NYWIFT Blog

Tribeca Festival 2026: “The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony” Shines a Light on Courage, Community, and Opportunity

At the 2026 Tribeca Festival, audiences were introduced to an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and hope through The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony, a powerful documentary that follows a group of young girls in Pakistan who dare to dream beyond the limitations placed upon them. Directed and written by Habiba Nosheen with Mariska Hargitay as an executive producer, the film takes viewers into Machar Colony, a marginalized fishing community in Karachi where many residents live without official documentation, limiting access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Against these challenges, a gymnastics team emerges as a beacon of possibility for a group of girls determined to create a different future for themselves. Tammy Reese and LaKisa Renee brings us exclusive red carpet interviews with Nosheen and Hargitay.

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NYWIFT at Tribeca Festival: “APART” Animated Short Explores Friendship, Courage, and the Human Cost of Division

At the 25th Anniversary of the Tribeca Festival, the Shorts Program curated by Whoopi Goldberg delivered a powerful lineup of animated storytelling that continues to expand the boundaries of the medium. One of the standout selections, APART, made its world premiere at Spring Studios, offering audiences a deeply emotional lens into apartheid-era South Africa through the eyes of two young boys whose friendship is tested by a divided world. Tammy Reese and LaKisa Renee bring us exclusive interviews with writer Spike Lee and director Pola Maneli.

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The Vampire Lestat: One Night Only  — A Seductive Collision of Cinema, Music, and Immortal Myth at the Beacon Theatre

NYWIFT members Tammy Reese and LaKisa Renee were invited by AMC Global Media and AMC+ to attend an unforgettable evening at the legendary Beacon Theatre in New York City for The Vampire Lestat: One Night Only — LIVE. The event marked a bold, immersive celebration of AMC’s newest installment in Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe, blending premiere screening and live concert performance into one cinematic experience. Tammy offers a full recap of the event!

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NYWIFT at the 2025 Tribeca Festival: Music Legends, Maternal Power, and Unapologetic Truths

The 2025 Tribeca Festival may be in the rearview, but the stories told, the icons celebrated, and the bold truths shared are still echoing through the industry and NYWIFT was proud to be part of the magic. This year, NYWIFT’s own LaKisa Renee and Tammy Reese hit the red carpet to cover several of the festival’s standout spotlight documentary premieres, each of which celebrated trailblazers who transformed their personal journeys into global movements. From ’80s pop icons to maternal rights warriors and queer faith leaders, our coverage captured the heart, soul, and grit of storytelling at its finest.

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The Vital Importance of Mental Health Awareness for Women in Media and Entertainment: Insights from World Mental Health Day Festival 

In the fast-paced world of media and entertainment, women often find themselves balancing demanding careers while also managing their mental health. Prioritizing self-care is not only important but necessary. NYWIFT Members LaKisa Renee and Tammy Reese had the privilege of attending Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival on October 10th in New York City, the largest global celebration of mental health awareness. The event brought together influential leaders from the arts, including Award-winning Musician, Actor and Advocate Demi Lovato; TODAY Co-Host Carson Daly; Founder and CEO of OBB Media, Michael D. Ratner; and Peoplehood Co-Founder; Actress Sanaa Lathan, to share insights on the importance of mental health, the power of storytelling, and the impact of self-advocacy.

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Inside Look: NYWIFT’s Tammy Reese & LaKisa Renee Exclusive “Anne Rice’s Interview With The Vampire” Cast Interviews

The AMC Immortal Universe continues! The much-awaited season 2 of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire is set to premiere on May 12th on AMC Networks. The anticipation reaches a fever pitch among fans. To offer a glimpse into the world of this thrilling hit series, NYWIFT Members Tammy Reese & LaKisa Renee recently graced the red carpet premiere at The McKittrick Hotel in New York City, securing exclusive interviews with the cast and producers.

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NYWIFT Muse Award Honoree Patina Miller Stars In “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” Season 3

On December 1, 2023, Season 3 of STARZ Power Book III: Raising Kanan premiered starring past NYWIFT Muse Award Honoree Patina Miller. This season of Raising Kanan continues to tell the origin story of fan-favorite character Kanan Stark (MeKai Curtis), originally played by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in the flagship series, delving further into his evolution from the devoted son of Raquel “Raq” Thomas (Patina Miller) into the eventual ferocious, amoral and pragmatic personality fans know from Power.

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NYWIFT Members’ Advertising Week & Sherri Shepherd Experience

Advertising Week New York came back for its 19th edition from October 16–19, this time at THE PENN DISTRICT, bringing together the brightest minds in marketing, advertising, media, and tech. With an immersive and interactive program, attendees had the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, discover new trends and network with professionals from around the world. NYWIFT members attended - and made a special connection with TV host Sherri Shepherd!

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Behind the Screams: Navigating the Horror Community with LaKisa Renee and Tammy Reese

The horror community is a vibrant and passionate group of individuals who share a love for the genre. Within this unique community, NYWIFT members LaKisa Renee and Tammy Reese have established themselves as inspirational figures through their killer interviews with horror legends and icons. Together, the horror media professionals and enthusiasts celebrate their shared passion for all things terrifying.

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2023 Tribeca Festival Recap

After a whirlwind trip to the 2023 Tribeca Festival, Tammy Reese offers highlights from her favorite interviews - including Dan Rather, Billy Porter, Phylicia Rashad, Morris Chestnut, Angela Bassett, Patricia Field, and much more!

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Meet the New NYWIFT Member: LaKisa Renee

Welcome to NYWIFT, LaKisa Renee! LaKisa is a multitalented media/film industry professional, journalist, host, actress, videographer, voice artist, and award-winning makeup artist. She is the owner and Founder of LaKisa Renee Entertainment, a media, fashion and events company. As a media professional, she is a contributing journalist for Cultured Focus Magazine, In Black Magazine, and Steller Magazine. LaKisa spoke to us about her wide range of roles in media, fashion, and entertainment.

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