On January 31st, 2024, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) attended a reception hosted by the Education Office of the Chinese Consulate General in New York. The event commemorated the 45th anniversary of Temple University awarding an Honorary Doctor of Law degree to Deng Xiaoping. The reception was part of a series of events organized by the Consulate to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
NYFA Delegation with Consul General Huang Ping
Consul General Huang Ping underscored Deng Xiaoping’s notable historical impact and the ongoing educational collaboration between the United States and China. The gathering served as an opportunity to reflect on and envision future educational exchanges, fostering the aspiration for the youth to be pivotal contributors and envoys of US-China friendship.
At the event, Education Counsellor Yu Yougen extended an invitation to NYFA faculty and students to participate in academic programs in China in 2024.
Led by Dr. Joy Zhu, Executive Vice President for the Greater China Region, the NYFA delegation exemplified the academy’s dedication to global education and cross-cultural engagement. The delegation also included Dr. Sandra Schein, Dean of Students at the NYC Campus, Carlye Bowers, Director of Campus Life, David Mager, Chair of the Photography Department, and Sheng Lai, Associate Director of Partnerships for East Asia.
Read more about NYFA’s ongoing commitment to bridging cultures on the Academy Blog.
On January 25th, 2024, Consul General Mr. Guo Shaochun and his delegation from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles visited the New York Film Academy’s (NYFA) Los Angeles campus. The delegation included Mrs. Wang Wei; Mr. Li Chunlin, Deputy Consul General; Ms. Sun Xuejing, Consul for Education; and Mr. Guo Jin, Deputy Consul for Education.
Consul General Mr. Guo Shaochun and Mrs. Wang Wei Alongside the NYFA Leadership
During the visit, Consul General Guo commended the NYFA Los Angeles campus for its prime location, advanced facilities, and innovative, hands-on learning approach. He highlighted the significant role of film storytelling in fostering cultural understanding between China and the U.S. and advocated for enhanced collaboration, mutual learning in the film industry and education, and increased cultural exchanges. Emphasizing the value of people-to-people exchanges, particularly among young professionals, he expressed hope for more student exchanges and invited NYFA faculty and students to visit China.
Consul General Mr. Guo Shaochun Alongside the NYFA Leadership Team
NYFA President Michael J. Young warmly received the delegation, reflecting on his recent visit to China and expressing optimism for the future of art and film education in the country. Dr. Joy Zhu, Executive Vice President for the Greater China Region, underscored the decade-long extensive cooperation between NYFA and Chinese educational institutions, which has contributed significantly to the Chinese film and entertainment industry.
Consul General Mr. Guo Shaochun and Mrs. Wang Wei Alongside the NYFA Leadership Team
Consul General Guo and his delegation toured the academy’s teaching facilities with Senior Vice President/Los Angeles Campus Dean Dan Mackler, visited Stage 5 student film sets, and the Universal Studios Lot.
The visit concluded with productive discussions, leading to an agreement on future collaboration, student exchanges, and cultural interactions. The New York Film Academy is excited to further this partnership with its Chinese counterparts, aiming to break new ground in the field.
Read more about NYFA’s ongoing commitment to bridging cultures on the Academy Blog.
Rose Zhang, a talented student in the BFA Acting for Film program at the New York Film Academy’s New York City campus, won first runner-up in the 20th Miss Chinese Beauty Pageant.
Eric Yuen, the event’s founder, expressed pride in the pageant’s evolution over two decades, emphasizing that it transcends traditional notions of beauty, empowering young women to emerge as inspirations and catalysts for positive societal change.
NYFA Alum Rose Zhang is the First Runner-Up in the 2023 Miss Chinese Beauty Pageant
This notable accomplishment demonstrates a blend of dedication and talent, deeply resonating within the NYFA community and highlighting the diverse skills of our students. Zhang’s success in the pageant showcases her adaptability and dedication to excellence. Her achievement exemplifies NYFA’s goal of nurturing and empowering aspiring artists, underscoring the value of varied talents in the arts and entertainment sector.
NYFA Congratulates Rose Zhang on Her Achievement at the 2023 Miss Chinese Beauty Pageant. You can read more about the pageant in this article.
The New York Film Academy (NYFA) is excited to announce the graduation of its first cohort from the Study Abroad Program, a collaborative initiative with the Beijing Film Academy (BFA). This program, hosted at NYFA’s Los Angeles campus, provided a unique combination of NYFA’s hands-on approach with insights into the dynamic global film and entertainment industry.
