Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Stephanie Mishelle Ard
Welcome to NYWIFT, Stephanie Mishelle Ard! Stephanie Mishelle Ard is a Texas-born, Brooklyn-based, multi-hyphenate storyteller, who works both in-front-of and behind the camera. Her work as a Director, Producer, Writer, and Actress spans narrative film, unscripted series, documentary, music videos, and branded content. Her debut short film, That Day, premiered at Berlinale 2016 and her most recent work, Shelly Belly, had its New York premiere at the Greenwich Village Film Festival this past November. In Stephanie's branded work, she has had had the opportunity to work with major brands and entertainment clients like HBO Max, DC Comics, State Farm, Travel Channel, and Warner Bros. Stephanie’s highest career aim is to tell impactful stories that unify us around the human spirit and spread empathy, while continuing to create opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to work in this industry and tell their stories through film and television. In addition to creating film magic, Stephanie loves to spend her time cooking, doing home-improvement DIY activities or crafts, and snuggling her cat Swayze (that is, when Swayze allows the snuggles 😼). Get to know her in our latest interview!
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Emily Bennett
Welcome our new NYWIFT member, Emily Bennett! Writer/Director Emily Bennett is an Academy-recognized screenwriter and award-winning director, notably winning a Fangoria Chainsaw Award for her debut horror/thriller Alone With You. Her films have screened at festivals such as Sitges, Fantasia, Fantastic Fest, Brooklyn Horror and BIFAN. Bennett's debut feature Alone With You was produced with Andrew Corkin’s and Theo James’ Untapped Productions (Martha Marcy May Marlene) and premiered at Fantastic Fest in 2021. As an actress, audiences can see Bennett in Chris Stuckmann’s NEON acquired debut feature film Shelby Oaks, produced by horror legend Mike Flanagan. Bennett is repped by Antonio D’Intino at Spectrevision and former CAA agent/entertainment lawyer Marc Von Arx of Nelson Davis LLP. Emily sat down with us to discuss her directing philosophy and her love of genre.
READ MORENYWIFT Member Spotlight: Haroula Rose
NYWIFT Member Haroula Rose is a filmmaker and musician from Chicago, now residing in Los Angeles. She just recently completed All Happy Families, her sophomore feature film as writer, director and producer. It had its international premiere in Galway and was released theatrically in late 2024 with Freestyle and AMC. Her debut feature as writer/director, Once Upon a River, based on the best-selling novel, was “One of the Most Anticipated Films” in TIME Magazine and FILMMAKER, winning 19 awards at over 40 festivals worldwide.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Eli Zavala
Welcome to NYWIFT, Eli Zavala! Eli is focused on bringing better representation, and fighting misrepresentations, of minorities on the screen. She founded La Filmadora (NY) and Numina (Mx), is part of the shorts team at Tribeca & AFI Fest, is the Festivals Commissioner & Producers Liaison of The Independent Film Industry Convergence of Mexico and Latin America, and is the Executive Programming Director at Latitudes Cinema, a NY microcinema.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member Gabrielle Schonder
A warm welcome to new NYWIFT member Gabrielle Schonder! Gabrielle is a multi- Emmy Award-winning documentary director who has covered politics, national security, and foreign policy for over a decade at 60 Minutes and FRONTLINE about insider trading by members of Congress led to the passage of The STOCK Act. She had her directorial debut in 2020 with NRA: Under Fire and was a member of the FRONTLINE team that covered the insurrection on January 6th in America After 9/11. Gabrielle is a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America, East, and a 2022 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University. We asked Gabrielle to tell us more about what it’s like to work as a journalist, producer, and director for some of the most respected news programs in the country.
READ MOREMeet The New NYWIFT Member: Yixin Cen
Let's welcome new NYWIFT Member Yixin Cen, an NYC-based Associate Producer and Producer specializing in narrative, documentary, and international co-productions. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, she has excelled in projects like leading the award-winning film A Father’s Son, which premiered at the Asian American International Film Festival. Her journey from China to New York City has shaped a career dedicated to authentic storytelling and cultural representation. Yixin is a passionate advocate for diversity in film, actively involved with NYWIFT to connect with and support fellow women filmmakers. Currently, she is producing documentaries exploring the legacies of Ping Chong and Basement Workshop, underscoring her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Jade Copeland
Welcome to NYWIFT, Jade Copeland! Ready to conquer the world of film and television, the fabulous Jade Copeland is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Producing while interning at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon! These experiences have led to her two recent passion projects, the thesis films, Lemon Bars and Saltwater. Learn more about Jade’s journey, as we converse about the parallels between her enthusiasm for creating fascinating visual content that questions social mores and the discipline she developed while immersed in the competitive world of hip-hop dance as a teenager.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Ashley Pickett
Welcome to NYWIFT, Ashley Pickett! Known for her dynamic roles on screen, Ashley is an actress expanding her creative horizons into screenwriting. Her latest project is a short form series delving into the complexities of women navigating the dating pool. Ashley describes herself as a warrior with a tender heart, embodying a blend of resilience and adaptability. Her storytelling is inspired by personal experiences and a deep understanding of human emotions, aiming to capture authentic narratives that resonate with audiences. Continue reading to dive into how acting influences her writing, as well as more on her short form series, The Serial Dater.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Claire Read
Claire Read is a New York-based documentary filmmaker and producer known for her work on HBO series like Telemarketers and The Vow, as well as independent documentaries covering diverse subjects. Her journey into documentary filmmaking began with a high school project on a controversial NYC community center, now culminating in Penn F—ing Station, a documentary exploring the city's debate over its redevelopment. She crafts stories that blend emotional depth with intellectual engagement, focusing on authentic narratives and human connections. Continue reading to discover Claire's experience in filmmaking and learn more about her upcoming projects.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Tara Morrison
Welcome to NYWIFT Tara Morrison! Tara "Penk" Morrison is a visionary from Brooklyn now based in Jamaica, Queens, NY. She's a determined self-starter with a unique creative style, inspiring others with her confidence and passion for storytelling. Tara found her niche in film and TV behind the scenes, launching Sweet Penk Films in 2020 to produce her own projects and support fellow creatives. From writing screenplays on her stoop to directing her debut project, Faith Tribulation, Tara's journey reflects her resourcefulness and community spirit. With multiple screenplays and a docuseries treatment in the works, she advocates for finishing what you start and believing in yourself.
