Page 2 – NYFA

History Made at Tribeca: NYFA Alum Mohamed Diab and Sarah Goher’s Film Happy Birthday Sweeps Awards for International Film

This year’s Tribeca Film Festival featured historic wins for New York Film Academy alum and board member Mohamad Diab—and the New York Film Academy (NYFA) community had a front-row seat to witness it.

Students from NYFA were given the incredible opportunity to attend a screening of Happy Birthday, a groundbreaking film co-written and produced by NYFA alum and board member Mohamed Diab alongside his wife, the immensely talented director and co-writer Sarah Goher. The film, set in the heart of Cairo, captivated audiences and judges alike, earning three prestigious awards, a feat never before achieved by an Egyptian film at Tribeca.The 2025 Tribeca Film Festival awards for the film Happy Birthday included:

Best International Feature
Best International Script
Best Female Director

The film is a tender and bold coming-of-age story. Set in Cairo, Happy Birthday follows Toha, an 8-year-old child maid who’s never had the chance to celebrate her own birthday. Determined to experience the joy of the occasion, she sets out to throw the perfect party—not for herself, but for someone else. As her bond with her employer’s daughter deepens, the narrative delicately explores themes of friendship, class, and childhood innocence in the face of social inequality.

This screening was a special opportunity to see a beautifully crafted film from the NYFA alum. Following the screening, attendees were treated to an impromptu masterclass in storytelling and filmmaking as Diab generously took time to engage with NYFA students in a NYC sidewalk Q&A session, offering candid insight into his creative process and journey through the international film landscape.

“It was a thrill to take current NYFA students to see the work of my esteemed alum premiere at Tribeca, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world!” said Crickett Rumley, Senior Director, NYFA Film Festival Department. “Mohamed [Diab] said he’d be happy to speak to students after the screening, and he more than delivered—we had a ‘flash mob film school’ on the corner of 19th and Broadway for almost an hour! What a way for him to pay it forward to the next generation of NYFA filmmakers.”

As NYFA continues to nurture the next generation of filmmakers, moments like these highlight what’s possible when creativity, community, and collaboration come together. Diab’s time and generosity to share his knowledge exemplifies the importance of mentorship, storytelling, and giving back—all core values at the heart of the NYFA experience.

Congratulations to Mohamed Diab, Sarah Goher, and the entire Happy Birthday team on a historic sweep at Tribeca, and for demonstrating the transformative power of film.

NYFA Participates in 2025 International Academic Forum on Short Videos and AIGC

On May 25, the New York Film Academy participated in the International Academic Forum on Short Videos and AIGC, hosted by Shanghai Normal University. The forum brought together global academic and industry leaders to explore how AI is transforming media and cultural exchange.

Matt Galuppo, Chair of the Media Arts Department at NYFA’s LA campus, joined virtually and shared insights on how AI is shaping emerging trends in Hollywood. NYFA’s participation reflects its commitment to innovation in film education and to strengthening international partnerships through academic exchange.

NYFA Was Proud To Sponsor the New York Film Festival, American Black Film Festival, the Nordic International Film Festival, and New Filmmakers LA

In 2024, NYFA was an official sponsor of four major film festivals in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami, including the 62nd annual New York Film Festival, the10th Annual Nordic International Film Festival, the Latinx and Hispanic edition of New Filmmakers LA and the American Black Film Festival in Miami, FL. Through our sponsorship, NYFA was able to provide two free screenings at NYFF for students in the New York City area, provide a scholarship and student access to NIFF, provide students access to the events and screenings at New Filmmakers LA, and host two NYFA instructor-taught master classes on our Miami Campus with the American Black Film Festival.

