Welcome to NYWIFT Talks, a new weekly series to bring updated news and vital information about the impact of COVID-19 on the media and entertainment industry. Industry professionals will be in conversation discussing what you need to know about theatrical releases, digital advances, virtual tools, festival opportunities, production updates and more.
This edition of NYWIFT Talks is free for all to attend.
NewFest gives voice and visibility to all facets of the LGBTQ experience by presenting year-round screenings and events that include New York’s annual LGBTQ Film Festival every October, which began in 1988. In this week’s NYWIFT Talks, join Executive Director of NewFest David Hatkoff for a Zoom conversation discussing the changes NewFest has made to continue to adapt during this COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, learn how they’ll virtually celebrate the month of Pride!
This conversation will be moderated by NYWIFT Board Member Alex Cirillo.
Panelists
David Hatkoff joined NewFest as Executive Director in August 2019. He has spent his career amplifying and elevating the mission and programming efforts of non-profit arts organizations, serving for 11 years in a senior leadership role at NYC’s Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre. He was an integral part of Signature’s transition to its permanent home, the 75,000 square foot, Frank Gehry-designed Pershing Square Signature Center, and the growth of the company, which more than tripled its budget, staff and programming during his time with the organization. David studied in the MA program at New York University’s Gallatin School, with a focus in LGTBQ Studies. He has a deep passion for queer culture and a strong desire to create spaces for queer storytelling.
Alex Cirillo is a director, producer, and the co-founder of Big Vision Empty Wallet, an inclusion-focused incubator and production company that develops and amplifies unique voices in film and TV. In her 11 years in the industry, she has produced 10 feature films, hundreds of commercials and over 300 live events. Her work has premiered at Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, Palm Springs and Bentonville film festivals. She serves on the Board of Directors of New York Women in Film & Television, the Advisory Board for the WGA & MOME’s Made in NY Writers Room Fellowship, and the Advisory Board for Catalyst Content Festival. LinkedIn recently featured her in a digital series about inclusion in the film industry, and she has previously been featured by A&E Network and appeared in The Washington Post, IndieWire, OUT Magazine, Slate, Filmmaker Magazine, SXSW Magazine and more.
This program will take place virtually as a webinar via Zoom. Please register in advance, and all registrants will receive a link to attend the webinar the day of the event.
We encourage you to download Zoom in advance.
Free event.
programs@nywift.org
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NYWIFT programs, screenings and events are supported, in part, by grants from New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
