NYWIFT Blog

By Lily Della Pietra

Welcome to NYWIFT, Jayson Simba!

Jayson Simba is a Cuban-American actor, director, writer, and producer who hails from Forest Hills, Queens. After attending LaGuardia H.S. of Performing Arts, Jayson enrolled at the Acting Studio NYC, where he studied the Meisner Technique under renowned acting teacher James Price. 

As an actor, Jayson has starred in over 40 films and television roles. In 2002, Jayson founded One Man Show Productions to help produce the work of independent filmmakers and writers. In 2007, he was hired to write and direct his first feature film, What Matters Most. 

As an independent filmmaker with 15 films under his belt, Jayson founded Festival of Cinema NYC with the aim of giving emerging filmmakers a platform to showcase their work to further their careers. 

Jason discusses his experiences as a filmmaker and the foundations of the Festival of Cinema NYC.

NYWIFT Member Jayson Simba

What brings you to NYWIFT?

I’ve been aware of NYWIFT, the work they do, the resources they offer, and how well they support the film and TV community. I have followed them on social media and as a subscriber for a long time. However, it wasn’t until the NYWIFT Holiday party in December 2024, where I spoke with Cynthia [Lopez, NYWIFT CEO], who told me that membership was open to everyone and not just women who work in film and television.

With over 15 directing and producing credits, what’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from working behind the camera?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from working behind the camera is to trust those you are working with. Oftentimes, actors and crew members (Cinematographer, AD, etc.) have ideas that elevate your vision, so sometimes it’s ok to relinquish a bit of control.

Jayson Simba with crew

As the founder of Festival of Cinema NYC, what inspired you to create a platform specifically for independent filmmakers?

I myself am an independent filmmaker and actor. From 2013 – 2015, I attended many film festivals around the country and around the world, with films that I was involved with. After the festival run for those films, I felt a void in my own neighborhood and realized that there was nothing like it in Queens (specifically South and Central Queens). 

In the summer of 2016, after speaking with several filmmakers about the lack of opportunities to showcase their work, I decided to create a platform that would give emerging independent filmmakers an opportunity to share their films with the public.

Jayson Simba at Festival of Cinema NYC

What do you think sets Festival of Cinema NYC apart from other independent film festivals?

Festival of Cinema NYC sets itself apart from other festivals by actively partnering with and showcasing other organizations with similar missions. Since our inception, Festival of Cinema NYC has partnered with other film and art organizations, even other film festivals, in hopes of expanding our audience and, more importantly, offering resources beyond our scope to attendees and filmmakers.

What advice would you give to emerging filmmakers looking to break into the festival circuit?

I’d say, “Do not let budget restraints deter you from telling your story.” What I’ve noticed from many filmmakers we have showcased is that their films often look like they’ve spent hundreds of thousands, but in reality, it’s a fraction of the price.

These filmmakers learned to use the resources that were available to them, whether it was friends, locations, equipment, or favors, which allowed them to think outside the box and deliver a high-quality film. 

Jayson Simba at Festival of Cinema NYC

If you could bring any independent film from history to your festival, which would it be and why?

Stranger Than Paradise by Jim Jarmusch. I believe the film embodies the true meaning of “iIndependent film.” As simple as the production was (no special FX,. no major stunts, all on location shoots), the film took nearly four years to complete. This, to me, serves as a testament to the resilience of an independent filmmaker and a prime example of why a filmmaker should never quit.

Connect with Jayson Simba on Instagram at @jayson_simba and @festofcinemanyc, and learn more about his festival at www.festivalofcinemanyc.com.