viewed differently by those around them…

“People, men especially, tend to hire other people who remind them of themselves,” Katie Chambers, director of community engagement at New York Women in Film & Television, says. “When you don’t have people in positions of power who are people of color, who are women, who are gay, [or] transgender, it’s less likely that those people are going to get hired.” […]

Since its beginnings in 1973 as Women in Film (WIF) Los Angeles, WIF has actively used its platform to advocate for women who work in front of the camera and behind-the-scenes across film and television.

No stranger to amplifying the diversity agenda and prioritizing women of color, last year WIF partnered with New York Women in Film & Television and Women in Film and Television Atlanta to launch the Hire Her Black initiative to promote gender and racial equality by providing grants to women who have been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Now, ESSENCE is proud to announce WIF’s latest program, curated specifically for aspiring and veteran Black women in the film industry: Women in Film Pathmakers. […]

The Writers Lab opens for submissions for its 2021 program for women screenwriters over the age of 40.

With demand for content from diverse voices skyrocketing, the Lab expands its call this year to include pilot scripts as well as narrative features. Feature and pilot writers selected for the October 2021 retreat will work one-on-one and in group sessions with acclaimed screen industry leaders to develop their scripts and their craft, and to build tools and strategies to achieve success, thus expanding the diversity of new content. 

Submissions are open from February 2 to March 30, 2021.

The J Lounge interviews Filmmaker and New York Women in Film & TV Grantee Sarah Knight for an insightful interview.

After years in the making, Little Rock Films and Studios’ production, “48 Blocks: the series,” is available to view on iwoman.TV, a streaming channel that supports women filmmakers…

48 Blocks: the series already took first place in the Crime Drama category at the New York Women in Film & TV Festival. Now it is up for the Audience Favorite Award.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Triad writer had an unsavory experience with a tow truck driver a few years ago. Now, it’s a short film opening up conversations on race and identity in America…

“Joe & the Shawl” premiered virtually at film festivals across the nation, ultimately winning various awards. It most recently won first place at the New York Women in Film & Television Online Shorts Festival.

Independent animation filmmaker Signe Baumane gets New York Women in Film and Television Grant for her upcoming animation feature, My Love Affair with Marriage.

The second animation feature by Latvian-American Signe Baumane, My Love Affair with Marriage,  has now secured a grant of $2,500 from the New York Women in Film & Television organization.

The 95-minute-My Love Affair with Marriage aims to examine the biological chemistry of love and gender, as well as the societal pressures on an individual to conform to social mores. […]

Filmmaker Safyah Usmani documented Pakistan’s changing laws surrounding honor killings through the story of Pakistani celebrity Qandeel Baloch’s death in “A Life Too Short.” …

Usmani participated in a conversation with Gloria Steinem hosted by New York Women in Film & Television on Friday. “A Life Too Short,” from MTV Documentary Films and produced by Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, details the events that led to the murder of Pakistani social media star Baloch. […]

Formidable women in film and television have been honored for their diverse accomplishments for four decades, and there is tradition will not be quelled, even during a global health pandemic.

Today, Thursday, December 17, the 41st Annual NYWIFT Muse Awards, taking place virtually is being hosted by New York Women in Film & Television, celebrates women of outstanding vision and achievement both in front of and behind the camera in film, television, the music industry, and digital media. […]

Rashida Jones. First name’s Saudi Arabian with a sprinkle from Swahili. It means “rightly guided.” It fits. Her dad’s Quincy Jones. Her Grammy’s on a shelf with family pics. Her movie, “On the Rocks,” a Sofia Coppola comedy/drama co-stars Bill Murray and premiered at the New York Film Festival.

