Below are just a few of the most recent accomplishments of our talented members! If you want to join this dynamic community, we hope you will consider applying for NYWIFT membership.
NYWIFT members, do you have an upcoming screening, event, campaign or other news to share? Tell us! Contact communications@nywift.org.
Join Poster House on August 26 for a special screening of the newly restored 4K edition of Building Bombs (1990), the Academy Award–nominated documentary by Mark Mori and Susan Robinson at 6 PM. This event is presented in conjunction with the museum’s exhibition Fallout: Atoms for War & Peace.
Building Bombs is a powerful investigation into the human and environmental costs of the atomic age, centering on South Carolina’s Savannah River Plant, the nation’s largest Cold War–era facility for the production of hydrogen-bomb materials. Through rare archival footage, personal interviews, and narration by four-time Academy Award nominee and activist Jane Alexander, the film traces the impact of the nuclear weapons industry on American lives and landscapes—while offering an eloquent message of hope through stories of ordinary people working to change the course of history. The 4K restoration was produced by NYWIFT member Kirsten Larvick with Mark Mori, Susan Robinson and Bob Judson.
This screening will be followed by a live conversation with Emmy-nominated Executive Producer Mark Marabella and Building Bombs Director Mark Mori. Arrive early to enjoy light bites and a cash bar. After the Q&A, don’t miss our pop-up featuring complimentary wine and restoration posters for sale, with the opportunity to have yours signed by Academy Award–nominated director Mark Mori. RSVP.
NYWIFT member and multi-disciplinary artist Shoshanna Gleich invites NYWIT member to see her painting featured in a group show at The Long Story Short Gallery (52 Henry Street, NYC). The reception for the show is August 7, from 5 PM-8 PM. Shoshanna is selling her newest series of paintings to raise funds for her one-woman show. Anyone interested can contact her on Instagram @shoshannagleich or through email shoshannayawannaproductions@gmail.com.
Congratulations to the NYWIFT members included in the 2025 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival lineup! We are thrilled to see 10 members of our community with projects featured at the festival this year.
The festival takes place August 1–9, in-person at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center. Tickets and packages can be purchased from the official website. Showings of different films, both full-feature and short, are presented throughout the day, starting at 11 AM. Congratulations to members Lianne Becker (Producer, Harlem Fragments), Evolyn Brooks (Director & Co-Executive Producer, Good Home Training), Emily Fleischer (Casting Associate, Highest 2 Lowest), Imani Garner (Music Supervisor, Jean & I), Tiffany Ann Jackman (Director, I Hate My Love Life), Emily Kordovich (Director of Photography, Sugar Honey), Kimberly Mayhorn (Co-Producer & Editor, Good Home Training), Okema T. Moore (Director, Laundry; Producer, Chocolate with Sprinkles), Geneva Peschka (Director, Black Longevity), Stacey Smith (Additional Crew: Business Affairs, Hoops, Hopes & Dreams)!
NYWIFT member and screenwriter Caitlin McCarthy’s spiritual mystery Little Audrey — inspired by the extraordinary true story of Audrey Santo — officially began production on July 21 in Buffalo, NY. Helmed by director/producer Michael Mailer, the film features an all-star cast: Aidan Quinn, Emily VanCamp, Jennifer Esposito, and Josh Bowman. Check out the full scoop in Deadline. Congrats, Caitlin!
Black Longevity, a short film directed by NYWIFT member Geneva Peschka, is making its world premiere at Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival (MVAAFF). Black Longevity is a poetic meditation on Black life that captures the wisdom and resilience of elders who redefine aging through love, legacy and generational strength. The film will be shown as part of the festival’s BLK#18 Shorts Program from 11 AM-1 PM on August 5. Get tickets.
NYWIFT member Linnette Harrigan is celebrating Caribbean Heritage Month. Linnette has been in development for the last couple of years producing a Caribbean-inspired documentary film titled Rediscovering Lucien. It’s a heartfelt story exploring the life and music of late Jon Lucien, jazz singer/musician who was born in the Caribbean Virgin Islands, later moving to New York City and was discovered by RCA Records in the 1970s. His music has been called a ‘special force’ that can still be heard today. The documentary features Linnette along with Grammy-nominated jazz artists Will Downing, Dave Koz and many others who knew and were inspired by Lucien. NYWIFT is the proud Fiscal Sponsor for the film. Help Linnette Harrigan make a documentary film that can change lives. She is now accepting submissions for production crew, expenses, etc. Get more information and donate.
