NYWIFT Blog

By Linden Standish

Welcome to NYWIFT, Nancy Pasquariello! 

Nancy is a multifaceted creative with a passion for storytelling. Her background as a professional chef, writer, and filmmaker is a display of her insatiable desire to explore and create.

Inspired by the potential that film has to change perspectives and impact lives, Nancy strives to channel her creative energy into the kinds of projects that carry this influence.

Nancy’s artistic mediums are often put in conversation with one another during her creative process. Her unique perspective shines through in every project she pursues as a result of her distinct artistic background.

In our interview, Nancy discusses her passions and the origins of her creative inspiration.

NYWIFT Member Nancy Pasquariello

Could you give our readers a brief introduction to yourself?

I have worked as a professional cook for the past 25 years; I’m a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America. I’ve done everything from motion picture catering to high end restaurants, but my first love is writing and filmmaking. I started out pursuing film via the New York Film Academy, and studying with Eugene Frankel, before segueing into cooking. The idea of changing careers at 50 is terrifying, but I feel like it’s now or never. 

What brought you to NYWIFT?

I’m a big believer in community and its importance in this business, and I really love the community feeling at NYWIFT.

Being a director, a writer, and a chef, do you have a common creative process across mediums? What does your creative process look like? 

I think I’m still working out what that is, but the two definitely complement each other. Whenever I’m writing, I always have something cooking on the stove. Working through the cooking process helps me figure out the details to a story. 

As a multifaceted creative, what do you think makes the medium of film special? 

It’s a visual and audible medium, but similar to food, it taps into our emotions as well. Everyone has an image from a film that is stuck in their head, has informed their life, the way they think, dress, act. Or a favorite movie quote. I think movies help people make sense of the world around them. 

What kinds of stories are you compelled to write, and why?

Lately, it’s been horror with a feminist bent. It’s definitely a response to what is happening in the world right now. 

Has there been a piece of media that has been of particular influence to your work?

I’m an 80’s child, so Spielberg and The Muppets are basically my religion. I’m obsessed with Artemisia Gentileschi. Going to the movies energizes me like nothing else. 

Are there any projects you are currently working on or would like to explore in the future?

I have so many stories in my head, and it would be a dream come true to make them come to life. 

Connect with Nancy on Instagram at @nancythedestroyer, and Substack at nenziskitchen@substack.com and https://nenziskitchen.substack.com/about.

(All photos courtesy of Nancy Pasquariello)