Plus, Thursday she joins Awkwafina and Rachel Brosnahan in getting the 41st annual New York Women in Film and Television Award. She says: “I live in California, but this is a New York honor. I love New York. I worship New York. It’s the best city in the world.” […]

Today, despite a pandemic and a snowstorm, New York Women in Film & Television will present their annual Muse awards remotely to an amazing slate of NY Women. Rashida Jones, Alana Mayo, Ali Stroker, Rachel Brosnahan, Awkwafina, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Jodi Kantor, and Megan Twohey. This year’s honors reflect the theme “Art & Advocacy, as NYWIFT recognizes the role of the creative community in advancing positive social change.”

The Mary Sue got to chat with NYWIFT’s Executive Director Cynthia Lopez about what these awards mean this year and some of the amazing women across the industry who will be honored. […]

New York Women in Film & Television is going online for its 41st annual NYWIFT Muse Awards on December 17. The event’s theme is “Art & Advocacy,” as a way of honoring creatives for their role in advancing social change.

 The honorees for this year’s Muse Awards include actress and rapper Awkwafina, actress Rachel Brosnahan, actress and producer Rashida Jones and others. Joining the list are other creatives including, Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, the reporters who broke the story on the sexual abuse allegations against Harvey Weinstein and President of Orion Pictures, Alana Mayo. […]

On Dec. 17, the annual New York Women in Film & Television Muse Awards (NYWIFT) will be brought to you virtually.

amNewYork Metro spoke to the organization’s Executive Director, Cynthia López about the event and the luminary honorees. […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) has named the awardees of the NYWIFT Ravenal Foundation Grant. Funded by the Alan M. & Mildred S. Ravenal Foundation, the grant supports the production of a feature film from a female director over 40. Funds may be used for pre-production, production, or post-production. Sarah Knight and Signe Baumane were selected from “a wide range of submissions from women filmmakers around the country,” a press release from NYWIFT details.

Knight received the first-place $5,000 NYWIFT Ravenal Foundation grant for Athena List Winner “In the Land of Fire & Ice,” a portrait of a powerful Kuwaiti CEO who finds herself under attack by a hostile activist investor. […]

Women now work in every sector of society, but they’re still a long way from equal pay and rights. Given this reality, many groups have formed to fight for true equality, create community, and boost the profiles of working women. This list, in no particular order, highlights organizations carving out spaces for female professionals…

For #5, we present New York Women in Film & Television, an organization that advocates for equality in the moving image industry. NYWIFT produces many programs and special events, including the Muse Awards for Vision and Achievement, which honors women in front of and behind the camera. […]

If your life were a movie, what ending would you write? Emerging screenwriter Barbara Ward Thall hit her late-fifties and decided she wanted a wildly different end for her third-act, saying good-bye to decades as a senior ad and marketing executive at buzzy companies like Amazon’s Audible. Now at 60, she writes highly personal, female-led stories that won her a coveted spot in a writer’s program for women over 40 [NYWIFT’s The Writers Lab], backed by heavy-hitters like Oprah. Barbara shares ideas for applying screenwriting’s “three-act formula” to create your own cinematic third-act.

Applications are open for the Hire Her Back Fund, a grant supporting women filmmakers whose careers have been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Members of Women in Film local chapters — WIF Los Angeles, New York Women in Film and Television, and Women in Film and Television Atlanta — are eligible to apply. …

“As production finally resumes after this devastating crisis, we don’t want to take a step backward or lose sight of what progress still needs to be made,” said NYWIFT executive director Cynthia López. “We must always continue to move forward. We look forward to work with our sisters in Women in Film Los Angeles on this important initiative.” […]

Reaching into its archival treasure trove of rarely seen recordings of past events, The American Dance Guild will continue their virtual offering 10 Years Over 10 Weeks, a rich collection of video performances of honorees and guest artists over the last ten years of ADG Performance Festivals….

