The NYWIFT Podcast

Our guests this week are Natalie Neckyfarow, who speaks about her short “The Spark” and revolutionizing how artists stay rooted in themselves while stepping into character. And Mohana Rajakumar shares  her webseries, A Diwali Dilemma, an adaptation of an iconic Christmas movie.Plus, Hosts Janine McGoldrick and Catherine Ann Woo share recommendations for industry events throughout NYC and their latest streaming binges. To be featured on the podcast email us at communications@nywift.org.For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.News Links:News topic: https://www.nyc.gov/site/mome/news/08282025-made-in-ny-talks.pageSpark fundraising: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/bucketful-of-sunshine-media/general_supportSocial Media:NYWIFT: IG:⁠⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠⁠ / #NYWIFTHost Janine McGoldrick IG: @2ndchapterprodHost Catherine Ann Woo IG: @kate.anne.wooSpecial thanks to⁠⁠ Elspeth Collard⁠⁠, the creator of our podcast theme song.

The NYWIFT Podcast returns from hiatus with hosts Katie Chambers and Janine McGoldrick. Our guest this week is Senior Coordinator of Exhibition and Programming at Film at Lincoln Center, Katie Zwick.Katie shares insights into NYFF programming and Katie & Janine also dive into highlights from the NYWIFT Summit on AI, other upcoming programming, and recent industry news including Jimmy Kimmel and the legacy of Robert Redford.To be featured on the podcast email us at communications@nywift.org. For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Special thanks to⁠ Elspeth Collard⁠, the creator of our podcast theme song.Social Media:Film at Lincoln Center: IG @filmlinc X: @filmlinc Festival info: https://www.filmlinc.org/nyff/New York Shorts Program: https://www.filmlinc.org/nyff2025/films/new-york-shorts/Host: Katie Chambers IG @katiegchambers Host: Janine McGoldrick IIG @2ndchapterprodNYWIFT: G:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT

Before we take our summer break, we’ve got interviews with Ina Norris, Keya Mason and Sam Reetz! 🌟  Ina shares stories from her career putting Black storytellers in the spotlight, founding the Kwanzaa Film Festival (now in its ninth year!) a cultural hub for artistic empowerment. Ina is joined by Keya, the festival’s new director and three-time Emmy-nominated casting executive, director, and producer who also runs Mason Castle Productions. 🚗  Sam takes us down the road of policy and cultural change, with her production company Millennial Ethics and publication Route 24, creating original films and campaigns to spark intergenerational conversations. 📺  Hosts Katie and Janine break down the Tubi and Kickstarter crossover and the big opportunities it could bring to indie filmmakers. 👾  Katie invites us to NYWIFT’s upcoming Summer Soirée: Leveling Up: Girls in Gaming and VR Development (RSVP here)! Send us an email at communications@nywift.org to be featured next season! SOCIALS: Kwanzaa Film Festival: Instagram: @kwanzaafilmfestival / Kwanzaa Film Festival Official Website / Kwanzaa Film Festival Submissions Ina Norris: Instagram: @inanorris / LinkedIn Keya Mason: Instagram: @keyadmason / LinkedIn /  Keya Mason’s Official Website / Mason Castle Productions Website Sam Reetz: Instagram: @samreetzcloseup / LinkedIn / Facebook: SamReetzCloseup / IMDB / Bio Site  Millennial Ethics: Instagram: @millennialethics / LinkedIn / Facebook: MillennialEthics – Bio Site WEBSITES: News: Tubi and Kickstarter PartnershipKwanzaa Film Festival Official Website Kwanzaa Film Festival Submissions Keya Mason’s Official WebsiteMason Castle Productions Website Route 24 on Substack

