By Mellini Kantayya
NYWIFT’s Women’s Film Preservation Fund (WFPF) received The Archivists Round Table of Metropolitan New York’s 2019 Outstanding Support of Archives award on October 21st. The ceremony was held at the Brooklyn Historical Society as part of 2019 New York Archives Week. WFPF steering committee member and former NYWIFT Executive Director Terry Lawler introduced the award, which was accepted by NYWIFT Board President Jamie Zelermyer.
From left: WFPF grantee Maxi Cohen, NYWIFT Board President Jamie Zelermyer, WFPF Steering Committee Member and former NYWIFT Executive Director Terry Lawler, and WFPF Steering Committee Member Susan Lazarus at the 2019 Archivists Round Table of Metropolitan New York Awards. (photo by: Mellini Kantayya)
The Archivists Round Table’s Outstanding Support of Archives Award recognizes an individual or organization for notable contributions to archival records or archives programs through political, financial or moral support. NYWIFT’s Women’s Film Preservation Fund, founded in conjunction with the Museum of Modern Art, has been working closely with archives, filmmakers, and preservation specialists since 1995 to preserve nearly 150 American-made films by and about women. These important films—many made by independent pioneers and under-represented voices—span silent era to contemporary works of all genres that would have been lost from cinema history without preservation.
“When the Women’s Film Preservation Fund was founded, few if any women’s films were part of the canon taught in film schools,” Zelermyer said upon accepting the award. “Since then we have preserved nearly 150 American films in which women have played key roles. These include works by early feminists, social activists, and artists that represent unique and irreplaceable contributions to American cinematic history.”
Learn more about the Women’s Film Preservation Fund: https://www.nywift.org/womens-film-preservation-fund/
And the WFPF is looking for both donor and volunteer support! If you would like to get in touch email wfpf@nywift.org.
Mellini_Kantayya
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Catherine Craig
Welcome to NYWIFT, Catherine Craig! Catherine Craig was George Lucas's Industrial Light and Magic's first animation FX camerawoman, later becoming a digital artist at ILM. A highly regarded film archivist, Craig designed the Coppola film archive and implemented Zoetrope's domestic and international film distribution. As an early female entrepreneur, Craig founded her own award-winning, union and guild-affiliated film company, specializing in high-end industrial and commercial productions. Her vast experience spans all aspects of filmmaking: she's worked as a director, producer, camera operator, concept artist, storyboard artist, special FX artist, sound recordist, and more. Her screenplay OddFX was accepted into the NYWIFT-affiliated The Writers Lab. The film follows a mother living in a women's shelter, battling a physically abusive husband and a broken support system, who enlists the help of a special FX film crew. Catherine discusses her groundbreaking work with ILM, her drive to tell her own stories, and her film currently in development, OddFX!
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Patricia Hess
Welcome to NYWIFT, Patricia Hess! Patricia Hess is an accomplished DGA UPM and line producer with extensive experience in feature films, TV, and streaming content. She is New York-based professional with both domestic and international credits, including Angels in America, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Philomena, and Raising Arizona, among many others. A graduate of the University of Arizona, Patty divides her time between her family farm in Virginia and New York. During our interview, Patricia shared the remarkable story of her journey in the industry. We often admire the success of individuals who achieve their vision, yet rarely do we see the humble beginnings, the sacrifices made, the moments of doubt and fear, or the times they considered giving up. Patricia’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience, perseverance, and mindset of gratitude and acceptance that often underpin true success.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Christine Stoddard
Welcome to NYWIFT, Christine Stoddard! Christine Stoddard is a filmmaker, TV personality, and video artist named one of Brooklyn Magazine’s Top 50 Most Fascinating People. Her latest film is 5 Ways I Didn’t Marry You, directed by Tom Dunn. A 2025 graduate of Columbia Journalism School and the Columbia Painting Intensive, she creates imaginative films, deeply reported TV programs, and playful videos. Currently, she hosts the TV show Don't Mind If I Don't with Aaron Gold. She also runs the YouTube channel Stoddard Says and terrorizes the Internet with her alter ego Art Bitch. Her feature film, Sirena's Gallery, is streaming on Amazon and Tubi and was featured in The Brooklyn Rail. As founder of Quail Bell Press & Productions, her film and theater projects have been recognized by the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, the Puffin Foundation, the Brooklyn Arts Council, and other organizations. Get to know Christine, her roots in the film industry, and her experiences as a TV host!
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Laci Joseph
Welcome to NYWIFT, Laci Joseph! Laci Joseph is a graduating senior at Temple University, earning her B.A. in Film and Media Arts in Spring 2025. She is passionate about production design and visual storytelling, with a focus on African American culture, history, and uplifting marginalized communities. Her creative interests include themes of love, romance, identity, and global exploration. Laci aspires to design for music videos, short films, and documentaries, while also bringing her own passion projects to life. Through her work, she aims to build immersive visual worlds that inspire connection, celebrate culture, and reflect powerful, underrepresented stories. Laci discusses what brought her to film, projects she is currently working on, and the themes she conveys through her work!
READ MORE
Comments are closed