One of the films featured, Windows in the Kitchen, was preserved with funding from the NYWIFT Women’s Film Preservation Fund. […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) has announced the dates and theme for the second annual New York Women in Film & Television Creative Workforce Summit. Set to take place virtually October 20-23, Documentary Makers, Industry, and Funders in Conversation will consist of keynote speakers, panels, and film screenings. The event aims to “bring together some of the most unique and diverse voices of women working in the entertainment industry to establish forward-moving strategies to create change and mobilize support and leadership for the future,” a press release details. […]

Abigail Disney, Sheila Nevins are among the notable speakers slated to appear at a documentary-focused edition of the New York Women in Film & Television Creative Workforce Summit.

The event, which will take place virtually from October 20 to 23, will feature keynote speakers, panels and film screenings. According to the NYWIFT announcement, the goal is to “establish forward-moving strategies to create change and mobilize support and leadership for the future.” […]

The 28th Hamptons International Film Festival has honored director Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese’s This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection as its Best Narrative Feature. …

Two new awards from New York Women in Film & Television honor an outstanding female filmmaker who has demonstrated exceptional artistic vision and dedication to their craft.

Farewell Amor, directed by Ekwa Msangi, was awarded the New York Women in Film & Television Award for Directing which comes with a $2,000 prize. Coded Bias, directed by Shalini Kantayya, was awarded the New York Women in Film & Television Award for Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking, and a $1,000 cash prize. […]

A screenwriter in Charlotte recently earned a spot in a highly selective program called The Writers Lab. The program is for women over 40 years old and is supported by big names like Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and Oprah Winfrey. Julie Zografos was one of just 12 writers selected. She joined us on QC@3 to talk about this experience. Julie tells us this is The Writers Lab’s 6th year. She tells us they’ve just recently opened it up to international applicants. Julie says a lot of people applied, only 12 were selected and she’s so excited to be one of the 12. She tells us normally everyone flies into New York and converges in person, but this year it will be done virtually. We also got a chance to talk with Julie about her screenplay, “Dark Quarry” and what she hoping to get out of the lab. […]

Julie Zografos, a 2013 graduate of the top-ranked School of Filmmaking, is participating in The Writers Lab, a prestigious mentoring program for women screenwriters over the age of 40. Supported by Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman and Oprah Winfrey, the lab begins Oct. 1 and runs through Oct. 4, completely online for the first time in its six-year history.

Co-founded by New York Women in Film & Television, Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon, the lab is a four-day workshop that gives writers the opportunity to work intensively on their feature film scripts with the support of established film professionals. […]

A screenwriter might never get used to hearing the words “no thanks,” but Christine Autrand Mitchell said it’s just part of the business. Mitchell has been writing screenplays for 10 years, and not one has been made into a studio movie. There have been some local projects, but nothing big yet.

…Her chances might have improved lately after Mitchell made the cut for the 2020 Writers Lab, which the New York Women in Film & Television association conducts for aspiring women screenwriters over the age of 40. […]

News 12 NJ Evening News Anchor Della Crews congratulates Montclair, NJ resident Barbara Ward Thall, who was selected for The Writers Lab 2020! 

The Writers Lab has selected Montclair resident Barbara Ward Thall as one of its 12 participants, its most inclusive class ever, with half its winners identifying as diverse, and half its projects identifying as “genre” for its 2020 script development lab…

Thall’s Western genre screenplay Little Sister was selected for the highly competitive program. The story takes place in 1849 Missouri, in which a gender defiant farmgirl drags her flighty mother along on a rescue mission to save her abducted sister from escaped convicts. Prior to screenwriting, Thall developed brand marketing programs and advertising campaigns that connected with consumers on a cellular, emotional level. […]

The Women’s Film Preservation Fund (WFPF) of New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is opening submissions for its film Preservation grants for the 2020 cycle on October 1, 2020. The deadline is February 1, 2021.  

