NYWIFT Blog

One Week Online Program with Roadmap Writers (NYWIFT Members Only)

This one week workshop with Roadmap Writers offers expert advice from writers in the business! Join Roadmap Writers leaders Janet Jeffries, Audrey Knox, and Joey Tuccio as they interactively teach you the ways of writing!

Free to attend. Exclusively for NYWIFT members.

NYWIFT Talks with IFP Executive Director Jeffrey Sharp

In this NYWIFT Talks, join Executive Director of IFP Jeffrey Sharp for a Zoom conversation. Founded in 1979, The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) is the largest and longest running not-for-profit dedicated to independent film. We’ll focus on IFP and the future of digital learning within IFP.

This conversation will be moderated by NYWIFT Board Member Yvonne Russo and is free for all to attend.

“Pitching Virtually…It’s Easier Than You Think” with Jim Arnoff

This interactive workshop with Career Coach/Talent Agent Consultant/NYWIFT Member, Jim Arnoff will give you specific tips to create the most engaging interactions on-line. You'll hear pitfalls to avoid and how best to prep for a virtual pitch. Open to NYWIFT members only.

NYWIFT Talks 2020 Film Festivals

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...

I Used to Go Here Virtual Screening + Q&A with Director Kris Rey and Actress Gillian Jacobs

Bittersweet emotion and awkward humor abound as Kate (Gillian Jacobs) journeys through her past to redefine her future in this big-hearted fourth feature from writer/director Kris Rey.

Join us for a virtual screening of I Used to Go Here followed by a Q&A with Kris Rey and Gillian Jacobs, moderated by NYWIFT Board Member Gretchen McGowan.

NYWIFT Talks with Cursed Director Zetna Fuentes

In this NYWIFT Talks, join director Zetna Fuentes to discuss her new Netflix limited series, Cursed. Based on the New York Times bestselling book, Cursed is a re-imagination of the Arthurian legend, told through the eyes of Nimue, a young woman with a mysterious gift who is destined to become the powerful (and tragic) Lady of the Lake.

The conversation will be moderated by NYWIFT Advisory Board Member Annetta Marion. This edition of NYWIFT Talks is free for all to attend.

NYWIFT Talks Health and Wellness During COVID-19

In this NYWIFT Talks, join Dr. Christine Cyriacks, Allison Chawla, and Liza Bertini to discuss the health affects that COVID-19 has taken on us and solutions to mindfully clear your mind and soul.

New York Film Academy Teen 3D Animation Class

NYWIFT has partnered with the prestigious New York Film Academy animation department, which will provide expert animation educators from its award-winning program, Isaac Kalsky and Robert Appleton, to guide participants in working virtually to create their own finished short films. Not only are these skills used in film, television, and advertising, they are also an...

New York Film Academy Adult 3D Animation Class

This Webinar explores basic methods of animation and how they are being implemented in Maya Autodesk's 3D computer graphics software. Topics will include: Disney’s 12 principles of animation, a demonstration of bouncing ball animation, a demonstration of a Pendulum animation and tail animation, walk cycle animation, and techniques for facial expression. This program is open to those 15-years-old and up. 

NYWIFT Talks The Old Guard with Director Gina Prince-Bythewood and Editor Terilyn Shropshire

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...

NYWIFT Talks with Mucho Mucho Amor Co-Directors Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch

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...

Virtual Event: “John Lewis: Good Trouble” Screening

Using interviews and rare archival footage, John Lewis: Good Trouble chronicles Lewis’ 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration. Using present-day interviews with Lewis, now 80 years old, filmmaker Dawn Porter explores his childhood experiences, his inspiring family and his fateful meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957. In addition to her interviews with Lewis and his family, Porter’s primarily cinéma verité film also includes interviews with political leaders, Congressional colleagues, and other people who figure prominently in his life.

Q&A to follow with director Dawn Porter moderated by NYWIFT Board Member Leslie Fields-Cruz.

NYWIFT Talks Black Lives Matter and Just Mercy with Scott Budnick, April Grayson & Donna Hylton

In this week’s NYWIFT Talks, join Just Mercy Executive Producer and CEO of One Community Scott Budnick, Campaign Surrogate and Statewide Coordinator for The Young Women's Freedom Center April Grayson, and Campaign Ambassador Donna Hylton as we discuss the positive after effects of Just Mercy, Black Lives Matter and civil unrest.

Virtual Event: “Denise Ho: Becoming the Song” Screening + Q&A

Denise Ho: Becoming the Song profiles the openly gay Hong Kong singer and human rights activist Denise Ho. Drawing on unprecedented, years-long access, the film explores her remarkable journey from commercial Cantopop superstar to outspoken political activist, an artist who has put her life and career on the line to support the determined struggle of Hong Kong citizens to maintain their identity and freedom.

Q&A to follow with director Sue Williams moderated by NYWIFT Board Member S. Casper Wong.

NYWIFT Talks Black Lives Matter with Visionary New York Media Arts Organizations

New York Media Arts organizations have had a rich history of supporting, inspiring, and training diverse creative community members for decades. In this week’s NYWIFT Talks, learn more how Black Public Media, Third World Newsreel, Manhattan Neighborhood Network, and Brown Girls Doc Mafia have accomplished their missions.

These organizations provide key solutions and grassroots connections to Latinx, Black, Asian, and LGBTQIA+ content producers. What are the specific challenges they face during the COVID pandemic, financial crisis, and the Black Lives Matter Movement? These leaders can shine a light on a path forward. In discussion with Iyabo Boyd, Leslie Fields-Cruz, JT Takagi, Shurize X. Richards and Victoria Bert, and moderated by Cynthia Lopez.

NYWIFT Talks with VP of Publicity and Promotion of IFC Films Laura Sok

In this week’s NYWIFT Talks, join VP of Publicity and Promotion of IFC Films Laura Sok to discuss publicity in the age of the "new normal" of Virtual Theatrical Releases for IFC Films.

The conversation will be moderated by NYWIFT Board Member Rachel Watanabe-Batton.

This edition of NYWIFT Talks is free for all to attend.

Live Virtual Watch Party: “Wild Nights with Emily” Screening + Q&A

Wild Nights with Emily is a dramatic comedy about the life of Emily Dickinson, starring Molly Shannon. Appropriate viewing for middle school students on up through senior citizens, the film includes Dickinson's poems on screen.

Wild Nights With Emily is the story of Emily Dickinson's life long romantic relationship with Susan Gilbert, Emily's life as a writer, and the comic soap opera that was 1880's Amherst. This story is an important piece of feminist history, as well as a great way to observe LGBTQ pride this weekend that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Q&A to follow with Director Madeleine Olnek.