Director and NYWIFT member Roberta Pyzel‘s short film The Eye of the Storm is available to watch on YouTube. Based on the song from Nanette Natal, the film has received positive viewer reactions, remarking on the “absolutely stunning” singing and visuals. Watch now.
Lilly, starring NYWIFT 2015 Muse Honoree Patricia Clarkson, written/directed by NYWIFT Ravenal Feature Film Grant recipient Rachel Feldman, and co-produced by former NYWIFT Board President and President’s Circle Chair Simone Pero is now available through video on demand everywhere you find your digital media. Experience the power, perseverance, and legacy of #LillyLedbetter. Join the film on socials (@lillymovie) and learn more about the film. Watch the trailer.
Award-winning author and NYWIFT member Marilyn Horowitz‘s new book, Bad Girl Pie, pairs love and loss and it’s a wicked read – a dark comedy set in New York City. Dorothy Sherlock, a prolific ghostwriter who experiences a near-fatal encounter with her abusive father and his sudden death. Dorothy resolves to write her own book, blending her expertise in dieting and dessert. Can Dorothy’s sense of humor and talent save her and help her find success?
Roundfire Books calls Bad Girl Pie, “a deliciously dark, culinary-infused women’s comedy that’s as sharp as it is satisfying. Packed with rich storytelling, irresistible wit, and real-life recipes woven into the narrative,Bad Girl Pie is a delicious read from start to finish.” Pre-order on Amazon or order independent, Congratulations, Marilyn!
Join entertainment career coach, talent agent consultant and NYWIFT member Jim Arnoff in an immersive, interactive career coaching workshop for one-on-one coaching, group coaching, networking and resourcing to accelerate your entertainment career. Bring all those challenges that are getting in the way of moving forward in your entertainment career to Career Coaching: Recharging and Accelerating Your Entertainment Career on July 17 at 6:30. Whether it’s how to pitch yourself/your projects powerfully, what does it really take to build your truly aligned career step-by-step, how can you craft a compelling biography/emails, how to collaborate effectively, how to nail every meeting or wherever else you need coaching for support. You’ll learn coaching techniques to envision your ideal entertainment career with precision, release those career blocks that have been holding you back and create a powerful action plan to have the entertainment career you deserve.
Join members of other NYC entertainment organizations for networking and resourcing on the 12th floor at 16 Madison Square West (1115 Broadway @ 25th St). Feel free to bring your colleagues in the industry. RSVP at jim@jimarnoff.com.
On July 3, Gifford House – Wilde Playhouse (6 Carver Street Provincetown, MA 02657) welcomes the internationally acclaimed NYWIFT member, lesbian artist, writer, director and producer, Ann P Meredith and a cast of stellar actors for a compelling scripted performance titled Special. An award-winning theatrical stage script, Special swept the Audience Awards at The Fringe Festival and was a breakout hit at the New Work Theatre Festivals’ Broadway Showcase. The performance starts at 4 PM and is free and open to the public. Learn more.
Sunday, June 15, marked a powerful moment of truth for NYWIFT member Caitlin McCarthy, who appeared on 60 Minutes Australia to share her family’s connection to DES (diethylstilbestrol)—a drug whose tragic legacy continues to unfold. Viewers worldwide can tune in to the 60 Minutes Australia YouTube channel (@60MinutesAU) to watch the segment. Watch the preview. Watch the full episode.
Angel screens this Friday, June 20 at 3 PM at Cinema Village (22 E 12th St, NY) as part of the Manhattan Film Festival lineup. Angel is a dark comedy short film exploring the shock of grief, family bonds and an unorthodox path to forgiveness, written nd directed by NYWIFT member Anna Koukouli Born. In the film, two adult children of an alcoholic retired Navy Officer navigate their grief and his funeral preparations by trying to sneak his unfinished last beer into his coffin so he won’t get sober in the afterlife. The film is inspired by real events from Anna’s own experiences during her father’s funeral preparations. It stars Rachael Hip-Flores (Anyone but Me, Liberty Falls), Jarrod Bogan (Masters of Sex, Where the Bears Are) as the adult kids, and Nicole Ansari-Cox (Succession, What a Feeling, Deadwood) as the mother. Get tickets.
Queens World Film Festival is shaking things up with a new format! How To Fest: A Film Festival Reality Check is an industry insight exchange happening Saturday, June 21 at 1 PM that’s part speed dating and part team challenge where every voice in the room is part of the conversation. Join for a dynamic, interactive alternative to the ‘sage from the stage’ panel model with industry conversation leaders that include NYWIFT Board Member Emelyn Stuart, as well as Vernon Williams, Liz Ortiz, Jimena Luna Deshamps, Vagabond Beaumont, Jing Wang and Preston Cato. QWFF will present a highly interactive panel discussion that will feature Queens festival directors and international filmmakers who will answer questions and impart helpful advice on how to create your strongest submission, how to be a great festival participant, and how to remain connected to the festival after your screening. This is a free event with light refreshments. Register.
