NYWIFT Blog

Cracking the Code on Film Fundraising: Insights from NYWIFT’s Winter Film Festival Panel

On a brisk February afternoon, I found the perfect escape from the cold—diving into an eye-opening discussion at the 2025 Winter Film Festival. One of the standout moments? Navigating Film Fundraising with NYWIFT, a must-attend panel for any filmmaker tackling the most daunting part of filmmaking: raising money. Leading the conversation were Easmanie Michel, NYWIFT’s Director of Artists Programs and Finance, and NYWIFT Member Joanna Rudolph, executive producer of Burning Annie and The Co-op: The Kids of Dorie Miller. Their wealth of knowledge made for a powerful session, packed with real-world success stories and actionable strategies. Marchelle Thurman summarized some key takeaways to help you fund your next film.

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Frannie’s Favorites from The Producer’s Palate

Frannie Montagnino shares her favorite highlights from "The Producer's Palate," a new printed recipe collection from NYWIFT. Featuring recipes and personal stories from NYWIFT community leaders, the book is available to purchase now with proceeds supporting the organization's professional development and advocacy initiatives.

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40th Muse Honorees: Shoshannah Stern

Shoshannah Stern received the 14th Annual Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award, which was created with the generous support of NYWIFT member Loreen Arbus. The award is given to an individual, organization or corporation in the entertainment industry that has helped to create and bring about significant change to benefit and aid women.

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Diane Paragas’ Timely Immigration Story “Yellow Rose” Arrives in NYC

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’ long-in-the-making film "Yellow Rose" has burst on to the scene. And it could not be more timely. Paragas discusses the film's long journey to the screen and what she hopes to contribute to our cultural conversation on immigration.

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Throwback Thursday: NYWIFT on No Rest for the Weekend

This Spring, NYWIFT Community Engagement Director Katie Chambers sat down with host Jason Godbey on his indie film podcast No Rest for the Weekend to discuss the rise of women in media, the continued challenges they face, NYWIFT's mission and how the organization creates a supportive network for women to get ahead in their careers. 

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21 Leaders for the 21st Century 2019 Honors Cynthia Lopez

Last month in New York City, Women's eNews held their annual 21 Leaders for the 21st Century and it was a night of celebration for a diverse group of honorees, all fearless leaders who are committed to advancing gender equality throughout the world...including NYWIFT's own Executive Director, Cynthia Lopez. We share a portion of Lopez's insightful remarks on how women can truly change the world.

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Muse through the Years: 2003 Honoree Emma Thompson

As we gear up for the 2016 Muse Awards on December 8th, NYWIFT takes a look back at Emma Thompson's brilliant (and hilarious) 2003 acceptance speech about the benefits of failure.

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