Swim Team: Tune in or set your DVR for Swim Team’s PBS premiere on POV at 10 PM next Monday, October 2nd! The documentary was a recipient of NYWIFT Loreen Arbus Disability Awareness Grant. Congratulations to director Lara Stolman! #SwimTeamPBS
Shonda Rhimes: The must-see TV mastermind launched a new website, Shondaland. As she notes in her welcome, it’s not a “lifestyle site”…but a site that “gives you life.”
Nancy Malone: NYWIFT is pleased to announce a generous bequest from our longtime supporter (and my dear friend) the late Nancy Malone, a television directing pioneer. Nancy’s generous gift will fund three NYWIFT programs to provide opportunities and acknowledgement for women in the business, a wonderful addition to our 40th anniversary year.
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