In her provocative new book, Estranged: How Strained Female Friendships are Mended or Ended (Meridian Editions; April 1, 2025), NYWIFT member Susan Shapiro Barash takes a deep dive into the complexities of female friendships. By peeling back the societal narrative that our friendships are meant to last forever, she uncovers a more nuanced reality: the closest bonds do falter. What happens when these bonds sabotage instead of support? Who among us has the courage to walk away? And how can we protect ourselves from further heartbreak? Susan Shapiro Barash. Through groundbreaking research and 150 interviews with women ranging in age from 20-80, Barash reveals an emerging trend — estrangement among female friends. Congratulations on your release, Susan! Learn more and purchase the book.
NYWIFT Member Mary Murphy will be appearing in The Sun Worshippers, a live radio play produced by the award-winning Fireside Mystery Theatre. Fireside’s Summer Solstice features three terrifying tales of ritual magic, daylight suspense, and sundrenched horror. A retirement community devoted to an ancient practice of sun worship, a solstice ritual to uncover a soulmate, a party of Greek island hoppers who summon a long imprisoned goddess; plus live underscoring, musical guests, and much more! Get tickets.
Created by NYWIFT member Melisa Ramos, Post Production Classes combine her industry expertise and passion for teaching. Postproduction Classes offers personalized, one-on-one training in Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere Pro—customized to fit your project goals and experience level. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine advanced skills, expert instructors provide hands-on guidance in a supportive, creative environment. Classes are available online or at your home, school, or workplace throughout all five boroughs. They also offer dynamic group workshops for individuals and corporate teams, focusing on editing, sound design, and visual effects. With flexible scheduling, tailored instruction, and a strong emphasis on creativity and technical precision, this program helps elevate your media work. Learn more and register.
On June 6, Provincetown Commons welcomes the internationally acclaimed NYWIFT member, lesbian artist, writer, director and producer, Ann P Meredith and a cast of stellar Outer Cape actors for a compelling scripted performance titled Special. An award-winning theatrical stage script, Special swept the Audience Awards at The Fringe Festival and was a breakout hit at the New Work Theatre Festivals’ Broadway Showcase. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more.
NYWIFT member Peggy Kennedy presents her theatrical work, The Beatles: One Fan’s Personal Journey, with music director Bruce Barnes on Monday, June 16 at Don’t Tell Mama (343 W 46th St, New York). Doors open at 6:15 PM. The show starts at 7 PM. There is a $20/2 drink minimum with a food menu available and the venue is cash only. Make reservations.
The Center at West Park presents the one-year anniversary screening of NYWIFT member Lynn Dow‘s Bull Street. Celebrate and see the showing of this very special movie on Thursday June 5 at 7 PM. Join a post-show conversation with writer and director Lynn Dow, producer Wendy Tucker-Tannock and other special guests! Reserve tickets.
NYWIFT member Jessie Fahay invites you to an immersive dance and theatrical event, AI Vs. Humanity: The Experience, happening June 11-15 at Iati Theater (East 64th St). Fahay is the director and choreographer, as well as Artistic Director of Ripple Effect Artists. The event is an electrifying, immersive dance experience where technology and humanity take center stage. Is this ChatGPT speaking, or Deep-Seek? Did you know AI could replace 300 million jobs? Did you know 44% of companies planning to use AI will end up issuing layoffs? Journey through the evolution of information overload with a nod to The Adding Machine and a pulsating soundtrack of Daft Punk! Witness the battle between human intuition and artificial intelligence—who’s really in control? Get your tickets.
NYWIFT member Kathleen O’Neill‘s play Orientation is having its first performance at the Next Step Theatre Festival on Thursday, May 29 at 8 PM. After a harrowing night in the emergency room, four wounded and exhausted women, separated from their children, find themselves in a basement room of a women’s shelter. One battle-scarred woman defies the rules and guides the others to consider deeper truths about their lives. When the authority arrives, will their newfound understanding endure, or will they return to fear? It’s a journey toward reclaiming life. Tickets.
On June 6, Provincetown Commons welcomes the internationally acclaimed NYWIFT member, lesbian artist, writer, director and producer, Ann P Meredith and a cast of stellar Outer Cape actors for a compelling scripted performance titled Special. An award-winning theatrical stage script, Special swept the Audience Awards at The Fringe Festival and was a breakout hit at the New Work Theatre Festivals’ Broadway Showcase. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more.