New York Film Festival

The New York Film Festival, held each fall at Lincoln Center, is one of the most esteemed and longest-running festivals in the United States. It features a global selection of films, blending highly anticipated releases—such as Sean Baker’s Anora and Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist starring Adrien Brody—with smaller, independent films that often don’t reach wide audiences in the U.S. As a Contributing Sponsor, NYFA proudly supports this cherished New York tradition, helping to ensure its continued excellence.
NYFF is known for its incredible, diverse documentaries, as well as showing brand-new restorations of important past films, which is why NYFA was thrilled to sponsor screenings of each this year for high school and college students across the city. Union chronicles the Amazon Labor Union’s historic 2022 effort to unionize a Staten Island warehouse, highlighting the struggles, resilience, and leadership of workers in their fight for job stability. Directors Brett Story and Stephen Maing were on hand after the screening to conduct a Q&A with the students and answer their in-depth questions on the filmmaking process. Later during the festival, NYFF and NYFA screened a newly-restored Compensation, a 1999 independent film, a decades-spanning epic following the lives of two African-American couples, one in the early 1900s, the other parallelling in the 1990s. A former teacher, the film’s director Zeinabu irene Davis was able to offer students intelligent conversations about how to make independent films during the in-person Q&A following the screening – essential information for any student filmmaker!

NYFA Admissions talks with students at the screening of Compensation
Courtesy of Film at Lincoln Center, Photos by Colleen Sturtevant — NYFA Admissions talks with students at the screening of *Compensation*
Courtesy of Film at Lincoln Center, Photos by Colleen Sturtevant

Nordic International Film Festival

The Nordic International Film Festival (NIFF), held annually in New York City, celebrates the best in Scandinavian and international cinema while fostering connections between filmmakers and industry professionals, and the festival director, Linnea Larsdotter, is a NYFA alum. As a proud sponsor, NYFA was thrilled to contribute to this year’s dynamic event, showcasing its commitment to the global film community. Our collaboration included an exclusive interview for NYFA with NIFF Festival Director and NYFA alum Linnea Larsdotter, highlighting her inspiring journey and contributions to the festival’s success.

NYFA’s involvement also provided unique opportunities for its students and faculty. NYFA New York students, all first-year BFA students, attended screenings and a special networking event, thanks to the efforts of Linnea Larsdotter and NYFA faculty. At the festival’s Closing Event, NYFA faculty member Lauren Brickman proudly presented an award, further underscoring NYFA’s active participation in celebrating filmmaking excellence. This partnership continues to strengthen NYFA’s mission of fostering the next generation of storytellers while supporting platforms like NIFF that champion diverse voices in cinema.

New Filmmakers LA

NYFA has been sponsoring New Filmmakers LA’s monthly festivals all year, and in September 2024, NYFA Los Angeles students, along with Crickett Rumley, Senior Director of NYFA’s Film Festival Department, attended New Filmmakers LA’s Latinx and Hispanic focused film festival. Students were able to walk the red carpet and network with some of the biggest up-and-coming filmmakers in Los Angeles, as well as other student filmmakers in the metro area. NYFA recent graduates Marian Fragoso and James Valdez had their thesis films showcased at the event, which our current students were thrilled to see. NYFA is proud to continue this ongoing partnership. New Filmmakers LA and NYFA collaborate on festivals for each month of the calendar year, supporting the best of diverse cinema each month. New Filmmakers LA also screened NYFA Alumni Andrea Figueroa Chavez’s film at their January 2025 festival.

American Black Film Festival

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event celebrating Black talent and stories, held in South Beach, Miami, Florida, near NYFA Miami’s campus. The 2024 festival featured three master classes, including workshops by NYFA instructors Patrice DeGraff-Arenas and Miguel Parga on acting and low-budget filmmaking. Writers Mike Gauyo and Amy Aniobi led a TV screenwriting session, and NYFA alum Issa Rae was the festival’s Creative Director. NYFA students had the opportunity to volunteer at the festival, and attend screenings of films like Swoon and Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black. They also joined conversations with Rae and the cast of All American and All American: Homecoming, making the festival an exciting opportunity for the students to network and learn.

NYFA instructor Patrice DeGraff-Arenas teaches an acting masterclass to ABFF attendees

“Many of our students are new to the professional film industry, so attending quality festivals not only gives them an opportunity to watch films by new and emerging filmmakers, it also provides a solid foundation for what to expect when they start submitting their films. Both New Filmmakers LA and Nordic International are known for their beautiful programming and support of young filmmakers, and of course, New York Film Festival is a landmark institution that all aspiring filmmakers should attend,” said Crickett Rumley, Senior Director of NYFA’s Film Festival Department.

