Sometimes the opportunity that moves your career forward is the one you didn’t know existed. New York Women in Film & Television gives members access to resources, information, and industry knowledge that can help uncover those possibilities.
This week’s featured member, producer, writer, and director Chris Grant, discovered an opportunity through our Weekly Deals, News, & Tips newsletter available exclusively to NYWIFT members. Chris saw a listing, applied, and ultimately had his project selected to be featured. Without access to NYWIFT’s member resources, he may never have known the opportunity was there in the first place.
From calls for submissions and professional development programs to networking, mentorship, screenings, festival discounts, publicity opportunities, and industry events, NYWIFT helps members stay informed and connected to what’s happening across film, television, and media.
And while our mission centers on advancing women and nonbinary professionals, NYWIFT welcomes members of all gender identities who believe in our mission and want to contribute to a stronger industry. Chris is one of the many members who recognize that we are stronger when we support one another.
Join NYWIFT during our Summer Flash Sale through August 20 and pay NO initiation fee. Become a member and gain access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities that can help you take your next step.
Meet our members:
Chris Grant is a producer/writer/director based in New York City. An NYU Grad Film alum, his short film work has won numerous festival awards including screenings in the Showtime Black Filmmaker’s Showcase, the Clark Atlanta Festival, and the Mill Valley Film Festival.
After a prolific career as a television producer, Grant has most recently worked as a Creative Director at two of the Discovery Networks: Destination America and The American Heroes Channel. Additionally, he’s received multiple New York Foundation of the Arts Grants for improvisational theater and film production.
Still from Never Can Say Goodbye (image courtesy of Film Freeway)
He’s a 2018 Sundance Screenwriting Fellow for his script The Sugar Hill Express, based on a true story about a mother who takes her children from New York City Child Protective Services, highlighting the traumas faced by parents dealing with child/parent separation.
He captures the enduring strength of Black families, inviting the world to witness their resilience and celebrate their stories.
Still from Never Can Say Goodbye (from nevercansaygoodbyefilm.com)
His most recent film Never Can Say Goodbye is, he says, inspired by a lot of people’s true stories. An African American mother, convicted and on the verge of prison, asks for one last chance to see her kids. But when her children refuse to say goodbye, she’s forced to make other plans.
Chris spoke to us in a recent NYWIFT Member Spotlight blog interview about the film’s success and how he’s using its community engagement campaign to generate positive change.
Connect with Chris Grant on Instagram at @sugarchris1 and @nevercansaygoodbyefilm, on Facebook at Chris Grant and Never Can Say Goodbye Film, and on LinkedIn at Chris Grant.
(All images courtesy of Chris Grant except where noted)