NYWIFT member Catherine Gund’s film Paint Me a Road Out of Here will screen at the Brooklyn Museum on May 31. Produced and directed by documentarian and activist Catherine Gund, the documentary tracks the ordeal borne by Faith Ringgold’s 1971 painting “For the Women’s House” — originally created for the women incarcerated on Rikers Island, then relegated to mishandling, defacing, and deep storage. Artist and rapper Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter, herself formerly incarcerated and commissioned to create a new work for the Rikers women, bands together with Ringgold and others to liberate the original painting from Rikers and, more profoundly, Black women from mass incarceration. The film won the NYWIFT Award for Excellence in Feature Film Directing at the 2024 Urbanworld Film Festival. Get tickets.
NYWIFT member Jill Woodward was an additional editor on the biographical series The Judd Family: Truth Be Told, which premiered on Lifetime on May 14. She invites fellow members to tune in to the series following the complex story of the Judd family, including their triumphs and tragedies across several decades, featuring intimate interviews with Judd family members. The Judd Family: Truth Be Told is now available to watch on Amazon Prime. Watch on Prime Video.
NYWIFT member Devi Morgan is in three films (Extradition, Fresh Air and Like Daughter, Like Mother) in Block A at the AMT International Film Festival Short Film Night on May 21. Extradition also stars NYWIFT member Kristin Samuelson. Like Daughter, Like Mother was scored by NYWIFT member Louis Robert King and co-stars NYWIFT member Steve Lichenstein. Get tickets now.
Teatro Maria Teresa in Guadalajara, MX, in partnership with AMT Theater, NYC has invited NYWIFT member Stephanie Trudeau to bring a bilingual production of her musical play, Becoming Chavela, to Guadalajara for a three-week run. As the daughter of a Puerto Rican migrant, Trudeau proudly highlights both Mexican culture and Latina culture in this play about legendary queer Mexican singer, Chavela Vargas. Chavela defied conventions by singing corridos – songs traditionally sung by men. She was audacious in her determination to be heard and be seen; to become an artist. Help Trudeau foster cultural exchange and tell Chavela’s story by giving a tax-deductible donation here. Or mail a check to AMT Theater, 354 West 45th Street, NY, NY 10036. AMT Theater is a 501 (c)(3) tax deductible organization. For more information contact Stephanie at stevietrudeau@msn.com.
NYWIFT member Susan Jennifer Polese will premiere her short film drama Under the One-Time Sky at the Big Apple Film Festival, Spring Edition on May 14 at 8:30 PM. The premise: under swaying trees, two childhood friends careen into a past that has long been preserved in a tiny backyard. One has traveled the world. One has never left this town. Together, they will learn something today: How long can a moment stay with you? It may be just as long as you hide from it. Catch the film at Look Dine-In Cinemas: Theater #5. Get tickets.
NYWIFT member Mari SanGiovanni‘s first feature film, The Sibling Rule, is streaming on Lesflicks, an LGBTQ platform. The Sibling Rule centers two women who fake a marriage to take advantage of the sibling rule, which will keep their kids in the same school, but complications arise when the marriage becomes real. Watch now.
This summer, NYWIFT member, Atlantic Theater Company founding ensemble member, Off-Broadway director, documentary filmmaker, author, Tennessee Williams scholar and senior teacher at Atlantic Acting School Karen Kohlhaas teaches her 18th annual Summer Directing Class from June 2-August 5. The comprehensive, practical, and creatively inspiring class covers how to audition actors effectively, throughline script analysis for directors, creating compelling and suspenseful staging, working effectively with actors, leadership and time management. Lecture and guest classes on working with designers, collaborating with writers on new works, and more will be included. The techniques are equally effective for stage and film. There are 3 ways to take the class: Full Director, Active Auditor, and Guest Class Only. Full Directors analyze an entire play, bringing in scenes of increasing length, culminating in a live performance. Active Auditors do a paper project on a full length play of their choice, and participate actively in class discussions. There will be 4 guest classes which are included for Full Directors and Active Auditors, and it’s possible to register just for the guest classes. The class is held online but directors have the option to work with actors online, or in person and join online from their rehearsal room. (That can be discussed in the interview). For complete information please email Karen@monologueaudition.com and/or sign-up online.
