NYWIFT Blog

Cynthia’s Picks: Agnes Varda, Ravenal Grant, Amy Poehler

Agnes Varda: I was so saddened to hear about the passing of legendary filmmaker, documentarian and cinephile Agnes Varda. Indiewire offers up a list of where to watch eight of her best films.

Ravenal Grant: Congratulations to directors Lydia Dean Pilcher and Suzanne Guacci, both recipients of this year’s NYWIFT Ravenal Feature Film Foundation Grant. We are grateful to Cornelia Ravenal, who expanded the grant this year to two prizes, giving even more opportunities to elevate women directors over 40.

Amy Poehler: Actor, writer and comedian Amy Poehler makes her directorial debut with Netflix’s Wine Country, and explains why we need more films about women in their 40’s and 50’s (I agree!).

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Cynthia Lopez

Cynthia Lopez Cynthia Lopez is the Executive Director of New York Women in Film & Television and an award-winning media strategist.

View all posts by Cynthia Lopez

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