The inaugural graduates, celebrated for their commitment and talent, have gained a blend of cultural understanding and creative expertise. Their achievements pave the way for future participants in this innovative educational program.
Dr. Joy Zhu, NYFA’s Executive Vice President for the China Region, praised the graduates for their achievements, stating, “NYFA’s educational efforts are dedicated to empowering the next generation of Chinese filmmakers to fulfill their dreams.”
NYFA and BFA are enthusiastic about the continued development and success of their Study Abroad Program. The focus remains on cultivating future filmmaking talent and contributing to the global film community.
Study Abroad Program students celebrating their graduation
As the final moments of 2023 slip away, and we welcome a fresh year, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on our accomplishments.
The New York Film Academy (NYFA) alums, students, faculty, and staff are truly remarkable – matching, if not surpassing, our ambitious goals for the year! To acknowledge these triumphs, let’s raise one last toast, celebrating with an insightful infographic that unveils NYFA’s standout achievements over the past 12 months!
This Fall, President Michael Young of the New York Film Academy (NYFA), along with Dr. Joy Zhu, NYFA’s Executive Vice President for the China Region, was invited to China by the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE). Their visit covered cities including Beijing, Chengdu, and Xiamen, demonstrating NYFA’s dedication to global educational outreach and cultural exchange.
New York Film Academy (NYFA) President, Michael Young, at the China Annual Conference Expo for International Education
In Beijing, President Young was invited as the keynote speaker at the China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education. His presentation, “Cinema and Us: From Inspiration to Reality,” engaged a diverse assembly of education experts from around the world. Dr. Liu Limin, President of the CEAIE, the hosting organization of the conference and expo, and former Vice Minister of Education of China, met with President Young.
At the Beijing Film Academy, the President participated in the International Development Summit Forum and the 23rd Animation Academy Awards. The event was attended by representatives from Canada, France, New Zealand, and other international institutions. President Young emphasized NYFA’s educational values and achievements during his address at the opening ceremony, showing the Academy’s global influence in film and animation education.
New York Film Academy (NYFA) President, Michael Young, at the 23rd Animation Academy Awards of Beijing Film Academy
In Chengdu, President Young’s visit to the Sichuan University of Media and Communications (SUMC) featured interactions with students enrolled in joint degree programs and NYFA alumni who are now teaching at SUMC.
New York Film Academy (NYFA) President, Michael Young, at the Sichuan University of Media and Communications
At Xiamen University, the president met with the university leaders, fostering further collaboration. A highlight was the co-hosted premiere of “Unsettled History: America, China, and the Doolittle Tokyo Raid,” a documentary by NYFA Broadcast Journalism Chair Emeritus Bill Einreinhofer.
This visit underscores NYFA’s commitment to bridging cultures through educational initiatives and the art of storytelling, thereby enriching international dialogue and cultivating collaborative partnerships.
Read more about NYFA’s ongoing commitment to bridging cultures on the Academy Blog.
This October, NYFA was an official sponsor of two major New York City film festivals, the 61st annual New York Film Festival and the 35th annual NewFest. Through our sponsorship, NYFA was able to provide two free screenings at the NYFF for students in the New York City area and support the longest-running LGBTQ+ film festival in New York, NewFest, providing support to keep their festival as large and wide-ranging as it is. NYFA students also received free tickets to screenings at both festivals, as well as discount codes, special access, and chances to speak directly to filmmakers.
NYFA and New York Film Festival
The New York Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals in the United States, running every fall in Lincoln Center, showcasing a worldwide selection of film, mixing together highly anticipated releases, like Bradley Cooper’s Maestro, and smaller, independent films that don’t get a wide release in the U.S. As a Contributing Sponsor of the NYFF, NYFA is able to help ensure that this valuable New York tradition continues in its best form.
NYFF is known for its incredible, diverse documentaries, and that’s why we were thrilled to sponsor screenings of two of the documentaries this year for high school students across the city. Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project is a documentary about the life of poet Nikki Giovanni and the periods of time in which she wrote, from the Civil Rights Movement to the Black Lives Matter movement. Image via People.