NYFA was thrilled to be a sponsor at these film festivals, having representation on the national stage and supporting alumni films, as well as continuing to partner with the festivals for networking events and special screenings. By providing opportunities for our students to attend important film festivals near all of our U.S. campuses, NYFA is able to provide students with unique experiences in one of the most important aspects of the industry for independent filmmakers.

NYFA–Xiamen University Joint Degree Program Approved by China’s Ministry of Education

The New York Film Academy is pleased to share that our joint degree program with Xiamen University (XMU) has been approved by China’s Ministry of Education. The program is now ready to welcome its first group of students in China.

Founded in 1921 by well-known philanthropist Mr. Tan Kah Kee, Xiamen University is one of China’s top universities, known for its academic excellence and international partnerships. Located in the coastal city of Xiamen, the campus is also recognized as one of the most beautiful in the country.

This partnership is an important milestone for NYFA, strengthening our presence in China and across Asia. By working with a respected institution like XMU, we aim to offer students a global film and media education. We look forward to welcoming future storytellers in China through this program.

NYFA Hosts Premiere of Your Serve or Mine

On April 30, New York Film Academy hosted the premiere of Your Serve or Mine, a new Public TV documentary that traces the origins of U.S.-China diplomacy to a historic ping-pong encounter in 1971. Directed by Emmy Award-winning producer and NYFA Broadcast Journalism Chair Emeritus Bill Einreinhofer, the film revisits this surprising moment in history and the people-to-people connections it inspired, which remain vital today through exchanges between American and Chinese college students.

In his remarks at the premiere, NYFA’s President Michael Young thanked Mr. Einreinhofer for bringing the film back to NYFA, where faculty members serve as both educators and practicing professionals. He also reflected on the Academy’s long-standing partnerships with colleges and universities in China. Dr. Joy Zhu, NYFA’s Executive Vice President for the China Region, added that the film “highlights the power of people-to-people connections—the kind that continue today through the exchange of students, educators, and professionals across all fields.”

For more information about the documentary, please visit: https://www.yourserveormine.com

Buena Vista Social Club Documentary Screening and Q&A with Saheem Ali

Buena Vista Social Club Documentary Film Screening and Q&A with Broadway Director Saheem Ali at NYFA, in Partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Nuestro Sonidos Season

On April 7, 2025, the New York Film Academy’s New York campus was honored to host a special screening of the iconic documentary Buena Vista Social Club, followed by an engaging Q&A with Buena Vista Social Club™ Broadway show director Saheem Ali. Presented in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Nuestro Sonidos season, the event, which was open to the public, offered all who attended a rare and enriching opportunity to explore the intersection of music, culture, and storytelling across film and theater.

The evening began with a screening of Wim Wenders’ 1999 Academy Award-nominated documentary film, which chronicles the revival of Cuba’s golden-age musicians as they come together under the name Buena Vista Social Club. The film’s heartfelt portraits and mesmerizing performances set a powerful tone, reminding audiences of music’s ability to transcend borders and generations.

Buena Vista Socia Club Doc Film Screening Event Signage

Following the screening, theater director Saheem Ali took the stage for an intimate and thought-provoking conversation moderated by Randall Dottin, NYFA Screenwriting faculty member and Chair of Film Arts. Ali shared his vision for the new Broadway adaptation, offering insight into the creative process of bringing the legendary story from screen to stage. He discussed the responsibility of honoring the music and cultural legacy of the original artists while crafting a theatrical experience and storyline that resonates with modern audiences.

The Buena Vista Social Club™ Broadway musical is inspired by true events and brings the Cuban musicians of the Buena Vista Social Club and their music from the self-titled Grammy® Award-winning album to life. The musical was developed and directed by the Award-winning, Saheem Ali, with a cast of talented performers including NYFA Musical Theatre alum, Ilda Mason, as well as leads Natalie Venitia Belcon (Omara), Julio Monge (Compay), Mel Semé (Ibraham), and Jainardo Batista Sterling (Rubén). A world-class band joins the sensational cast of musicians, actors, and dancers from across the globe for an authentic and unique experience.