Since 1995 the WFPF has been bringing awareness to women’s enormous accomplishment in filmmaking by funding preservation of films made by American women everywhere and films made in the US by women from other countries.  To date, we’ve preserved approximately 135 of these American-made films, bringing back into view important lost films and significant but overlooked films from the past, showing that women have been integral to filmmaking since its inception. […]

Join us for this month’s virtual NYWIFT Member Screening of Kavery Kaul’s documentary feature Long Way from Home! Hailed by historian Robin Kelley as “one of the most powerful and inspiring documentaries of our era,” in this moving and provocative story, three remarkable girls enter ninth grade at top schools steeped in bias towards race, class, and culture. […]

The Writers Lab in the US, the non-profit for female screenwriters over 40 that counts Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman among its supporters, is partnering on an international platform with Untamed Stories in the UK and Spain’s Filmmarket Hub.

The collaboration will expand the reach of The Writers Lab beyond the US for the first time. Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon co-founded the lab in 2015 and produce it with New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT). […]

Hosted by Jason Godbey, Creative Director, Behind the Rabbit Productions

On this episode NYWIFT Special Projects Associate Easmanie Michel talks about her career as a filmmaker and the latest programs from New York Women in Film & Television. […]

The inaugural Making Our Movies Film Festival, also known as the MOM Film Festival, will take place today, Aug. 14 through Monday, Aug. 17. The showcase of films, courtesy of the nonprofit Center for Active Learning, celebrates filmmakers who are mothers and honors their role of creating art and raising their children.

The inaugural fest, which is presented virtually, is divided amongst several “blocks” of films with themes such as “Growing Pains,” “Life & Loss,” “Moms Night Out,” “Moms Are Human, Too,” “Life’s Lessons” and “The Changemakers.” All of the offerings are short films, and many of them touch upon important societal and family issues, especially in light of these historic times. […]

The Writers Lab, which supports women screenwriters over 40 with mentoring from leading filmmakers, has unveiled its mentors and 12 participants and their projects for a first-time virtual 2020 edition.

The screenwriting program, backed by Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and Oprah Winfrey and New York Women in Film & Television, has as 2020 mentors producers Anne Carey, Susan Cartsonis, Shruti Ganguly and Mary Jane Skalski. Also helping get scripts across the finish line for 2020 lab participants is Frida Torresblanco, former Focus Features exec Jamie Zelermyer and screenwriters Mara Brock Akil, Pamela Gray, Lisa Jones, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Theresa Rebeck, Robin Swicord and Pat Verducci. […]

New York Women in Film & Television is pleased to announce it will present two exciting multi-day virtual animation workshops, one for teens and one for adults, in late July as part of its commitment to advancing the filmmaking and storytelling skills of the greater New York City community. Participants in the NYWIFT Women’s Media Workshops will be encouraged to draw on their community’s experience of the COVID-19 crisis to create their personal animated stories. The program is presented with the support of New York City Council Members Joe Borelli (District 51), Keith Powers (District 4), and Carlina Rivera (District 2)…

I had a chance to interview Easmanie Michel, NYWIFT Special Projects Associate, who curated the program. […]

New York Women in Film & Television will present two exciting multi-day virtual animation workshops, one for teens and one for adults, in late July as part of its commitment to advancing the filmmaking and storytelling skills of the greater New York City community.

Participants in the NYWIFT Women’s Media Workshops will be encouraged to draw on their community’s experience of the COVID-19 crisis to create their personal animated stories. The program is presented with the support of New York City Council Members Joe Borelli (District 51), Keith Powers (District 4), and Carlina Rivera (District 2). Completed projects will have a unique NYWIFT premiere on a live virtual platform and be available via the NYWIFT Vimeo channel. […]

Women In Film, Los Angeles is launching a campaign to continue pushing for gender and racial equality in the film and television industries hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit organization’s “Hire Her Back” initiative will highlight how the virus has disproportionately impacted black, indigenous and people of color and urge employers to rehire women at the same rate as men in the industry. The initiative continues to advance the group’s goal of shining a light on gender parity in the realm.

WIF will partner with New York Women in Film and Television and Women In Film and Television Atlanta for the Hire Her Back Fund, which will directly benefit women in the television and film industries affected by the pandemic. […]

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced grants totaling $2.5 million in support of filmmakers from — and outreach to audiences in — underserved communities.

