NYWIFT Blog

IFC Films & NYWIFT Present: “Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles” Virtual Screening + Q&A with Director, Laura Gabbert

Join us for a virtual screening of "Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles" and a Q&A with Director Laura Gabbert. Moderated by Co-Founder and Head of Programming at In Creative Company Mara Webster.

Woodstock Film Festival & NYWIFT Co-Present: “I Carry You with Me” at the Drive-In

Join NYWIFT for our first drive-in film on October 3rd! NYWIFT is proud to co-present a double feature screening of I Carry You with Me and Stake Land with Woodstock Film Festival.

I Carry You with Me, Academy-Award® nominee (and NYWIFT member) Heidi Ewing’s luminous, moving debut as a narrative filmmaker, follows a tender romance between Iván and Gerado, spanning decades. Starting in provincial Mexico and continuing as first Iván, then Gerardo, journey towards sharing a life together in New York City. The film, winner of two awards at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, is an intimate love story, as well as a soulful rumination on family, sacrifice, regret, and ultimately, hope.

Woodstock Film Festival & NYWIFT Co-Present: “The Sit In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show” at the Drive-In

NYWIFT is proud to co-present a screening of The Sit In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show as a special drive-in screening at the Woodstock Film Festival!

In 1968, Johnny Carson was king of late-night television. As host of the top-rated “Tonight Show,” he gave America mild humor and middle-of-the-road entertainment. But when Carson planned a week’s vacation, his choice of replacement host was no less than revolutionary. Black entertainer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte was given five nights on air. Belafonte did not squander the opportunity; he booked guests calculated to change the hearts and minds of a country embroiled in racial crisis.

Although three of the five TV segments are now lost, director and NYWIFT Member Yoruba Richen pieces together the programs through archival photographs and footage, as well as contemporary interviews with historians, politicians and activists, including Whoopi Goldberg and Norman Lear. Indeed, the film captures a chaotic time in American history, drawing inescapable parallels with the Black Lives Matter movement.

NYWIFT Talks with Executive Director & Co-Head of Toronto Film Festival Joana Vicente

Join Executive Director & Co-Head of Toronto Film Festival Joana Vicente for a conversation with Award Winning Writer/Director and Founder of Iguana FilmsMaria Agui Carter!

This edition of NYWIFT Talks is free for all to attend.

HBO & NYWIFT Present: ‘Unpregnant’ Virtual Screening + Q&A with Director Rachel Lee Goldenberg

HBO & NYWIFT Present a Virtual Screening of Unpregnant followed by a Q&A with Director Rachel Lee Goldenberg moderated by NYWIFT Board President Jamie Zelermyer.

In Unpregnant, 17-year-old Veronica (Haley Lu Richardson) never thought she’d want to fail a test—that is, until she finds herself staring at a piece of plastic with a blue plus. With a promising college-bound future now disappearing before her eyes, Veronica considers a decision she never imagined she’d have to make. Filmmaker Rachel Lee Goldenberg is an Emmy® award-winning producer, director and writer.

NYWIFT Talks with HR Expert Joanna Giordano

This event will focus on the resume specifically. Yes, it is the P.I.T.A. that everyone avoids, but it is extremely important for application and selection at the top of the funnel. Even a warm network contact may ask for your resume to pass along. Join HR Expert Joanna Giordano for a conversation with NYWIFT Board President Jamie Zelermyer!

This edition of NYWIFT Talks is free for all to attend.

NYWIFT Talks with Julie Taymor & Kimberly Guerrero

Join 2007 NYWIFT Muse Honoree Julie Taymor to discuss her latest film, The Glorias, in our series NYWIFT Talks! Journalist, fighter, and feminist Gloria Steinem is an indelible icon known for her world-shaping activism, guidance of the revolutionary women’s movement, and writing that has impacted generations.

Taymor's film credits include Fool's Fire, Oedipus Rex, Frida, and countless others. Among her many theatre credits is her sensational Broadway adaptation of The Lion King.

This conversation will be moderated by NYWIFT Executive Director Cynthia Lopez. Free for all to attend.