This week, we’re inspired by Tanja Caldwell, an award-winning costume designer, and Aurora De Lucia, who has edited over 1,000 episodes of television! Tanja brings us a first look at her latest project FOREVER, a modern take on Judy Blume’s everlasting young adult novel. Aurora shares stories from her career working with Jon Stewart, Nancy Meyers and more. Plus, Janine McGoldrick and special guest host Amanda Niqole White tell us about new production incentives for New York filmmakers and give recommendations. To be featured on the podcast, email us at communications@nywift.org, for more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Special thanks to Elspeth Collard, the creator of our podcast theme song.SOCIALS Amanda Niquole White: Instagram: @theoutsidestudios  Tanja Caldwell: Instagram: @fresh2impress Aurora De Lucia: Instagram: @auroradelucia / Twitter/X: @bitesizeaurora / LinkedIn: Aurora De Lucia / Bluesky: @auroradelucia.bsky.social‬NYWIFT: Instagram:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT

TRIBECA FESTIVAL! Need we say more? This week on The NYWIFT Podcast, hear insights, advice and stories from behind the scenes from six NYWIFT members with projects at the festival: Veronica Reyes How (Project Creator, Screenwriter, EP of Mother May I Have a Kidney?)Ruth Ann Harnisch (EP of Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, We Are Pat, State of Firsts, Move Ya Body: The Birth Of House, Natchez, She Runs the World and Runa Simi)Beatriz Barbieri (Production Manager of Fire at Will)Susan Lacy (Co-Director and Producer of Billy Joel: And So It Goes)Trevite Willis (Producer of The Inquisitor)Marcella Steingart (Producer of Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything)To be featured on the podcast, email us at communications@nywift.org.For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Special thanks to Elspeth Collard, the creator of our podcast theme song.Social Media:Veronica Reyes-How: Instagram: @ImVeronicaReyes and @PinoyCinematicUniverse / LinkedIn: VeronicaReyesHow / IMDB: Veronica Reyes HowRuth Ann Harnisch: @TheHarnischFoundation / LinkedIn: The Harnish Foundation Beatriz Barbieri: Instagram: @BeatrizBarbieriCosta and @FireAtWill_Film / LinkedIn: Beatriz CostaSusan Lacy: LinkedIn: Susan LacyTrevite Willis: Instagram: @Trevite.Willis and @TheInquisitorFilm / LinkedIn: Trevite WillisMarcella Steingart: Instagram: @MarcellaOfAventine / LinkedIn: Marcella SteingartTribeca Festival: Instagram: @Tribeca / Twitter/X: @Tribeca / LinkedIn: Tribeca Film Festival NYC LLC NYWIFT: Instagram:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠

This week on The NYWIFT Podcast, we hear from captivating creators. Multidisciplinary Artist Toni Short describes her path to rebuilding self-esteem through the vessel of creativity, her journey as a filmmaker, and her short drama film Meeting Mr. Oscar. Writer and Director Jane Weinstock takes us behind the scenes of Three Birthdays, a drama set in 1970, the Winner of the Woodstock Film Festival/New York Women in Film & Television Award for Excellence in Directing a Narrative Film. To be featured on the podcast, email us at communications@nywift.org.For more great content, go to NYWIFT.org.Special thanks to Elspeth Collard, the creator of our podcast theme song.  GUEST LINKS:Jane Weinstock: https://www.janeweinstock.net/ Toni Short: www.shortlistagency.com / www.meetingmroscar.com SOCIALS: Toni Short: Instagram: @toni_short / LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tonishort  Jane Weinstock: Instagram: @janeweinstock / LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jane-weinstock-2494561/ NYWIFT: Instagram:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT

This week, Penni Malloy-Harper interviews bold storytellers: Anshulika Kapoor and Angela Page tell us about their short film, Harij Weds Sajili, which explores the dark underbelly of dowry practices in contemporary India while celebrating female agency. SOUL Magazine Founder Regina Jones and director Soraya Sélène tell us about their documentary Who the Hell is Regina Jones?, a documentary about Regina’s journey that made history, from being married and pregnant at 15, through the middle of the Watts Rebellion of 1965, to emerging as a groundbreaking magazine publisher. Plus, hosts Katie Chambers and Janine McGoldrick share a study highlighting the state of disability representation on television. To be featured on the podcast email us at communications@nywift.org. For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Special thanks to⁠ Elspeth Collard⁠, the creator of our podcast theme song.Social Media:Angela Page: Instagram: @angelapage1200 / BSKY: @angelapage.bsky.social / LinkedIn: Angela Page  Anshulika Kapoor: Instagram: @anshulika_kapoor / LinkedIn: Anshulika Kapoor Choudhuri / Website: anshulikakapoor.com Harij Weds Sajili: Instagram: @harijwedssajili / Facebook: Harij Weds Sajili Regina Jones: Instagram: @whoisreginafilm Soraya Sélène: Instagram: @soraya_seleneNYWIFT: Instagram:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT

We have an extra special bonus episode with SVP of Development & Production for ALLBLK & WEtv, Nikki Love! Don’t miss her insights and advice in this interview with Tammy Reese, and be sure to subscribe to hear from more creators in the NYWIFT community. To be featured on the podcast email us at communications@nywift.org. For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Special thanks to⁠ Elspeth Collard⁠, the creator of our podcast theme song.Social Media:Nikki: Instagram: @NikkiLovesFilmNYWIFT: Instagram:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT

This week, interviews with Bryce Dallas Howard and Mahen Bonetti inspired us. Director and Actress Bryce Dallas Howard invites audiences into the world of dogs, cats, pigs, goats, birds and more with her heartwarming documentary Pets.  African Film Festival Founder and Programmer Mahen Bonetti gives us an insider’s perspective for the upcoming festival at Lincoln Center in May 2025. Plus, co-host Tammy Reese shares the love, kindness and respect from the Broadway Inspirational Voices 30th Anniversary Fundraising Concert. To be featured on the podcast email us at communications@nywift.org. For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Special thanks to⁠ Elspeth Collard⁠, the creator of our podcast theme song.Bryce Dallas Howard: Instagram: @brycedhoward / Twitter/X: @brycedhoward Disney Plus: Instagram: @DisneyPlus, @disneyorigdocs / Facebook: DisneyPlus / Twitter/X: @DisneyPlus / TikTok: @DisneyPlus /  #DisneyPlus #PetsDocumentaryMahen Bonetti: Instagram: @AfricanFilmFestNYWIFT: Instagram:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT

We are still feeling inspired by our Muses and their powerful words at the 45th Annual NYWIFT Muse Awards. This week, we have interviews straight from the red carpet!Hear from Muse Honorees Teen Vogue Editor in Chief Versha Sharma, Director Lisa Cortés, Actress Marissa Bode, CNN EVP for talent at CNN Originals and Creative Development for CNN Worldwide Amy Entelis and Producer Celia Costas; plus 2023 Muse Honoree, Author and Host Sandra Lee; Actresses Jessica Sherr and Samantha Mathis; and NYWIFT Board Members Kuye Youngblood and Shruti Ganguly. To be featured on the podcast email us at communications@nywift.org. For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Special thanks to⁠ Elspeth Collard⁠, the creator of our podcast theme song.Link: https://bit.ly/41UQB2MSocial Media:Versha Sharma: IG: @versharma / Twitter/X: @versharmaShruti Ganguly: IG: @shrutirya Lisa Cortés: IG: @misscortes / Twitter/X: @misscortesMarissa Bode:  IG: @marissa_edob Samantha Mathis: IG: @samantham01 / Twitter/X: @samanthamathisSandra Lee: IG: @sandraleeonline / Twitter/X: @sandraleeKuye Youngblood: IG: @kuyelynne Jessica Sherr: IG: @jessica_sherr / Twitter/X: @jessicasherrCelia Costas: IG: @ccelialoveAmy Entelis: IG: @cnn / Twitter/X: @amyentNYWIFT: IG:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / FB: @NYWIFT