From NYWIFT members Sarah LaVerne (writer/director) and Nadia Delisfort (producer), I Am So Lucky follows the plight of Maddison, a 30-something broke singleton who believes nabbing a rich, handsome man will fix all of her problems. She puts in the hard work to achieve this dream by getting spritz-drunk and chanting manifestation mantras at her best friend Henry’s café, all while spying on the rich men who live in the building across the street. Maddison’s plan hits new levels of delirium when she spots an identical woman already living her dream life. The question is… Is it Maddison’s future-self showing her how to achieve the soft life of a wealthy wife? Or has Maddison just reached new stalker levels of desperate delusion? Contribute to the film.
Bull Street is available to stream online! Written and directed by NYWIFT member Lynn Dow, Bull Street follows LouEster Sadie Gibbs (played by newcomer Malynda Hale), a 39-year-old small-town personal injury lawyer whose mother died in childbirth. Her grandmother, Mrs. Big-Gal (Loretta Devine), has raised her in their humble family home with love and a rich spiritual tradition. When an entitled Ivy League lawyer questions their ownership of the home and its surrounding land, the stage is set for a clash of privilege against family. Watch the film.
Female Voices Rock Film Festival will screen Sunflower Girl by writer/director and NYWIFT member Holly M. Kaplan on Saturday May 3 at 4:30 PM. The film centers on Rosie, a 13-year-old Chinese-American girl, as she embarks on a skateboarding escapade through the streets of New York with her crush and his best friend – at the cost of abandoning her little sister and never delivering a forgotten lunchbox. See the film at LOOK Dine-In Cinemas W 57 (657 West 57th St, New York, NY). Get special discounted tickets.
Former NYWIFT Board member Yvonne Russo will be an honored guest at the CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival this week. Her film, Viva Verdi! will make its Pacific Northwest Premiere on April 25 at the Mount Baker Theater in WA. The documentary centers on opera singers and musicians living out their “third act” in a Milan retirement home, founded by noted Italian opera singer Giuseppe Verdi. Congratulations, Yvonne! Buy tickets.
Unbroken is now available on Netflix! Produced by NYWIFT member Christine Cirker, this documentary feature tells the story of seven Jewish siblings who survived Nazi Germany through their own resilience and the courage of strangers. Watch on Netflix. Congratulations, Christine!
The Bureau of General Services—Queer Division will present a scripted performance of an award-winning new stage and film project by NYWIFT Member, writer, director and producer Ann P Meredith. This event will take place in person on May 2 at 7 PM at The LGBT Community Center. Registration is not required. Seating is first come, first served. Also live-streaming on the Bureau’s YouTube channel. Learn more.
The JHRTS NY Writers Room Program is back for Season 3! NYWIFT Member and JHRTS Board Member Janet Hyojo Oh encourages fellow members to apply and spread the word. This unique opportunity offers aspiring writers the chance to experience an authentic replication of a working Writer’s Room. Over the course of eight sessions (June-September 2025), participants will collaborate, develop original scripts, and receive real-world feedback to build a professional portfolio. The program’s showrunners are also looking for a Writers Room Assistant (Unpaid Intern)–a current college student or recent grad–to support the room and gain the behind–the–scenes exposure to the TV development process. Apply to the Writers’ Room or apply to be a Writers Room Assistant by Thursday, May 15. Writers’ Room applicants must be JHRTS NY members–learn more about joining!
Rachel Feldman’s Lilly, starring Patricia Clarkson and produced by past NYWIFT President Simone Pero, tells the true story of Lilly Ledbetter’s courageous fight for equal pay. Get tickets to the opening (with special Q&As) at Quad Cinema on May 9 and 10. Sign up for email updates or visit the website to find the film at a theater near you. Watch the trailer. The film is a recipient of the NYWIFT Ravenal Feature Film Grant.
The 6th annual MOM Film Fest is now accepting submissions for short documentary or narrative films and series that include a mom in a key leadership role on the project. As a grassroots, volunteer-led nonprofit, MOM Film Fest is both a career development hub and an advocacy platform for mothers working in film and television. The festival is a key part of MOM’s mission to amplify content made by moms and create real opportunities to get #momsbackonset and back to work. NYWIFT Member Tonya Mollineau – leader of the NYWIFT Mom’s Network – created the festival.
Submission deadlines:
• Regular – April 21
• Final – May 12
Critics and Feminist activists alike have shared praise for NYWIFT member Roberta Pyzel‘s Dworkin, her documentary about the life and work of writer-activist Andrea Dworkin. Gloria Steinem called the film “a gift.” Critic and life partner of Andrea Dworkin, John Stoltenberg, said the documentary has a “wonderfully moving dimensionality: It becomes at once personal and public, living and remembered.” Watch the trailer. Congratulations, Roberta!