To that end, ninety-six organizations were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $200,000 — including a round of emergency COVID-19 grants announced in April — through the academy’s FilmCraft and FilmWatch programs, which were created to identify and empower future filmmakers from non-traditional backgrounds, cultivate new and diverse talent, promote motion pictures as an art form, and provide a platform for underrepresented artists. […]

Fashion’s Leading Role: Knowing that fashion and film have proven to be a winning combination, the Fashion Group International has partnered with New York Women in Film & Television for a few events and film screenings.

Their collaboration will launch Tuesday with a webinar about the art of filmmaking and science of marketing in fashion films and how they are essential branding tools for fashion and lifestyle brands. Dressed documentary director David Swajeski will moderate the discussion. Artistix Fashion’s Andy Hilfiger, Vimeo’s Ina Pira and Matte Projects’  Matthew Rowean will share their thoughts during “The Art and Science of Fashion in Film” panel. […]

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the recipients of its 2020 FilmCraft and FilmWatch grants.

A total of $2.5 million has been allocated to 96 organization, including recipients of the emergency grant funds announced last month in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NYWIFT has announced several strategies to help their members in response to the coronavirus. The first of which is an online survey for members to keep the NYWIFT informed of the impact COVID-19 has had on their role in the media and entertainment industry. NYWIFT Talks, a weekly series that will bring updated news and information about the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, will have industry professionals discussing news on theatrical releases, digital advances, virtual tools, festival opportunities, production updates and more. […]

Throughout her impressive career as cinema administrator, advocate and activist in New York City, Cynthia López has combined her love of film with her commitment to public service to effectively create opportunities for filmmakers and to enhance cinema culture. She has been shaping NYC’s cinema landscape for two decades, starting with her influential input at the award-winning documentary series, POV, where she served as executive Vice President and co-Executive Producer, through to her appointment by NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio as Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, and on to her most recent post in as Executive Director of New York Women in Film and Television, Cynthia López has paved the way for female filmmakers to have greater opportunities to attain their career goals. […]

To mark Women’s History month, the Hellenic Film Society will host Emmy-winning producer Celia Costas for an interview and audience Q&A session. Her more than 40 Hollywood credits include producer of films including Angels in America, Warm Springs, The Girl on the Train, and The Intern, starring Robert DeNiro and Anne Hathaway. Her current project is tick, tick…BOOM!, directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, on which she is the executive producer.

The interview will be held following the screening of the Greek film, Pause, at the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) in Astoria. Both events are presented in association with New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT).

Marking Women’s History Month, the Hellenic Film Society USA in association with New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) presents a screening of Pause (Pafsi), directed by Tonia Mishiali, on Sunday, March 8, 4 PM at the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI), 36-01 35th Avenue in Astoria.

[…]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is pleased to announce the presentation of the Loreen Arbus Disability Awareness Grant to Ashley Eakin for her narrative short film Single. The film completion grant, now in its 13th year, is provided through the generosity of longtime disability rights advocate Loreen Arbus and awards $7,500 to a woman filmmaker for a film on physical or developmental disability issues.

[…]

Why did you choose the field of association management and what about it keeps you going?

“I’ve always been a storyteller and producer at heart – writing, directing and organizing productions from the time I was a little kid in my grandparents’ living room all the way through my first year out of college. After working for a while in the for-profit entertainment space as a talent agent assistant, and eventually as an agent myself, I wanted to get back to work that was more consistently creative, and more importantly, gave me an opportunity to give back to my community on a daily basis.”

[…]

NYWIFT Executive Directory Cynthia Lopez was featured in an on-camera interview with TVE Spain for the 2020 Academy Awards, discussing inclusion and the lack of women nominees. 

