NYFA alum Abraham Amkpa’s thesis film Lift (2022) has been selected as a finalist for the Fine Cut Festival of Films. His film will be broadcast on KCET on September 22nd. Amkpa, who studied MA in Film and Media Production, wrote and directed the film, which follows two competing Nigerian weightlifters trying to gain US citizenship. Amkpa’s film was also screened at the Los Angeles-based Micheaux Film Festival.
Filmmaker Abraham Amkpa’s Road to NYFA
Abraham was born in French West Africa and moved to New York City when he was 14. His introduction to the world of performing arts was inspired by his father, a versatile artist with talents spanning acting, playwriting, and filmmaking. To pursue his passion for storytelling further, Amkpa attended NYFA Los Angeles and graduated with a Master’s degree in Film and Media Production.
Drawing inspiration from his mother’s compassionate nature and her role as the owner of a private school in socioeconomically disadvantaged Niger, Abraham developed a profound appreciation for the human experience on a global scale which led him to attend NYFA Los Angeles and earn his graduate degree. He attended NYFA Los Angeles for his graduate degree. Today, he conveys these narratives through the mediums of acting, writing, and directing. Amkpa has also appeared on television shows such as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013), Fresh Off the Boat (2015), The Carmichael Show (2015), Bob Hearts Abishola (2019), as well as voice acting in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022).
Submitting to Film Festivals: The Benefits
Submitting a film to festivals offers several benefits for both emerging and established filmmakers. Films that screen at festivals are seen by industry professionals, critics, and fellow filmmakers, allowing directors to get valuable feedback. Festivals are also a great place to network, opening the door to valuable connections.
While festivals can be highly competitive, winning awards at prestigious film festivals can significantly boost credibility and open doors for future projects. It’s also a way to distinguish work in a competitive industry. Films that generate buzz may attract distribution offers that can help filmmakers reach a broader audience. Festivals can also help filmmakers build a dedicated fan base for their work. Attendees who resonate with a film may become long-term supporters and follow the future projects of the filmmaker. It’s important to note that not all films will get accepted into festivals. However, even the process of submitting work can be a valuable learning experience, and persistence can eventually lead to successful festival runs.
Learnings The Ins-and-Outs of Film Festivals
Did you know that NYFA has a Film Festival Department? This department aims to foster active participation in film festivals and the broader industry beyond the confines of academic life, while also providing valuable assistance to students and recent graduates throughout their film festival submission journey. Current NYFA students can collaborate with the festival department to create a film festival strategy for their project, learn how to avoid rookie mistakes and get advice on how to distinguish less impactful film festivals. During the process, students can also reach out for ongoing assistance as they submit to and get selected for festivals.
Create Your Passion Project at NYFA
At NYFA, students like Abraham also gain experience in directing and filmmaking through hands-on projects and exercises. Examples of the types of film projects graduate students may complete include Mise en Scène, Continuity, Montage, POV, and more. To learn more about the degrees that NYFA offers, request information or explore our programs.
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