This week, meet Muse Honorees director/producer Lisa Cortés and Teen Vogue Editor Versha Sharma! Lisa takes us behind the scenes of iconic projects including Precious, Little Richard: I Am Everything and The Space Race, telling stories that inspire a new examination of figures we thought we knew and push positive change forwards. Versha opens up about her journey coming of age in a post-9/11 world to making history as the first Southeast Asian Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue, helping young people find their voice and highlighting unique voices.We asked our NYWIFT community — who’s your muse? Hear their answers in a special bonus segment!To be featured on the podcast email us at communications@nywift.org. For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Social Media:NYWIFT: IG:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFTLisa Cortes: IG: @MissCortes Versha Sharma: IG: @VerSharma

This week on The NYWIFT Podcast, we’re kicking off International Women’s Month with three women shaping the media industry: co-founder of The Women’s List (www.thewomenslist.org) Jan Kimbrough (NYWIFT Writers Lab participant) and Screenwriter and NYWIFT Member Leah Curney tell us about this game-changing resource for overlooked writers and filmmakers searching for outstanding stories.Founder of the Socially Relevant Film Festival, Nora Armani, shares insider tips on making your film stand out on the festival circuit. Plus, hosts Janine and Katie discuss the latest findings from USC Annenberg’s study on women’s representation in film, and offer up their Oscars-themed animated streaming recommendations!The USC Annenberg ReportTo be featured on the podcast, email us at communications@nywift.org.For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Social Media:The Women’s List: IG: @thewomenslist / Twitter/X: @TheWomensList / Threads / BlueSky Leah Curney: IG: @leahcurneyNora Armani: IG: @noraarmaniSocially Relevant Film Festival: IG: @srfilmfestnycNYWIFT: IG:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT

This week, we spotlight two incredible directors:• Samantha Knowles, director of Disney+’s Harlem Ice, a 5-part documentary series following the inspiring young women of Figure Skating in Harlem as they prepare for competitions, performances, and a life-changing global experience. This groundbreaking organization is the first of its kind, creating unparalleled skating-based opportunities for Black girls.• Zenabu irene Davis, director of Compensation, a powerful and ambitious portrait of the struggles faced by Deaf African Americans and the complexities of love at the turn of the twentieth century.To be featured on the podcast, email communications@nywift.org. For more great content, visit NYWIFT.org.Social Media:Samantha Knowles IG: ⁠@samm_knowles⁠Zenabu irene Davis IG: @zeinabu_i_davisNYWIFT: IG:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT

This week we spotlight two NYWIFT members: 1:1 Advisory Founder Kerry McCarthy and founder of LC Films Lauren Cooper. Kerry discusses how to get your film funded and Lauren details her journey founding her own production company that prioritizes inclusive creative teams.Plus, hosts Tammy Reese and Penni Malloy-Harper pay tribute to some amazing creatives in celebration of Black History Month! To be featured on the podcast email us at communications@nywift.org.For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Social Media:Kerry McCarthy IG: @mccrthykrrLauren Cooper IG: @laurencooperfilmsNYWIFT: IG:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT

It’s our annual Sundance episode, featuring interviews with two NYWIFT members with projects at the festival: Tammy Reese talks to Adrienne Stern, the casting director for We’re Not Done Yet, and Caitlin Gold, executive producer and the founder of Tanbark Pictures, who heads to the fest with East of Wall. Plus, co-hosts Tammy and Katie Chambers discuss the impact of the California Wildfires. Find NYWIFT’s resources to support those affected at: https://www.nywift.org/california-wildfire-resources/ To be featured on the podcast email us at communications@nywift.org. For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Learn more:Adrienne Stern:IG: @astarcast http://adriennestern.com/Caitlin Gold:IG: @Caitlin_Gold    @TanbarkPicturesTwitter/X:@Caitlin_Gold  http://tanbarkpictures.com/ NYWIFT:IG:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT

