NYWIFT Blog

By Tammy Reese

With this article, our coverage of the 2025 Tribeca Festival comes to a close — and what an unforgettable experience it has been.

NYWIFT members LaKisa Renee and Tammy Reese had the incredible opportunity to represent the organization on the ground, capturing exclusive red carpet moments, world premieres, and powerful conversations highlighting the festival’s spirit of storytelling, advocacy, and artistic excellence.

One of the most moving moments came when EGOT icon and past NYWIFT Muse Honoree Whoopi Goldberg gave a heartfelt shoutout to New York Women in Film & Television. Her support meant the world to our team. 

Watch Whoopi’s video message to NYWIFT here:

Check out the photo of Whoopi alongside LaKisa and Tammy, beaming with pride.

The festivities began with an invite-only kickoff press conference on Thursday, June 5, held at the Tribeca Loft. Festival co-founders Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro delivered remarks. A reception followed, filled with celebratory energy and a room full of cinematic icons, including Griffin Dunne, Chazz Palminteri, and Whoopi Goldberg.

On Saturday, June 7, LaKisa and Tammy were honored to attend and cover the Creative Coalition Spotlight Initiative Awards Dinner — one of the most prestigious gatherings in the independent film community. This annual event recognizes industry leaders who use their platforms for social good.

A major highlight of the evening was the recognition of The Best You Can (Executive Produced by NYWIFT Board Member Gretchen McGowan) with the Spotlight Initiative Award. The film’s star and honoree, Emmy Award winner and 2023 NYWIFT Muse Honoree Kyra Sedgwick was joined by her husband and co-star Kevin Bacon, both of whom received a warm and enthusiastic reception. Additional notable attendees included:

• Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition
• Tony Award winners Gary Cohen, Marlene Cohen, and Wendy Federman
• Carol Kane, Jason Kravits, Brittany O’Grady, Chazz Palminteri, and more

NYWIFT captured the red carpet excitement and spoke with several of the evening’s honorees and attendees. 

You can view the video coverage here:

The Creative Coalition, founded in 1989, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the arts as a vital piece of American culture and policy. Their continued work — including the #RightToBearArts campaign — remains essential in ensuring creative voices are supported across the nation. Learn more at www.TheCreativeCoalition.org.

To round out the day, NYWIFT covered the world premiere of the Westhampton spotlight narrative, starring Emmy-nominated actor Finn Wittrock (American Horror Story), who also serves as executive producer.

In Westhampton, Wittrock plays Tom Bell, a filmmaker returning to his Long Island hometown. Struggling with a stalled career and past trauma, Tom’s journey forces him to confront unresolved pain and fractured relationships. Shot on striking black and white 16mm film, Westhampton offers a visually poetic reflection on guilt, memory, and healing.

Watch Tammy’s exclusive interview with Finn Wittrock here:

Watch Tammy’s exclusive interview with cast member Roxanne Schiebergen here:

Stay connected with NYWIFT for more powerful storytelling and event coverage throughout the year. Be sure to subscribe to Tales From the Media on YouTube, and follow the NYWIFT blog to revisit all of our Tribeca Festival 2025 highlights.

And that’s a wrap!