The film won the Grand Jury Prize in the Sundance U.S. Documentary Competition this year, and directors Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson arrived after the screening to conduct a Q&A with the students, later joined by a special guest: Nikki Giovanni herself! The following day, NYFF screened Orlando, My Political Biography, a visual reading of Virginia Woolf’s famous 1928 novel Orlando, read by 26 trans and non-binary people as different versions and evocations of the titular character. Reserved strictly for high school seniors and college students, director Paul B. Preciado took questions after the screening and gave NYFA attendees a unique opportunity to learn more about the documentary and filmmaking processes.
Although the New York Film Festival doesn’t do awards, all of the films shown have either won at earlier festivals, will win during awards season, or are at the least worthy of recognition. Some of the highlights of the festival included Todd Haynes’s film May December, starring Natalie Portman and frequency Haynes collaborator Julianne Moore, which opened to rave reviews at the festival’s opening night, director Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli’s final film, The Boy and the Heron, and Ferrari, Michael Mann’s new film, starring NYFA guest speaker Adam Driver.
NewFest
NewFest is the largest film festival in New York dedicated to showcasing films of LGBTQ+ themes. Founded during the height of the AIDS epidemic in 1988, NewFest has always been about hosting a safe space for members of the community to come together and see themselves on screen. Hosting films from all over the world, just like NYFF, NewFest puts priority on showcasing films by women, trans filmmakers, and queer filmmakers both nationally and internationally. Although the festival is NewFest’s biggest program, they host events all throughout the year, including during Pride Month, where they showed the comedic smash-hit of the summer, Bottoms, two months before it was released in theaters. By partnering with NewFest as an Official Sponsor, NYFA helps keep that space alive and amplifies Queer voices while providing our students the opportunity to see these films as well.
Among the free and discounted tickets provided to NYFA students for the festival, NYFA and NewFest partnered to send an alumni ambassador to the festival to document their time at the festival! Filmmaking degree graduate Marian Fragoso was given the opportunity to see ten films at NewFest. Originally from Mexico and attending NYFA from 2021-2023, Marian had attended NewFest in the past and loved the festival. This year, they represented NYFA on Instagram, taking followers along on their journey from film to film. Marian’s favorite film of the festival is Big Boys, directed by Corey Sherman, a coming-of-age story about a chubby fourteen-year-old finding himself developing a crush on his cousin’s boyfriend on a camping trip.
Other highlights from the festival included Rustin, a Netflix film starring Colman Domingo, a biopic set during the Civil Rights Movement, and All of Us Strangers, starring Andrew Scott of Fleabag and Paul Mescal of Normal People, both sure to be hits this Oscar season. Another big hit of the festival was photographer Luke Gilford’s feature film debut, National Anthem, a beautifully shot film starring Charlie Plummer as a construction worker in Texas who joins a community of queer ranchers.
NYFA was thrilled to be a sponsor at these two essential New York-based festivals this year, and supporting these environments is an important goal of our academy.
The film festival director at NYFA, Crickett Rumley, said regarding the festivals, “In the film festival world, fall is peak season, and New York Film Festival and NewFest are two of the most prominent around. Not only did our students get to experience the festivals’ inspiring and beautifully curated programs, they also had the opportunity to network, level up by attending panels and masterclasses, and engage in the unique communities that festivals create to celebrate the art of cinema.”
We were very happy to provide students with tickets to some of the most highly anticipated films of the rest of the year months in advance and keep our students at the forefront of the industry.
The renowned documentary film festival DOC NYC is back for another year. Held annually in New York City, DOC NYC strongly focuses on non-fiction storytelling and provides a platform for filmmakers worldwide to showcase their thought-provoking and impactful work. Over the years, DOC NYC has gained recognition for its diverse lineup of documentary films, including features, shorts, and episodic content, covering various subjects such as social issues, politics, art, and culture. It has become a vital hub for documentary enthusiasts, industry professionals, and filmmakers to engage with the power of real-life storytelling and exchange ideas on pressing global matters.
NYFA at DOC NYC
NYFA is proud to have a number of alums and faculty members with work at DOC NYC this year, including a range of innovative films. See the films from the NYFA community below!
More Than Brothers
NYFA graduate Andrea von Siebenthal is making waves as the director of More Than Brothers, her thesis film from the NYFA 1 Year Documentary Program. The film follows two Green Berets who step up after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan to save their Afghan allies. The short documentary highlights the human cost of political decisions and has been selected as one of the ten student films featured in the DOC NYC U shorts programming this year. A testament to her remarkable talent in the world of documentary filmmaking, More Than Brothers is also eligible for the #MyJustice Film Award by Odyssey Impact.
