Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Christina Brennan
Welcome to NYWIFT, Christina Brennan! Christina is a New York–based filmmaker whose work explores the emotional complexity of young womanhood through bold, conversation-driven storytelling. She is particularly drawn to dystopian, psychological thriller, and comedy genres, often blending tension and humor. As a recent graduate, she made her directorial debut with the short film Dear Nora, which won first place at AGBO’s No Sleep ’Til Film Festival—marking an exciting start to her creative career. In addition to her work behind the camera, Christina is the founder of Onore Films, a community dedicated to supporting and connecting young women in film through collaboration and shared resources. With experience across multiple areas of production, she approaches filmmaking as both a creative practice and a way to foster meaningful connection. In our interview, Christina discussed her journey into filmmaking, the inspiration behind Dear Nora, and her passion for building community among emerging women in film.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Rachel Fleit
Welcome to NYWIFT, Rachel Fleit! Rachel is a writer, director, and producer known for her intimate, character-driven storytelling across documentary and narrative film and television. With a background in fashion and business, Rachel brings both creative sensitivity and an entrepreneurial mindset to her work, balancing artistic vision with thoughtful leadership. Rachel directed the acclaimed documentary Introducing, Selma Blair and has helmed projects including Bama Rush and Sugar Babies, each reflecting her commitment to emotional honesty and layered storytelling. Her latest award-winning documentary, The Slightest Touch—which follows the extraordinary friendship between Emma Fogarty, who lives with epidermolysis bullosa, and actor Colin Farrell—has been acquired by HBO Documentary Films and is slated to premiere later this year on HBO Max. In our interview, she reflected on building trust with her subjects, navigating personal and cultural storytelling, and the creative directions she’s most excited to explore next.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Mari SanGiovanni
Welcome to NYWIFT, Mari SanGiovanni! Mari is an award-winning LGBTQ filmmaker, screenwriter, director, and owner of Love Is Love Productions, LLC. She is also a published author of four novels and multiple screenplays, two of which have been produced as short films: The Sibling Rule (picked up by a LGBTQ streaming service, Lesflicks) and Retreat, which will be in festivals in 2025. In our conversation, Mari discusses her roots in the film industry, her experiences as a writer, and how she advocates for the LGBTQ+ community through her work.
READ MOREWhat’s in Your Toolkit: Mahak Jiwani
Mahak Jiwani, producer of the short film "Darling," gave us a peak at her toolkit as she ran to her screening at the Hamptons International Film Festival last month.
READ MOREWhat’s in Your Toolkit: Sini Anderson
Our new column asks our members about their favorite tool, software, article of clothing, shoes on set, favorite scriptwriting software, etc. We caught up with Sini Anderson after her short film screening at the NYWIFT Women Calling the Shots Shorts Showcase at the Hamptons International Film Festival.
READ MOREWomen Taking Leadership in New Global Fund Backing Female Filmmakers and Their Diverse Stories
It's a whole new ball game at Sundance - women are taking charge! Eos World Fund has announced its newly formed Global initiative to finance visionary female filmmakers around the world in an effort to galvanize innovative stories told by women.
READ MOREWEEKLY ROUNDUP: THE FEMALE FORCE, YEAR-END LISTS & FUN ADVICE
Star Wars (finally) opened. The female cast members discuss being part of a new history. The end of 2015 marks the beginning of lists. Here’s a range of fun lists to enjoy. We expected more from these movies this year. These were some of the best movies directed by women in 2015. 2015 had great new tv...
READ MOREWEEKLY ROUNDUP: NOMINATIONS, GENDER ISSUES & GREAT COMPANIES
Photo via Wilson Webb / The Weinstein Company Tis the season to be nominated. SAG & Golden Globes nominees lead the way. Ladies, the force may soon be with us. Hollywood’s gender inequality may be due to…daddy issues? A post Mad Men Elizabeth Moss is keeping it light and taking Gayle King’s advice. Looking for...
READ MOREWEEKLY ROUNDUP: SARAH GETS SERIOUS & WOMEN DIRECTORS GET TWEETS
Photograph by Robyn Von Swank Bedwetting led Sarah Silverman to her confidence in performing and her darkest role yet, in I Smile Back. “Novels can be art; screenplays are mainly craft” Brokeback Mountain screenwriter Diana Ossana gives excellent writing insights. The League of Professional Theater Women (LPTW) released their very interesting 2015 statistics. #WomenCount! Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is...
READ MOREWEEKLY ROUNDUP: BOARDROOMS, PINTEREST & WRITING BANKABLE SCRIPTS
Photo via TED Conference/Flickr We really need more women HERE in Hollywood. Women In Animation wants “50-50 by 2025.″ I think they’ll succeed. Transparent & Mad Men screenwriter Bridget Bedard got lucky–after LOTS of hard work. Next time you’re on Pinterest, check out this board & this one. What’s another 3 hours? Hmmm…, this “sell your screenplay” claim may actually...
READ MOREWEEKLY ROUNDUP: WATCH #52FILMS & NIX FREE LABOR
Photo via WomenInFilm.org In a viewing slump? Pledge to watch #52FilmsByWomen. That should tide you over. Winona Ryder’s looks almost kept her from being cast in Heathers. The horror! A+E CEO Nancy Dubuc discusses the lack of new television creators. (VIDEO) CBS is bringing back our favorite female sleuths (that aren’t Jessica Fletcher). A short piece on why...
READ MOREWEEKLY ROUNDUP: THAT BIRTHDAY SONG, NEW EVENTS & HANGING WITH LUPITA.
Photo via Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times Jennifer Nelson just gave other filmmakers the best on screen birthday present since 1935. The MacArthur Genius Grant winners are diverse and deserving. Produced By: New York a conference “by Producers for Producers” is 10/24. (NYWIFT members received an email for a 40% discount) Job hunting? The #HashtagToHired seminar explores how...
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