NYWIFT Blog

By Ozzi Ramirez

Let’s give a huge NYWIFT welcome to Ingrid Jean-Baptiste!

Founder of the Chelsea Film Festival, Ingrid was born in Paris and spent her early years there and in London. Upon graduating from La Sorbonne University, Ingrid pursued journalism and worked for various French magazines and within the production sphere of cultural television shows broadcasted on national French TV at France Television.

After living in Los Angeles for some time, she moved to New York in 2010 where she studied acting and graduated from the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. In 2013, she began the Chelsea Film Festival, which since its beginnings has provided a platform for filmmakers worldwide and represented 30+ countries through showcasing 220 Official Selections (World, US, and NY premiered).

A lover of world cultures, Ingrid has traveled to over 100 countries, and is an avid supporter of human rights. Currently she is a board member at Easter Seals, Young Minds for Gender Equality, and Chelsea Film Institute, and has received several accolades which include the WOW Award for International Women’s Empowerment and the Trophy of “French Citizens Abroad.”

To learn more about Ingrid’s career highlights and how her vision influenced the genesis and evolution of the Chelsea Film Festival, check out our conversation below!

NYWIFT Member Ingrid Jean-Baptiste (photo courtesy of Ingrid Jean-Baptiste)

Tell us about yourself. Give us your elevator pitch!

I am an actor, producer and the Founder & Artistic Director of the Chelsea Film Festival.

Can you describe the genesis of the Chelsea Film Festival (CFF)? What was your vision for the festival and how has it evolved over time?

The Chelsea Film Festival was born out of a necessity to support the work of emerging filmmakers and bridge cultural gaps through cinema. Twelve years later, our vision is very much the same. What evolved is the number of films we feature – approximately 150 every year. They include works from established filmmakers that create an open dialogue between the underdogs and confirmed artists.

NYWIFT Member Ingrid Jean-Baptiste on stage at the Chelsea Film Festival (photo courtesy of Ingrid Jean-Baptiste)

Who are some memorable filmmakers and/or films featured at past festivals whose projects you feel resonated most with you and audiences? Who are some artists whose films have yet to be featured at CFF, but who you would be thrilled to welcome?

There are so many, but the one that comes to mind is the black & white film Titus by Charlie Cattrall, which opened the first-ever edition of the Chelsea Film Festival. It starred the late talented Ron Cephas Jones and [his daughter] Jasmine Cephas Jones and was the US Premiere of the film. I remember this being a very special time for the cast and the festival’s audience.

We would be thrilled to welcome the work of new artists who have yet to be discovered by an international audience. As the artistic director of the festival, this makes me proud and gives me a reason to keep doing what I do.

NYWIFT Member Ingrid Jean-Baptiste on stage at the Chelsea Film Festival (photo courtesy of Ingrid Jean-Baptiste)

Regarding programming at CFF, can you describe the film selection process? In addition to great content, what other factors does the programming team consider while narrowing filmmakers’ submissions to the final program? 

That would be a question for our head programmer, Sonia, who would probably say, “The story!” It always starts with a story, but of course, great acting, editing, and coloring are also part of the secret to an accomplished film. It’s also a question of taste, and Sonia has wonderful taste in films. She’s been watching them for 60+ years!

NYWIFT Member Ingrid Jean-Baptiste on stage at the Chelsea Film Festival (photo courtesy of Ingrid Jean-Baptiste)

In addition to being a CEO, you are also a producer and an actress. How do you juggle these roles and what advice would you give to those interested in pursuing various career paths simultaneously? 

For me, the only reason to exist is to constantly reinvent myself and push boundaries. Otherwise, I would be extremely bored. When I am working on a passion project with a meaningful purpose, acting and producing nourish my soul. My advice is, “Where focus goes, energy flows.” It’s that simple and everything comes together like a puzzle.

International Emmy Awards Board Meeting Photo by: Rob Kim

How did you learn about NYWIFT and what do you hope to experience as a new member?

I’ve been participating in NYWIFT activities for the past ten years and welcomed Cynthia Lopez to moderate our 2017 Women in Power Panel Luncheon. I’ve always been a fan of the organization, and now that I’m a proud member, I’m hoping to meet extraordinary women. Please reach out!

What are some words of wisdom that helped you excel in your career? What is some advice you received that has proven to be less fruitful?

“Think big!” and “Always think big!” Not much of a difference. Right? [Laughs] My mother has been repeating these phrases for as long as I can remember. Anyhow, this is something that is instilled within me.

And the advice I received that has proven to be less fruitful? I honestly don’t remember since I probably did not listen to it.

NYWIFT Member Ingrid Jean-Baptiste (photo courtesy of Ingrid Jean-Baptiste)

What is next for Ingrid Jean-Baptiste? What exciting adventures await you, and what can festivalgoers expect to see at CFF in the coming years?

Many happy surprises await me, but I can’t share too much yet. You can expect the Chelsea Film Festival to keep growing, not only as far as the variety of films we’ll showcase, but also through programs such as our incubator dedicated to BIPOC emerging filmmakers. It’s currently in its second season and has already supported over 15 filmmakers

For the first time this Fall, the 12th annual edition of the festival will be expanded to five days and include special screenings, private luncheons, industry talks, and many celebratory events for our filmmakers and the general public. Save the dates: October 16-20, 2024 and click here for more details regarding programming and early bird passes.

Connect with Ingrid Jean-Baptiste on Instagram at @Ingrid_JeanBaptiste, and learn more about her work at www.chelseafilm.org.