Dusty Awards: The SVA Dusty Film & Animation Festival runs May 5-8. We look forward to partnering once again for their annual Dusty Awards! Board President Alexis Alexanian will present the NYWIFT award.
Handmaid’s Tale: Can’t wait to start binging on The Handmaid’s Tale. Eight of 10 episodes are directed by women – good for Hulu and all involved!
Gabourey Sidibe: Listen to an exclusive excerpt from the 2015 NYWIFT Muse honoree Gabourey Sidibe’s memoir This is Just My Face. It was released in book and audio form yesterday.
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Welcome to NYWIFT, Muriel Omur Ilbas! After working in television broadcasting, journalism, and advertising over 20 years in France and in Turkey, Muriel specialized in communication strategies and brand management consultancy, executive and intercultural coaching for French, Turkish and global companies as well as NGO’s including the United Nations agencies and the National Democratic Institute based in Washington DC. Since 1997, she produced and directed 10 biographic documentaries of famous Turkish businesspeople, artists and innovators. In recent years, Muriel has prioritized coaching and mentorships, and since 2010, has provided more than 2000 hours of executive, leadership, intercultural and empowerment coaching to worldwide corporate clients. Get to know her in our latest interview!
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Welcome to NYWIFT, Kristin Sisley! Kristin’s journey through the world of film and TV has been shaped by a passion for sustainability, creative collaboration, and uplifting underrepresented communities. With over a decade of experience in the industry, she is now leading the "Made in NY" Production Assistant Training Program, an initiative dedicated to diversifying New York City's film and TV workforce. In this interview, Kristin shares her unique path into the industry, the impact of the program, and her vision for the future of film production in NYC. From tackling challenges in a fluctuating market to inspiring future storytellers, Kristin’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, perseverance, and fostering inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
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Welcome to NYWIFT, Stephanie Mishelle Ard! Stephanie Mishelle Ard is a Texas-born, Brooklyn-based, multi-hyphenate storyteller, who works both in-front-of and behind the camera. Her work as a Director, Producer, Writer, and Actress spans narrative film, unscripted series, documentary, music videos, and branded content. Her debut short film, That Day, premiered at Berlinale 2016 and her most recent work, Shelly Belly, had its New York premiere at the Greenwich Village Film Festival this past November. In Stephanie's branded work, she has had had the opportunity to work with major brands and entertainment clients like HBO Max, DC Comics, State Farm, Travel Channel, and Warner Bros. Stephanie’s highest career aim is to tell impactful stories that unify us around the human spirit and spread empathy, while continuing to create opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to work in this industry and tell their stories through film and television. In addition to creating film magic, Stephanie loves to spend her time cooking, doing home-improvement DIY activities or crafts, and snuggling her cat Swayze (that is, when Swayze allows the snuggles 😼). Get to know her in our latest interview!
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Cecilia R. Mejia
Welcome to NYWIFT, Cecilia R. Mejia! Cecilia R. Mejia was born and raised in Brooklyn, a first-generation Filipino-American. She has worked in development for several non-profit organizations, including NGOs affiliated with the United Nations. She’s worked with several grassroots organizations focusing on underrepresented communities, which lead to her working on a short documentary about the struggles of detained undocumented families, jumpstarting her film career. Cecilia has produced a number of short films focusing on critical social impact issues like mental health and gender inequality. She’s won several awards as the lead producer for the upcoming Yellow Rose and as Social Impact Producer for the award-winning doc Call Her Ganda. She currently serves as the creative lead on several other projects working on the creative, funding and social impact components of films. Now, she is Vice President of External Affairs, American Documentary | POV. Cecilia is combining her love of film with the goal of focusing on social impact stories that inspire change, most specifically with under-resourced youth through her non-profit organization Art of Me as creative director, helping students turn their stories into high-quality short films. Get to know her in our latest interview!
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