NYWIFT Blog

NYWIFT Talks: Film Festival Practices

On this week’s NYWIFT Talks, the 2020 pandemic has sparked change within every organization from four day work days, hybrid or at-home work to a better overall mental health change. But, as companies evolve, what about freelance workers? How can we work toward change for fairer treatment towards those working freelance? We speak with film festival workers looking to positively advocate for fairer wages, better work environment, and policy changes.

This conversation includes Emily Foster and more TBA. Moderated by NYWIFT Program Manager, Barbara Vásconez.

NYWIFT Industry Screening + Q&A: ‘Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided To Go For It’

Join us for a screening of Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided To Go For It from Friday, October 29th through Monday, November 1st. Followed by a pre-recorded conversation with subject Rita Moreno and Director Mariem Pérez Riera. Moderated by NYWIFT Executive Director, Cynthia Lopez.

Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided To Go For It illuminates the humor and the grace of Moreno, as well as lesser-known struggles faced on her path to stardom, including pernicious Hollywood sexism and abuse, a toxic relationship with Marlon Brando, and serious depression a year before she emerged an Oscar winner. Moreno’s talent and resilience triumphed over adversity, as she broke barriers, fought for representation and forged the path for new generations of artists.

NYWIFT Talks: Stuntwomen in Film/TV

On this week’s NYWIFT Talks, we speak with stuntwomen in film/television to discuss their work and how the pandemic has changed their career. What new protocols have been set to keep everyone safe. This conversation includes Dakota Bown, Wendy Gutierrez, Kelly Roisin, Heidi Schnappauf, and Rose Sias. Moderated by NYWIFT Program Manager, Barbara Vásconez.

NYWIFT Talks: Latinx Representation in Film & TV

On this week’s NYWIFT Talks, we speak with educators in film/television to discuss the representation in film. What is lacking, what is misrepresentation, and what work still needs to be done in order for the voices of the Latinx community to be appropriately amplified.

Speakers will include Frances Negron (Columbia University Professor and Filmmaker); Ben Lopez (ED, National Association of Latino Independent Producers- NALIP); and Maria Corina Ramirez, (Filmmaker); with more TBA. Moderated by NYWIFT Board Member Zenaida Mendez (Director of Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) El Barrio Firehouse Community Media Center).

NYWIFT Industry Screening + Q&A: ‘What Breaks The Ice’

Join us for a screening of What Breaks The Ice screening from October 21st through 26th, followed by a conversation with Rebecca Eskreis. Moderated by NYWIFT Board Member, Gretchen McGowan.

Two girls, from different worlds, form a deep and unlikely friendship in the sweltering summer heat of 1998. Their fun and carefree days quickly turn cold as they find themselves at the center of a mysterious murder.

NYWIFT Industry Screening + Q&A: ‘Jacinta’

Join us for a screening of Jacinta from October 7th through 11th, followed by a Q&A with Documentary Photographer and Filmmaker, Jessica Earnshaw and subject, Jacinta. Moderated by NYWIFT Program Manager, Barbara G Vásconez.

Shot over three years, the film begins at the Maine Correctional Center where Jacinta, 26, and her mother Rosemary, 46, are incarcerated together, both recovering from drug addiction. With unparalleled access and a gripping vérité approach, director Jessica Earnshaw paints a deeply intimate portrait of mothers and daughters and the effects of trauma over generations.

NYWIFT Talks: In Conversation with IATSE Members on How Employer Policies Impact Them

On this week’s NYWIFT Talks, the pandemic has started the conversation on changing the work environment in many different careers. But, what about the crew behind the scenes? We speak with IATSE members in film/television to discuss unhealthy work environments in the industry and what the strike means to its members. This conversation will include Marisa Shipley (VP and Member of Local IATSE). Moderated by NYWIFT Board Member, Leslie Fields-Cruz. This conversation will include Marisa Shipley (VP and Member of Local IATSE).

NYWIFT at the 29th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival

New York Women in Film & Television is delighted to join with the Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) (October 10 – 14th, 2019) for the 20th year to co-present the Women Calling the Shots short film showcase – all in celebration of the outstanding achievements by women filmmakers at the festival.

NYWIFT at the 33rd Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival (NewFest)

New York Women in Film & Television is delighted to join the 33rd Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival (NewFest) (October 15 – 26th, 2021) to co-present Being Bebe: The Bebe Zahara Benet Documentary.

BeBe Zahara Benet has been a show-stopping trailblazer ever since winning the very first season of RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE. Emily Branham’s feature directorial debut gives audiences an inside look into the motivations, challenges, and triumphs that pushed this icon from Cameroon to soaring new heights.

The Business of Adaptations for Film and TV – Fall 2021

Savvy industry professionals love to leverage their time and efforts by capitalizing on a story that can be adapted into many forms.

Learn from this experienced panel of agents, attorneys, managers, producers, and writers about ways to locate common sources for your story or script and the power and pitfalls of working with adaptations for your project.

NYWIFT Talks with “Impeachment: American Crime Story” Showrunner Sarah Burgess

On the Fall Season Premiere of NYWIFT Talks, we are joined by Sarah Burgess, the creator and head writer on Impeachment: American Crime Story. The series examines this American scandal from the perspectives of those who were overlooked and silenced, diving into sexism, power imbalances, and stifled resentments. Join us to discuss her new series, the industry during a pandemic, and what else is in the works. 

This discussion will be led by NYWIFT Board Member, Gretchen McGowan.

NYWIFT Industry Screening + Q&A: ‘LFG’

Join us for a screening of LFG, followed by a conversation with director/producers Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine.

LFG is a no-holds-barred, inside account of the U.S. women’s soccer team’s ongoing fight for equal pay as told by Megan Rapinoe, Jessica McDonald, Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelley O’Hara, Sam Mewis and others. In 2019, the players filed a class-action, gender discrimination lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation, three months before the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which sets the stage for LFG.

NYWIFT 2021 Finance Institute Day 3: Come Meet the Greenlighters!

Join us for this three-part virtual finance series to refine your business strategies.  Gain fresh insights from some of today’s leading experts in the industry and position your projects for optimum success. Hear from industry professionals who have successfully funded documentary and narrative projects. During this three-part finance institute, panelists will provide insider perspectives and...

NYWIFT 2021 Finance Institute Day 2: Creating Your Business Plan

Whether you are ready to start or still deciding what route to take, join us for a conversation on how to kickstart your project. Learn how to set your LLC, protect your script/film, form your production company, and how to successfully sell your project. We speak with leaders in the industry that can guide you on a path to success.

NYWIFT 2021 Finance Institute Day 1: The Anatomy of a Fundraising Campaign

Learn how to pitch with us! This panel will provide insight into how to successfully fund your project using real-world case studies. From creating a sample role to being your own advocate we’ll get in depth with how to make their next project a reality. This discussion will include Sini Anderson, Amber Sealey, Ekwa Msangi and Diane Paragas. This will be moderated by NYWIFT Board Member, Yvonne Russo.