Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Maura Garnett
Welcome to NYWIFT, Maura Garnett! Fresh out of NYWIFT’s internship program, where she played a crucial role on our Muse Awards volunteer team, Maura now joins the NYWIFT community in our Next Wave program. Maura Garnett is a writer/director who is a recent School of Visual Arts graduate. She specializes in directing and casting. Currently, she's in post-production on Treading, about a young woman's quest for belonging in the city, leading to a series of bad dates. Her film Disoriented, about a life-altering phone call, is on the festival circuit. Playtime, addressing date rape and sexual assault, has earned acclaim at over 30 festivals, including Global Indie Film Festival and New York Movie Awards. Aspiring casting director Maura has interned with Stephanie Klapper Casting and Emmy-winning Avy Kaufman. Now, she's a casting assistant for 5-time Emmy nominated Mark Saks. Maura shares what she has learned working alongside some of NYC's top casting directors, how she creatively approaches tough subject matter, and what's coming up on her professional horizon.
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: Kira Belin
Cue the music: it’s time to welcome our new NYWIFT member, Kira Belin! Kira is a New York based music editor with a career spanning film, television, contemporary art and more. She’s worked on a variety of high-profile projects including Barbie, And Just Like That…, and Los Espookys. She focuses on building an interdependent relationship between music and the story on screen. Read our full interview with Kira to learn more about her career journey and approach to film music editing.
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: Ingrid Jean-Baptiste
Let’s give a huge NYWIFT welcome to Ingrid Jean-Baptiste! Founder of the Chelsea Film Festival, Ingrid was born in Paris and spent her early years there and in London. Upon graduating from La Sorbonne University, Ingrid pursued journalism and worked for various French magazines and within the production sphere of cultural television shows broadcasted on national French TV at France Television. After living in LA for some time, she moved to New York in 2010 where she studied acting and graduated from the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. In 2013, she began the Chelsea Film Festival, which since its beginnings has provided a platform for filmmakers worldwide and represented 30+ countries through showcasing 220 Official Selections. Currently she is a board member at Easter Seals, Young Minds for Gender Equality, and Chelsea Film Institute, and has received several accolades which include the WOW Award for International Women’s Empowerment and the Trophy of “French Citizens Abroad.” To learn more about Ingrid’s career highlights and how her vision influenced the genesis and evolution of the Chelsea Film Festival, check out our conversation.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Maura Campbell
Welcome to NYWIFT, Maura Campbell! She is an award-winning playwright turned filmmaker, creating the acclaimed film The Non-Essentials, which won Best Feature at the International Cellphone Cinematography Competition in Cannes. This groundbreaking project was shot across the country under pandemic conditions, featuring a multiracial and multigenerational cast directed remotely through Zoom. At the Actor’s Studio, Maura hones her craft through weekly play readings, while at The Lambs, she lead a playwrights’ group and co-created the musical Anna and Fyodor, exploring the lives of Dostoyevsky and his first wife. Currently, she is in rehearsals for this production alongside filming Quirks, a feature evolving from episodic beginnings. Maura is dedicated to shedding light on human experiences through storytelling, supporting young writers, and pushing creative boundaries across theater and film.
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 MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Veronica Moya
Welcome to NYWIFT, Veronica Moya! Driven by a belief in every child's innate wisdom and spiritual connection, Veronica founded a platform dedicated to nurturing these qualities. Her mission is to empower children to embrace their truths confidently, equipping them with the tools to navigate life's adventures while staying true to their inner spirit. Through her work, Veronica instills a sense of self-awareness and inner security, guiding children to realize their role as creators of their own happiness and fulfillment in the world.
READ MOREWitnessing the Excellence of Jennifer Esposito: Fresh Kills
Stephanie Okun offers a recap of the entertaining and inspirational NYWIFT Member Screening of Fresh Kills and talkback with filmmaker Jennifer Esposito, who discussed overcoming hurdles in Hollywood and finding distribution for her passion project.
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: Jennifer Buzzelli
Welcome to NYWIFT, Jennifer Buzzelli! Jennifer Buzzelli is a New York-based producer, international distributor and co-producer. With involvement in the film industry since the 90s, she is the founder of production house Jimmy B Media. Read more to discover her experience in leading film distribution and about her most recent project, producing the upcoming documentary, Long Live the Tyrant.
READ MOREWIFT Around the World: An Accidental Trip to the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
While on a family getaway to Durham, North Carolina, NYWIFT Advisory Board Member happened upon the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. Terry shares her experiences at the fest's screenings and events, including a poignant NYWIFT connection.
READ MORELive from the Red Carpet: “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live”
From NYWIFT blogger Tammy Reese: Stepping onto the red carpet at The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live premiere at the Linwood Dunn Theater in Los Angeles, California was a surreal moment, one that AMC graciously offered me. As I navigated through the glitz and glamour of the evening, the honor to meet my favorite television actor, Andrew Lincoln as well as the iconic actress Danai Gurira, both beloved actors and executive producers of the new spinoff, became the highlight of an unforgettable experience. Join me as I delve into the heart of this extraordinary journey, weaving together personal and professional reflections from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Hannah Xie
Let’s say hello to new NYWIFT Member Hannah Xie! After spending her earlier years in China, Hannah now lives in New York City where she dedicates much of her time to cinematography and photography. Her talent for blending and accentuating colors and lighting on film is reflected in projects such as Brief Encounter, Sleepwalker, Epic, and The End of the Affair. To learn more about Hannah’s creative process, check out our interview as we discuss her collaboration style with directors, her approach to cinematography, and the influential role that her childhood viewing experiences contributed towards her future career.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Tatiana Trebisacci
Tatiana Trebisacci, a vibrant new media artist and recent alumna of NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program, has garnered industry recognition. Her expertise lies in 3D design and web coding, contributing to a BAFTA-nominated team in the groundbreaking Immersive category of 2023. In an exclusive interview, Tatiana delves into her artistic path, sharing insights into her education and the invaluable advice she received, notably stressing the significance of regarding each technology as a distinctive artistic canvas.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Gabrielle Fox
Welcome to NYWIFT Gabrielle Fox! Gabrielle Fox was born into show business as the daughter of an actress and a businessman, immersing herself in rehearsals with her mother and learning business skills from her father. She delved into producing shows, and leveraging her networking and marketing expertise, culminating in the creation of her own website. Gabrielle's life journey advocates embracing dreams whenever they arise and relentlessly pursuing them. She believes that time is going to pass whether you take a risk, or create the project or not. Let that time pass by being creative. Create, create, create and then do it again. Read more about Gabrielle’s amazing stories from the set and upcoming adventures here!
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Genevieve Skehan
Welcome, Genevieve Skehan! It was a love of the outdoors that propelled Genevieve Skehan into filmmaking. After earning her BA in drama in the UK at the University of Exeter, she went on to work for years as a performer and even won awards as a director. But she grew tired of sitting in dark rehearsal spaces. So, she embarked on a career in film and television. Several years later she was working regularly in Boston and New York as a producer, writer, and director for commercials and films. Lately she has begun to write and direct more passion projects. Here she shares how her background in theater informs her directing and how producing gave her the practical experience she needed to realize her own work. Plus, a bit about why she adores filming outside in natural light.
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