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.
nywift
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Kacie Newport
We are so excited to spotlight new NYWIFT Member Kacie Newport, the powerhouse behind BAM Management and BAMbooks. With two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Kacie brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for supporting artists to the NYWIFT community. From her early days as an assistant director and producer to now leading a thriving talent management company, Kacie's journey is a testament to her dedication and drive. She's even pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing to further BAM Management's creative endeavors. In our interview, Kacie opens up about her motivations for joining NYWIFT, how she maintains positivity in a challenging industry, the importance of mentorship, and her vision for the future of acting. Get ready for some inspiring insights and a dose of much-needed encouragement from this new member!
READ MORENYWIFT at Tribeca 2025: In Conversation with Ruth Ann Harnisch
To say Ruth Ann Harnisch is a force in the independent film industry is an understatement. She has contributed to the production of almost 400 documentaries and several acclaimed narrative features. Her strategic investments in films, filmmakers, and organizations supporting them have helped open almost every aspect of the business to underrepresented voices. This is evident with each of the seven films featured at this year’s festival that she has supported: She Runs The World, Runa Simi, State of Firsts, We Are Pat, Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, Move Ya Body, and Natchez. I spoke with Ruth Ann for The NYWIFT Podcast (listen here) about the importance of Tribeca, which she calls “arguably one of the most important festivals for any film,” how she picks her projects and what she has learned from them. Her wisdom could not be contained! So here is more from our conversation.
READ MORENYWIFT at Tribeca 2025: In Conversation with Carolyn Hepburn
Award-winning producer and NYWIFT member Carolyn Hepburn is making waves once again with the highly anticipated world premiere of Empire Skate at the 2025 Tribeca Festival. As part of the festival’s prestigious Spotlight Documentary section, the film captures the vibrant heart of New York City’s downtown skate culture — a world Hepburn remembers vividly and honors with deep authenticity. With a producing career that spans Emmy, Peabody, and Gotham award-winning projects, Hepburn continues to shape the documentary landscape with bold storytelling and emotional depth. In this exclusive NYWIFT interview, she reflects on her journey from Long Island to the global film stage, the power of community in filmmaking, and why Empire Skate feels like a personal love letter to the city that raised her.
READ MORENYWIFT at Tribeca 2025: In Conversation with Chantel Simpson
Congratulations are in order for multi-hyphenate filmmaker Chantel Simpson, whose compelling short film A Drastic Tale will make its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival. As a proud member of New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), Simpson brings a unique perspective to the screen, having served as the director, producer, screenwriter, and editor of the film. Centered around the Drastic Auto Club — one of the oldest lowrider groups in New York City — A Drastic Tale offers a raw and moving exploration of brotherhood, identity, and the soul of car culture in the urban Northeast. In this exclusive interview, Simpson shares her journey, creative process, and hopes for how her story will resonate with audiences everywhere.
READ MORE
