NYWIFT at Tribeca 2025: In Conversation with Ruth Ann Harnisch
To say Ruth Ann Harnisch is a force in the independent film industry is an understatement. She has contributed to the production of almost 400 documentaries and several acclaimed narrative features. Her strategic investments in films, filmmakers, and organizations supporting them have helped open almost every aspect of the business to underrepresented voices. This is evident with each of the seven films featured at this year’s festival that she has supported: She Runs The World, Runa Simi, State of Firsts, We Are Pat, Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, Move Ya Body, and Natchez. I spoke with Ruth Ann for The NYWIFT Podcast (listen here) about the importance of Tribeca, which she calls “arguably one of the most important festivals for any film,” how she picks her projects and what she has learned from them. Her wisdom could not be contained! So here is more from our conversation.
READ MORECracking the Code on Film Fundraising: Insights from NYWIFT’s Winter Film Festival Panel
On a brisk February afternoon, I found the perfect escape from the cold—diving into an eye-opening discussion at the 2025 Winter Film Festival. One of the standout moments? Navigating Film Fundraising with NYWIFT, a must-attend panel for any filmmaker tackling the most daunting part of filmmaking: raising money. Leading the conversation were Easmanie Michel, NYWIFT’s Director of Artists Programs and Finance, and NYWIFT Member Joanna Rudolph, executive producer of Burning Annie and The Co-op: The Kids of Dorie Miller. Their wealth of knowledge made for a powerful session, packed with real-world success stories and actionable strategies. Marchelle Thurman summarized some key takeaways to help you fund your next film.
READ MOREBest Practice Advice for Targeting Corporate Sponsorship to Help Fund Your Film
Learning the ins and outs of corporate sponsorship for your film projects can seem daunting, but Kim Skildum-Reid lays out all best practice principles to help you create a compelling pitch.
READ MORECynthia’s Picks: NYWIFT Update, Emergency Resources, Community Health Guidelines
NYWIFT Update: In case you missed it – here is how NYWIFT is operating during our current health crisis. Emergency Resources: We are compiling a list for our website of emergency resources, but in the meantime, here are some key NYC area initiatives to check out: Coronavirus Financial Impact Loan SAG-AFTRA Disaster Fund The Actors...
READ MORECynthia’s Picks: NY Women, Gender Parity, Captain Marvel
NY Women: Congratulations to the NYWIFT members selected to receive some of the first round of grants in the Mayor’s Office of Entertainment and Media’s “Made in NY” Women’s Film, TV & Theatre Fund. Gender Parity: Kudos to the Tribeca Film Festival, whose 2019 lineup for competition films achieved gender parity for the first time....
READ MORETerry’s Picks: Rule Breakers, DOC NYC, Carole Chazin
Rule Breakers: Listen to NYWIFT member Jennifer Fox and Board President Simone Pero, writer/director and producer respectively of The Tale on the “Rule Breakers” podcast. Jennifer and Simone talk about the film, the layered consequences of sexual abuse, what we can do to protect others and the journey to healing. DOC NYC: I am thrilled...
READ MORETerry’s Picks: New Law, #SummerHours, Abigail Disney
New Law: Kudos to the New York State legislature, which passed a new law on Wednesday allocating up to $5 million in new tax incentives to encourage the hiring of women and people of color as TV writers and directors. #SummerHours: Yesterday we launched NYWIFT’s new #SummerHours blog series focusing on content created by and/or...
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