…Women have been become some of the most visible players in changing the ageist narrative, including Oscar winners Meryl Streep, 70 and Nicole Kidman, 52 who have taken on a different kind of role in their affiliation with The Writers Lab. Launched in 2015, and founded by Kyle Stokes and co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon, The Writers Lab is a screenwriting lab for women writers over 40. Supported by Streep and Kidman, The Writers Lab 2020 is produced by New York Women in Film & Television with co-founders Kaiden and Wilon.

Its mission is to increase the number of stories written by female storytellers over the age of 40, not demand female-driven storylines […]

Heading to Park City? From intimate dinners and cocktail parties to late night bashes (that end just in time to head to brunch), there’s plenty to keep this year’s film festival attendees out of the cold between screenings. Here is Variety’s ultimate party guide for Sundance 2020…

Sundance TV’s Women on the Front Lines: Changing the Game Panel
Ekwa Msangi, Haifaa al-Mansour, Monica Levinson, Hanelle Culpepper and Jackie Cruz. IFC Films’ Arianna Bocco will moderate the panel, presented by AMC Networks, New York Women in Film & Television, Women in Film Los Angeles and ReFrame
Sundance TV HQ, 1-2 p.m

Sundance TV’s New York Women in Film & Television and IFC Films Cocktail Celebration
Sundance TV HQ, 5-7 p.m. […]

In partnership with AMC Networks, Women in Film LA and ReFrame, New York Women in Film & Television will hold a panel discussion January 24^th in Park City, Utah, during the Sundance Film Festival. The topic is Women on the Front Lines: Changing the Game. Sundance Institute reports that 46 percent of directors competing in this year’s festival are women, up six percent from 2019. While there’s still further to go, these statistics show that progress is possible when concerted efforts are made to address systemic biases.

The panel will bring together leading women from the front lines in entertainment to discuss gender parity, inclusion and the way forward. […]

“Don’t say ‘nominate more women.’ Name the women who should have been nominated.”

When the inevitable awards season protest arises from the equally inevitable scarcity, or utter lack, of women among film award nominees in directing, cinematography and even writing categories, that’s what many people say, often adding with oblivious irony, that gender should not be part of any awards consideration. […]

While Ann Dowd is known for going to dark places in The Handmaid’s Tale, the Emmy Award-winning actress was in a much lighter mood when she received an award from her distinguished peers. While recently walking the red carpet before Dowd was honored at the 40th Anniversary New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) MUSE Awards, she shared the auspicious occasion with The Handmaid’s Tale author Margaret Atwood.

Dowd was honored along with Harriet director Kasi Lemmons, Caroline’s on Broadway founder Caroline Hirsch, writer/creator  Shoshannah Stern, Vimeo CEO Anjali Sud, music sensation Gloria Estefan, and film producer Jane Rosenthal. Some 1,400 members of the NYWIFT attended the December 10 event. Among the guests were Robert DeNiro, Camryn Manheim, and Wendy Williams. […]

For the past 40 years, New York Women in Film & Television has empowered women in the entertainment industry, celebrating them for their talent, vision, and achievements through the annual Muse Awards Gala. Past honorees have included Meryl Streep, Sarah Jessica Parker, Laura Dern, Whoopi Goldberg, and Julianne Moore. The Muse Awards is attended by an audience of more than 1,200 leading executives from every major studio, broadcast and cable network, and film production company. This year’s showcase of accomplished women was attended by actors, producers, directors, writers, and industry leaders, such as Robert DeNiro, Margaret Atwood, Aisling Bea, Jen Ponton, Ana Villafañe, and Wendy Williams. […]

On Oct. 5, a group of 25 female writers and filmmakers converged at a lakeside retreat two hours outside New York, ready to share their work, as well as stories of unenthusiastic agents and subtle exclusion. Although they hailed from diverse backgrounds, the women shared one characteristic that makes them radioactive by Hollywood standards: They all had eclipsed the 40 threshold.

