Diversity Reports: In a push to encourage diversity across New York State’s film and television industry, applications for the New York State Film Tax Credit Program now include two new forms that will provide critical information to support that effort.
Swim Team: Catch NYWIFT member Lara Stolman’s documentary Swim Team it at its Oscar-qualifying run at IFC Center this week! After opening on Friday it was reviewed in The New York Times and featured on ABC World News Tonight. The film was the recipient of the NYWIFT Loreen Arbus Disability Awareness Grant.
Stony Brook: Women directed nearly half of the films at this year’s Stony Brook Film Festival. Check out the festival July 20-29.
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