Presented as part of Carnegie Hall’s Nuestro Sonidos (“Our Sounds”) season—a festival celebrating Latin American music and heritage—the event underscored NYFA’s ongoing mission to provide students and the community with access to industry professionals, culturally significant works, and interdisciplinary collaboration.The evening was a vibrant celebration of music, storytelling, and cultural history, and it served as a powerful reminder of the impact of cross-medium collaboration. The New York Film Academy is grateful to Carnegie Hall and the Buena Vista Social Club™ musical team for this collaborative partnership and to Saheem Ali for sharing his time, expertise, and creative insight.

NYFA Signs MOU with Future Film Institute at the 2025 Beijing International Film Festival

Beijing, April 20, 2025 — Dr. Joy Zhu, Executive Vice President for Global Partnerships at the New York Film Academy, participated in the 2025 Beijing International Film Festival, where she attended the unveiling ceremony of the newly established Future Film Institute and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore future collaboration opportunities.

The event highlighted a shared vision for the future of filmmaking, particularly the growing role of artificial intelligence. A diverse range of activities focused on film, animation, and AI drew global film experts, cultural industry leaders, and higher education professionals, who gathered to discuss the integration of AI technologies into the cinematic arts. Dr. Zhu’s participation reflects NYFA’s ongoing commitment to international exchange and its mission to prepare the next generation of storytellers to succeed in an increasingly dynamic creative landscape.

Autism in the Arts Event in Honor of April Autism Awareness Month

In honor of April being Autism Awareness month, NYFA New York students had the opportunity to meet, hear from, and see work from talented actors and filmmakers, Sue Ann Pien and Bella Zoe Martinez, along with producers Andy Raffi and Melissa Martinez-Raffi and moderated by NYFA faculty member and Producer Darren Dean. The screenings of Once More, Like Rain Man and an episode of As We See It, followed by a Q&A focused on how characters with Autism are portrayed in film and TV and the challenges that actors with Autism face when auditioning for roles.

Actors, filmmakers, and family from the short film Once More, Like Rain Man, posing with NYFA President Michael Young and faculty member, Darren Dean

Sue Ann Pien is best known for her lead role as Violet in Amazon Prime’s original series, As We See It, which garnered her two awards nominations, including a Gotham Award nom for Best Performer, and a nomination for Best Lead Performance at the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Pien directed the film short Once More, Like Rain Man which was written by and acted in by Bella Zoe Martinez.

Once More, Like Rain Man follows Zoe, a 13-year-old Autistic actor, as she frustratingly bounces from one audition to audition in attempts to be cast as autistic character – only to be told she’s, “Not what we’re looking for”.

Based on the real-life experiences of Belle Zoe Martinez, the film shares a timely, authentic, and often painful window into the world of how people with Autism and other disabilities are depicted in the studio system and Hollywood.

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After the screenings, the guest speakers participated in a Q&A session where NYFA students were able to ask questions about the film, tv episode, and the industry. The guest speakers talked about their work, as well as, the portrayals of autistic characters and the experiences of actors and filmmakers with Autism in Hollywood and the film and tv industries.

Chinese Consul General Chen Li Visits NYFA in New York

On February 24, Mr. Chen Li, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in New York, visited the New York Film Academy’s New York Campus and met with NYFA President Michael Young. They discussed the Academy’s longstanding collaboration with Chinese higher education institutions and explored ways to enhance cultural exchanges, promote faculty and student visits, and expand academic partnerships.

Consul General Chen praised NYFA’s hands-on learning approach and strong reputation in film and media education. During his visit, he toured NYFA’s Filmmaking, Photography, and Musical Theatre departments, engaging with students and faculty representatives.

The visit reinforced NYFA’s commitment to international collaboration and underscored the vital role of cross-cultural exchange in shaping the next generation of creative professionals.