“We’re survivors,” said screenwriter Pamela Gray, sipping a glass of white wine. “If you’re over 40 and still pursuing a career …” she continued, as her thought trailed off. Everyone seemed to know where that sentence was headed, many having hit what is arguably the last remaining glass ceiling in the business.

The conversation — by turns pragmatic and optimistic — took place at the fifth incarnation of The Writers Lab, the only industry workshop devoted exclusively to script development for women writers over 40. […]

The absence of women among director nominees for the Golden Globes is another example of how much work remains to be done to achieve gender parity in the entertainment industry, honorees said Tuesday night at the 40th annual Muse Awards presented by New York Women in Film and Television.

Harriet director Kasi Lemmons, The Irishman producer Jane Rosenthal and The Handmaid’s Tale star Ann Dowd shared their thoughts about the helming snub as the three were feted for their work. […]

…Tuesday sees the New York Women in Film and Television Muse Awards, hosted by our own Nancy Giles. The Muse Awards, honoring actor Ann Dowd, singer Gloria Estefan, Vimeo CEO Anjali Sud, director Kasi Lemmons, Tribeca Enterprises CEO Jane Rosenthal, and writer Shoshannah Stern, presented December 10 at 11:30 a.m. at the New York Hilton Midtown. […]

Carolines on Broadway owner and NY Comedy Festival founder Caroline Hirsch will receive the second of 2019’s Made in New York awards at the NY Women in Film and Television Muse Awards. Hirsch joins Emmy-winning filmmaker Jason DaSilva, who received his honor Monday night at the Gotham Independent Film Awards, as this year’s recipients of the annual plaudits celebrating excellence in the city’s creative community. 

“A visionary producer with moxie, Caroline Hirsch is a ‘Made in NY’ original who set the stage for some of the most notable comedians in film and television today. Caroline has made New York City — and by extension the world — a much funnier place. In the process, she blazed a trail in the industry by supporting other women in the business and by setting a powerful example through her own stellar career,” New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment commissioner Anne del Castillo said. […]

Look back at films of the last twenty years and, more likely than not, you’ll see the name Jane Rosenthal repeating through some of the very best and biggest cinema offered. Wag the Dog. Meet the Parents. About a Boy. And this year alone Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us and Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman. Plus about 50+ other major titles and box office smashes all while serving as CEO and co-founder of Tribeca Enterprises, a global media company that includes the renown Tribeca Film Festival.

In honor of these contributions in both film and television, Rosenthal will receive the New York Women in Film & Television Career Impact Achievement Award on December 10. It’s an apt recognition for a woman who serves as an inspiration to rising female producers. It’s an award that holds significant meaning for Rosenthal. […]

Gloria Estefan, Harriet director Kasi Lemmons and Tribeca Enterprises CEO and co-founder Jane Rosenthal will all be honored at this year’s N.Y. Women in Film and Television Muse Awards luncheon. Additional honorees include Emmy-winning Handmaid’s Tale actress Ann Dowd, writer-creator Shoshannah Stern and Vimeo CEO Anjali Sud. The Muse Awards celebrate women of outstanding vision and achievement in front of and behind the camera in film, TV, music and digital media. Rosenthal, who is also one of the producers on Martin Scorsese’s Netflix film The Irishman, will be honored with a special Career Impact Achievement Award, in celebration of the Muse Awards’ 40th anniversary. […]

Stand-up comic and disability advocate Maysoon Zayid’s journey has never been an easy one, but her refusal to quit regardless of any obstacles, makes it an inspirational one. Her new audible original book Find Another Dream, (written and performed by Zayid), is the true story of how a Muslim girl with cerebral palsy, who grew up in New Jersey, created her own path to stardom. […]

The Film Society of Summit will host a screening and discussion of the documentary ‘Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché’ on October 18 beginning at 7 p.m. A discussion will follow with Katie Chamber, Director of Community Engagement at New York Women in Film and Television.