One Week Online Program with Roadmap Writers (NYWIFT Members Only)

This one week workshop with Roadmap Writers offers expert advice from writers in the business! Join Roadmap Writers leaders Janet Jeffries, Audrey Knox, and Joey Tuccio as they interactively teach you the ways of writing!

Free to attend. Exclusively for NYWIFT members.

NYWIFT Talks with IFP Executive Director Jeffrey Sharp

In this NYWIFT Talks, join Executive Director of IFP Jeffrey Sharp for a Zoom conversation. Founded in 1979, The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) is the largest and longest running not-for-profit dedicated to independent film. We’ll focus on IFP and the future of digital learning within IFP.

This conversation will be moderated by NYWIFT Board Member Yvonne Russo and is free for all to attend.

“Pitching Virtually…It’s Easier Than You Think” with Jim Arnoff

This interactive workshop with Career Coach/Talent Agent Consultant/NYWIFT Member, Jim Arnoff will give you specific tips to create the most engaging interactions on-line. You'll hear pitfalls to avoid and how best to prep for a virtual pitch. Open to NYWIFT members only.

NYWIFT Talks 2020 Film Festivals

Welcome to NYWIFT Talks, a new weekly series to bring updated news and vital information about the impact of COVID-19 on the media and entertainment industry. Industry professionals will be in conversation discussing what you need to know about theatrical releases, digital advances, virtual tools, festival opportunities, production updates and more.  This edition of NYWIFT...

I Used to Go Here Virtual Screening + Q&A with Director Kris Rey and Actress Gillian Jacobs

Bittersweet emotion and awkward humor abound as Kate (Gillian Jacobs) journeys through her past to redefine her future in this big-hearted fourth feature from writer/director Kris Rey.

Join us for a virtual screening of I Used to Go Here followed by a Q&A with Kris Rey and Gillian Jacobs, moderated by NYWIFT Board Member Gretchen McGowan.

NYWIFT Talks with Cursed Director Zetna Fuentes

In this NYWIFT Talks, join director Zetna Fuentes to discuss her new Netflix limited series, Cursed. Based on the New York Times bestselling book, Cursed is a re-imagination of the Arthurian legend, told through the eyes of Nimue, a young woman with a mysterious gift who is destined to become the powerful (and tragic) Lady of the Lake.

The conversation will be moderated by NYWIFT Advisory Board Member Annetta Marion. This edition of NYWIFT Talks is free for all to attend.

NYWIFT Talks Health and Wellness During COVID-19

In this NYWIFT Talks, join Dr. Christine Cyriacks, Allison Chawla, and Liza Bertini to discuss the health affects that COVID-19 has taken on us and solutions to mindfully clear your mind and soul.

New York Film Academy Teen 3D Animation Class

NYWIFT has partnered with the prestigious New York Film Academy animation department, which will provide expert animation educators from its award-winning program, Isaac Kalsky and Robert Appleton, to guide participants in working virtually to create their own finished short films. Not only are these skills used in film, television, and advertising, they are also an...

New York Film Academy Adult 3D Animation Class

This Webinar explores basic methods of animation and how they are being implemented in Maya Autodesk's 3D computer graphics software. Topics will include: Disney’s 12 principles of animation, a demonstration of bouncing ball animation, a demonstration of a Pendulum animation and tail animation, walk cycle animation, and techniques for facial expression. This program is open to those 15-years-old and up. 

NYWIFT Talks The Old Guard with Director Gina Prince-Bythewood and Editor Terilyn Shropshire

Welcome to NYWIFT Talks, a new weekly series to bring updated news and vital information about the impact of COVID-19 on the media and entertainment industry. Industry professionals will be in conversation discussing what you need to know about theatrical releases, digital advances, virtual tools, festival opportunities, production updates and more.  This edition of NYWIFT...

NYWIFT Talks with Mucho Mucho Amor Co-Directors Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch

Welcome to NYWIFT Talks, a new weekly series to bring updated news and vital information about the impact of COVID-19 on the media and entertainment industry. Industry professionals will be in conversation discussing what you need to know about theatrical releases, digital advances, virtual tools, festival opportunities, production updates and more.  This edition of NYWIFT...