Mission Statement
New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) connects, educates, and advocates for women to accelerate diversity in media.
Vision Statement
Equity for all women in media and entertainment to better reflect our world and transform our culture.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
At New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), we believe media has the power to change hearts and minds. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to our greater mission and at the core of who we are and what we do. As we strive to strengthen gender parity in the entertainment industry, we create, operate, and innovate using DEI as a guide to intentionally foster positive change for our talent in the workplace, our staff and on our board, and in all of our content and programming.
Overview
The preeminent professional association for women in the New York entertainment industry, NYWIFT brings together more than 2,500 women and men working both above and below the line. NYWIFT is part of a network of 50 women in film chapters worldwide, representing more than 15,000 members. NYWIFT produces over 50 innovative programs and special events annually, including the Muse Awards for Vision and Achievement, which honors women in front of and behind the camera, and Designing Women, which recognizes costume designers, makeup artists and hair stylists in the industry.
The New York Women in Film & Television Member Screening Series is a unique opportunity for NYWIFT members to showcase their work in a theatrical setting. The series features a diverse array of projects from both established and emerging filmmakers in celebration of our community of women filmmakers.
The NYWIFT member screening is open to all current members of NYWIFT. Films are selected and notified on a rolling basis for screening in the series. Due to high demand, screening is not guaranteed though we do our best to accommodate as many members as possible. Films may be short or feature length and may be paired with other film(s) for the screening. All genres are welcome. Projects must feature at least one current NYWIFT member in a key creative role. Films should have been completed within the last 4 years.
If you have submitted your film in the past we encourage you to submit it again now for future consideration.
The series takes place September through November and January through June.
For the 2022-2023 season, we are envisioning a mix of virtual and in-person screenings, subject to change. Due to high demand, we cannot guarantee everyone an in-person slot. But alternately if you have a strong desire for your film to screen virtually, please note it in your submission.
Screenings are followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker / creative team.
Please note: By submitting your film, you confirm that you have or are able to attain the rights to screen this film in a public setting.
Please be aware that a public NYWIFT screening may disqualify you from submitting to certain other festivals. By submitting your film to us, you acknowledge that you are ready and willing for your film to screen publicly now.
If you have any questions, please contact Katie Chambers at kchambers@nywift.org.
What is Fiscal Sponsorship?
NYWIFT's fiscal sponsorship allows filmmakers to access foundation and government grant funding that may only be accessible to nonprofit organizations or fiscally sponsored projects. It also provides the incentive to donors that their contribution to the project is a charitable deduction for income tax purposes.
This program does not fund film projects. Instead, NYWIFT acts as a nonprofit umbrella organization for filmmakers and videomakers who are seeking to raise funds and require nonprofit status to do so. Funds raised by project directors is directed to NYWIFT who administers and disburses those funds back to project directors.
There is no application fee. NYWIFT takes an administrative fee of 7% for any funds raised through the fiscal sponsorship program.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. There is no deadline. You must be a NYWIFT member to be considered for fiscal sponsorship. (Become a member.)
Submit a one or two-page project proposal or treatment, a budget and the bios of key personnel. Please designate a single project manager who will be responsible for requesting funds and reporting to NYWIFT. Your application will be reviewed within two - three weeks. If your application is accepted you will be sent a contract.
DONATION
Donations can be made via a webpage that is created for each project. Checks should be made out to NYWIFT. Make sure to put the project name in the memo portion of the check.
Checks should be sent to:
New York Women in Film & Television
PO Box 55
Kings Park, NY 11754
Email emichel@nywift.org for further information.
Through the generosity of Loreen Arbus, New York Women in Film & Television has established the Loreen Arbus Disability Awareness Grant.
The film completion grant for $6,500 will be awarded to a woman filmmaker for a film on physical or developmental disability issues. Directors and producers are eligible to apply.
Requirements
Films may be of any length or genre. Films must have completed principle photography to be eligible. The Grant will be awarded to help a film in the post production phase. Distributed films are ineligible. Filmmakers must be US-based.
A link to the film and/or a trailer must be included with the application.
PLEASE BE SURE THAT IF YOUR VIDEO LINK HAS A PASSWORD IT IS WORKING AND ALSO THE VIDEO IS NOT SET TO PRIVATE.