The film profiles Guy-Blaché, a pioneer filmmaker who founded Solax Studio in Fort Lee and made at least 1,000 films by 1920. Fewer than 200 have been found. […]

…The festival’s Visionaries Lifetime Achievement Tributes will honor Michael Apted and Martin Scorsese, and will feature special screenings of their respective films, 63 Up and Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese. Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert will receive the Robert and Anne Drew Award for observational filmmaking and New York Women in Film and Television’s Cynthia Lopez will receive the Leading Light Award for distinguished service to documentary in a role outside filmmaking. […]

…For the 17th year, the festival will partner with New York Women in Film & Television, a non-profit dedicated to supporting, celebrating and advocating for women in media, to present their annual shorts “NYWIFT: Women Calling the Shots,” to support achievements in female filmmaking. This year’s shorts will include Remington Long’s Alchemy, Grace Kim’s An Interloper’s Kiss, Sini Anderson’s Catherine Opie B. 1961, Lizzy Hogenson’s Dani, Faren Humes’ Liberty, Celine Held and Logan George’s Lockdown, and Farida Zahran’s Youth. The Women Calling the Shots showcase will be preceded by NYWIFT’s brunch at Mulford Farm celebrating the women filmmakers at the festival. […]

On this episode host Jason Godbey talks the NYWIFT Road to the Emmy’s Event, the Katra Film Series, the new documentary Don’t Be Nice, and poses the question: why aren’t you watching indie films? And more… all on this edition of Indie Film News.

Women In Film Los Angeles (WIF LA) is partnering with New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) and The Actors Fund to expand its Sexual Harassment Help Line to New York.

Launched in December 2017, the WIF LA Help Line is an active measure to provide support to those who have experienced sexual harassment or misconduct while working in the entertainment industry. When the #MeToo movement hit in October 2017, things shifted in the industry and WIF LA’s Help Line emerged as a crucial resource serving our community — and continues to serve as a resource today. […]

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Board of Directors President, Jamie Zelermyer. Zelermyer has served on the NYWIFT board for four years, most recently as Vice President of Special Events through which she oversaw the production of the 2017 and 2018 NYWIFT Muse Awards. She has been a New York-based Producer and Production Executive for over 20 years and is currently producing Independent Feature Project’s signature program, IFP Week. Zelermyer was the VP, Physical Production at Focus Features / Rogue Pictures for six years, where she oversaw films including Admission, One Day, Jane Eyre, Sin Nombre and Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day. Most recently, she was the Program Manager of the Made In New York: Pilot Competition, a program founded by The Mayor’s Office of Film Media and Entertainment to tackle gender inclusivity in the television industry; she Executive Produced the two winning half hour pilots and Executive Produced season one of the winning show, Half Life. […]

New York Women in Film & Television has named Jamie Zelermyer as its new board of directors president. Zelermyer has served on the NYWIFT board for four years, most recently as vice president of special events through which she oversaw the production of the 2017 and 2018 NYWIFT Muse Awards. She has been a New York-based producer and production executive for over 20 years and is currently producing Independent Feature Project’s signature program, IFP Week. […]

New York Women in Film & Television and The Writers Lab co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon have revealed the 12 screenwriters to participate in The Writers Lab, which celebrates its fifth year. The program has also unveiled their roster of mentors. The Writers Lab launched in 2015 and is the only lab in the world devoted exclusively to script development for women writers over the age of 40. It creates a springboard to the next stage of production and expands the boundaries of today’s commercial narrative film. Many past participants have seen their scripts optioned and/or are actively working in writers’ rooms. […]

In a media landscape dominated by outraged, emotional debates over our nation’s immigration crisis, DACA, ICE, detainment, and children’s immense suffering, writer/director Diane Paragas’s long-in-the-making film Yellow Rose has burst on to the scene. And it could not be more timely. The musical film follows 17-year-old Rose (Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada), an undocumented Filipino girl who dreams of one day leaving her small Texas town to pursue country music. […]