The film’s cinematographer, Joe Cleary, is a NYFA Docs graduate and a current faculty member in NYFA’s documentary department. The screening of More Than Brothers as part of the “Rebirth” short film selection on November 16th at 3:30 PM at Village East by Angelika.
At The Border
NYFA alums Anais Michel and Braulio Jatar’s At The Border will screen at DOC NYC on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 7:15 PM. Taking place along the border separating Colombia and Venezuela, this film follows Español and Barrabas, two “coyotes,” individuals involved in human smuggling, and how they navigate the treacherous landscape surrounding them. Through the directors’ unobtrusive observational approach, the film provides insights into the profound motivations that drive individuals to embark on perilous migration journeys. The result is a raw, unyielding, and intellectually stimulating exploration of their harrowing experiences.
Michel and Jatar are co-directors and producers. Michel additionally takes on the crucial role of film editor, and Jatar shines as the film’s dedicated cinematographer. Joining them as a fellow graduate of the NYFA Docs 1-Year Conservatory program is Julia Cheng, who is also a producer. Their collective efforts exemplify the rich talent and collaborative spirit nurtured by the NYFA documentary community. Johanna Hausmann, a Comedian, writer, and actress, serves as the Associate Producer.
Patria y Vida: The Power of Music
NYFA Documentary alum Nerea Crespo is a screenwriter known for films like Lady Tamara (2022) and Sergio Ramos (2021). Her latest work, Patria y Vida: The Power of Music, will be screened at DOC NYC. Beatriz Luengo, the filmmaker behind this project, is a versatile Spanish artist and entrepreneur who calls Miami home. Her illustrious career showcases her remarkable talents across various creative disciplines, encompassing music, acting, dance, and singing. She is known for her portrayal of Lola Fernández in the Antena 3 series “One Step Forward” and her significant contributions to the musical ensemble UPA Dance, stemming from the same show’s success.
Obsessed with Light
Obsessed with Light, which will premiere at DOC NYC, features Sabine Krayenbuhl,NYFA Docs Master Class Faculty, as the Co-Director/Editor. Krayenbühl is a highly acclaimed editor with a portfolio of over 20 theatrical documentaries and narrative features. Her work has graced prestigious film festivals worldwide, demonstrating her exceptional talent. Notable among her achievements is her contribution to the Oscar and Independent Spirit Award-nominated film My Architect, which earned her a well-deserved American Cinema Editors (ACE) Eddie Award nomination.
Krayenbühl’s extensive filmography includes Mad Hot Ballroom, a documentary that ranked among the top twenty highest-grossing in its genre. Krayenbühl has contributed her editing insights to Salinger as a consultant and, more recently, to Eric Steel’s Kiss the Water, a co-production with BBC Films. NYFA faculty member Claudia Raschke is the additional Director of Photography for Sabine’s film Obsessed with Light.
Yours in Freedom, Bill Baird
Claudia Raschke is the Director of Photography for Yours in Freedom, Bill Baird. Raschke, an instructor in documentary filmmaking at NYFA, has a remarkable 30+ year career in the industry. In 2011, she left a significant mark by serving as the cinematographer for the Oscar-nominated documentary God is Bigger Than Elvis, which delved into the life of actress Dolores Hart. This project set the stage for Raschke’s future success, as she went on to serve as the director of photography for several acclaimed films, including the Emmy award-winning RBG on the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Peabody Award-winning Black Magic on ESPN, and Oscar short-listed works like Mad Hot Ballroom, Particle Fever, Atomic Homefront, and The Freedom to Marry.
Notably, just before the acquisition of Twitter by tech mogul Elon Musk, Raschke was immersed in the production of Land of the Giants: Titans of Tech, a five-part documentary series for CNN+ that explores the world’s most influential CEOs and their profound impact on our global landscape.
NYFA’s Tracie Holder Moderating at DOC NYC
NYFA Faculty Tracie Holder, a versatile figure in the world of film, is a filmmaker and producer. As a distinguished 2016 Sundance Creative Producers Fellow, Holder’s extensive career includes serving as a longtime consultant for Women Make Movies, acting as the Development/Funding Strategist for Abby Disney’s Fork Films, and previously holding a board position at NY Women in Film. Her producing credits encompass notable films such as Grit (Hot Docs/POV), Small Town Universe, and the upcoming Give It a Shot?.