Happy Holidays Everyone!  Co-host Margarita Sophia Cortes and special guest co-host Mellini Kantayya are here to bring you the highlights of the 40th Anniversary Muse Awards, which honored Gloria Estefan, Kasi Lemmons (Nancy Malone Directing Award), Ann Dowd, Shoshannah Stern (Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award), Anjali Sud and Jane Rosenthal (Career Impact Achievement Award) and the Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, Anne del Castillo, presented their award to Caroline Hirsch. It was a star-studded gala to say the least! Surprise guests showed up to support including Margaret Atwood and Robert De Niro.  While Mellini was on the red carpet doing her interviews, I was at the table on stage and so the two of us give you the scoop at the event! Plus Janine McGoldrick brings to you a special interviews with Director Lynn Novick and Producer Sarah Botstein to talk about their film COLLEGE BEHIND BARS, which is now airing streaming on PBS.org. Hope you all have a very special Holiday and Happy and Healthy New Year! -- We'll see you in 2020 ! ---- New York Women in Film & Television's Women Crush Wednesdays podcast  please like, share, rate and subscribe!

Happy August! It's still summer, and we still have beach weather ahead of us! On this special Women Crush Wednesdays episode, we have Katie Chambers in the house as our special guest co-host to fill us in on fabulous news at New York Women in Film and Television. Plus our special guest is the talented director, producer, and board member, Kathryn O'Kane. She shares some highlights of the inaugural NYWIFT Summit event, which took place in June 2019 at the Ford Foundation in NYC (Special thanks to the Ford Foundation). And of course, what are we watching? What are you watching this summer? Grab an iced tea and join the conversation! NYWIFT's Women Crush Wednesdays podcast is now hosted by Anchor. Follow along on Spotify and iTunes. Don't forget to follow us on FB, TW and IG for more news!

Happy New Year! We are back with a new look andname: The NYWIFT Podcast, with this week’s hosts Katie Chambers and Janine McGoldrick.Penni interviews Director/Producer Yvonne Russo and EP Amy Kaufman about their powerful Hulu docuseries Vow of Silence: The Assassination of Annie Mae, a harrowing tale about a missing Indigenous woman.And Tammy interviews Costume Designer/Wardrobe stylist Rosemary Lepre Forman, who discusses her lateststar-studded collaboration with filmmaker Ed Burns.To be featured on the podcast email us at communications@nywift.org.For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Social Media:Series IG: @OnyxCollective  @Hulu Yvonne Russo  IG: @yvonnerusso74Yvonne Russo X (Twitter): @yvonnerusso Rosemary Lepre Forman IG: @roseleprestyleNYWIFT: IG:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT

On this week’s episode of NYWIFT’s Women Crush Wednesdays podcast with hosts Penni Malloy-Harper and Tammy Reese, Penni interviews Tom Nesher, Director of Come Closer about her first feature film world premiere screening at the Tribeca Festival. And Tammy interviews Starz Power Book II: Ghost actress LaToya Tonodeo. To be featured on the podcast email us at communications@nywift.org. For more great content go to NYWIFT.org. Special thanks to⁠ Elspeth Collard⁠, the creator of our podcast theme song. Social Media: LaToya Tonodeo IG:@toyofficial X (Twitter): @ToyOfficial Tom Nesher IG: @tom_nesher  NYWIFT: IG:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT

On this week’s episode with hosts Penni Malloy-Harper and Tammy Reese, Penni interviews Award Winning Filmmaker and Documentarian Debra J. Robinson (“Kiss Grandmama Goodbye,” recently restored by the NYWIFT Women’s Film Preservation Fund) as well as “Invisible Nation” Documentary Director Vanessa Hope who documented the first female President of Taiwan. To be featured on the podcast email us at communications@nywift.org. For more great content go to NYWIFT.org. Special thanks to⁠ Elspeth Collard⁠, the creator of our podcast theme song. Social Media: Vanessa Hope IG: @vhopeful X(Twitter): @VHopeful Debra J. Robinson IG: @purpleflowerfilms NYWIFT: Instagram:⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / Twitter/X⁠⁠ @NYWIFT⁠⁠ / #NYWIFT