READ MORENYWIFT @ Tribeca: In Conversation with Dawn Porter
Dawn Porter, a distinguished member of NYWIFT, continues to make waves in the film industry with her dynamic storytelling and impactful documentaries. Known for her acclaimed works such as Gideon’s Army, Trapped, The Way I See It, and John Lewis: Good Trouble, Porter has captivated audiences across HBO, Netflix, CNN, PBS, and more. Her latest documentary, The Lady Bird Diaries, won the Lone Star Prize at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival and is now streaming on Hulu. This year, Dawn takes the 2024 Tribeca Festival by storm as an Executive Producer of Rebel Nun, the director of Luther: Never Too Much, and the director of Power of the Dream. Tammy Reese checks in with her as the festival gets under way.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Ise White
Places everyone. Roll camera. Action…Time to welcome our new NYWIFT member, Ise White! Ise is a New York based director and writer who has directed commercials and narrative work spanning action and drama for film and TV. She grew up traveling the world and is trained in the indigenous martial arts of Silat, Wing Chun and Kali. Ise worked for FLOTUS Michelle Obama, became one of the top luxury fashion editors in the world, and has choreographed fight scenes. Read our full interview with Ise below to learn more about her career pivots, guiding principles, and inspiring volunteer work.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Perla de Leon
Let’s give a warm welcome to renowned photographer and NYC native, Perla de Leon! Having received an MFA in Photography from Brooklyn College and attended Columbia University’s Graduate Film Director’s Program, Perla’s work has been displayed at museum exhibitions worldwide, from Mexico City to Puerto Rico and Cuba to Barcelona. Some of her most acclaimed projects include the photo series South Bronx Spirit (1970s – 1980s), The Afro-Descendant Project – Puerto Rico (2017), and Decade of Fire (2018). Over the years, Perla has shared her passion for photography and video production while teaching her craft to high school and college students. Learn more about Perla’s illustrious career as we discuss the genesis of South Bronx Spirit (featured as part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian America Art Museum in Washington D.C.) and the social injustices that attracted her to document the urban landscape of the Bronx during the late seventies. Plus, read about Perla’s remarkable connection to a legendary photographer whose art was celebrated alongside Perla’s photographs at NYC's iconic Gracie Mansion!
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Lynn Dow
Welcome to NYWIFT, Lynn Dow! From cherished advice on the joy of filmmaking to the heartwarming tale of transitioning from Wall Street to the silver screen, Lynn offers a glimpse into her journey which has been fueled by passion and family support. Her Harlem cultural tapestry weaves its way into her captivating narratives, while insights from her time at Columbia University offer a unique approach to storytelling. Explore Lynn's intersection of finance and filmmaking through the lens of resilience and strategic thinking, as she shares her favorite projects and inspirations. Delve into her creative process, where personal experiences meet universal themes, and catch a glimpse of her debut feature, Bull Street, a story of loss, reflection, and the pursuit of generational wealth.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Janet Hyojo Oh
Welcome to NYWIFT Janet Hyojo Oh! Janet Hyojo Oh is an independent producer and screenwriter with a passion for rom-coms and storytelling. Janet shares insights into her creative process, the impact of events she organizes for women in the arts, and overcoming challenges in her career. Janet emphasizes collaboration, kindness, and the importance of balance in the business of producing. She also reflects on winning her first screenplay award and offers advice to aspiring producers and screenwriters: embrace kindness, collaboration, and curiosity.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Taffy Lashley
Let’s give a warm welcome to our new NYWIFT member, Taffy Lashley! Taffy is of Afro-Caribbean roots and her love for telling underrepresented stories led her down the path of becoming an editor. She’s worked on interviews highlighting independent creators & their mental health, a documentary with the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, as well as with A+E networks and Reel Works. She’s grateful to network with inspiring women in the media industry. Her involvement with NYWIFT began as an intern and she’s excited to now continue her journey with NYWIFT as an official member!
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Brianne Neira
Let’s say hello to the fabulous Brianne Neira! She is a director and video editor with a commitment to representing and giving a voice to women and the queer community through her work. Since graduating with a BFA from Emerson College’s esteemed Media Arts Production program in Boston, Brianne’s most celebrated projects include the feminist short film Rotten Meat and her award-winning directorial debut A Place for Ashes. Get to know Brianne better as we chat about her fascination with horror and the genre’s ability to facilitate a platform that can engage an audience and simultaneously raise awareness on social issues, the warm reception A Place for Ashes received at film festivals, and the importance of loving your work while setting healthy boundaries.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Mariluz Guerra
Let’s give a warm NYWIFT welcome to Mariluz Guerra! Originally from Colombia, she is a proud indigenous Kankuaman filmmaker with experience directing, scriptwriting, producing, and editing. Her commitment to helping others heal through art is channeled in her films Body Stories: Suraj & Julieta and Body Stories: Together. Learn more about Mariluz as we discuss how her cultural roots are an ongoing influence on her projects, the innovative filmic style of Body Stories: Together, and the significant role that smartphones contributed towards helping her create an original and cost-efficient film!
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