This year, Tracie will be moderating two DOC NYC PRO panels, including:
Join the dynamic director-composer duos of Kris Bowers and Katya Richardson (known for their work on The Last Repair Shop) and Amy Nicholson and Troy Herion (collaborators on Happy Campers) in an engaging discussion. They’ll explore the dialogues and connections that give rise to fruitful partnerships between directors and composers. Guiding the conversation is the seasoned filmmaker Tracie Holder, who will provide her unique insights and lead the conversation.
This panel dissects the concept of fair use within the realm of documentary filmmaking, especially in light of the significant Supreme Court ruling in the case of Andy Warhol Foundation v. Goldsmith. Legal experts from Frankfurt Kurnit, Caren Decter, and Melissa Georges will delve into how this landmark case has reshaped the landscape of artistic expression and copyright. They will also analyze the profound implications it holds for the creation and distribution of documentary films. This conversation offers invaluable insights into the boundaries of fair use, the opportunities it presents, and responsible strategies for navigating this complex terrain.
Wednesday, November 15, 1:45-3:00 pm
Tell Your Story at NYFA
Develop your expertise in documentary filmmaking by honing vital skills such as directing, editing, screenwriting, producing, and cinematography. At NYFA, budding storytellers can dive deep into their chosen discipline using our hands-on approach. Within a collaborative and nurturing atmosphere, students create their own compelling documentaries and content. Explore our specialized areas of study or get in touch with our admissions team for more information.
The Nordic International Film Festival (NIFF) returned to New York City for its ninth year, running from October 18th – 22nd. NIFF, the largest Nordic film festival outside of Europe, aims to “build bridges between the Nordic region and the international film community.” The festival included Nordic, international, documentary features and shorts. When making its selection, NIFF curates independent films from various genres that account for both the Bechdel test and Vito Russo, ensuring the diversity of every festival.
At this year’s festival, NIFF hosted the world premiere of three documentary shorts, including Yawash, Yawash, The Journey, and Bodies of Water. These films were amongst many other innovative and compelling feature and short films from Norway, Poland, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, and more.
NYFA at the Nordic International Film Festival 2023 (NIFF)
Scandinavia House and Fotografiska hosted the NIFF this year, which included a filmmaker’s lounge at Scandinavia House. Guests were invited to mingle between screenings and enjoy various Nordic vegan food and beverages. The festival also commits to creating zero non-recyclable waste at the festival. Scandinavia House, located a few blocks from Grand Central Station in Manhattan, routinely runs Nordic-themed events in the visual arts, including films, exhibitions, and talks.
The subject matter of the films ranged from economic disparity, following a woman on a quest to pick up a free grill after her electricity is turned off for non-payment, to a couple who move into a new apartment and notice something peculiar about their neighbors – apparent doppelgangers of themselves. This year’s selection of films demonstrates the immense talent of filmmakers chosen for the 2023 festival. Prizes included a retreat to Smygehuk Lighthouse, located in Trelleborg (in collaboration with Film i Skåne.) The illustrious Aurora Borealis prize winner is awarded a 4-Week Filmmaking Workshop at NYFA to further their skills in visual storytelling.
2023 Winners and Recognition
Soft, a film that challenges the connection between three friends when one of them goes missing, won the award for Best International Feature this year. One Minute, the fictional short exploring the topic of time and doppelgangers, took home the Aurora Borealis award. Previous winners of the Aurora Borealis award include Unity of Opposites (2022), directed, produced, and written by Alfred Hedbratt, Director Lisa Meyer for Birds of Passage (2021), and Director Nicolas Kolovos for Index (2020). Additional winners at the 2023 festival include Bubble for Best Nordic Feature, Annie Forever, Best Nordic Short, Katherine Skibsted for Best Director (AnnieForever), and Golden Land for Best Documentary Feature. NYFA congratulates all winners and participants of NIFF!
About NIFF
The festival, founded in 2015 by NYFA alumni Linnea Larsdotter (Mikkelä) and Johan Matton, showcases the passion and enthusiasm of up-and-coming narrative storytellers, mostly from Nordic countries. Larsdotter, an actor and producer, is an NYFA 2-Year Musical Theatre program alum and now film festival president. Linnea gives the following advice to aspiring filmmakers hoping to get their films admitted to prestigious festivals.
Through Linnea’s enthusiasm and dedication, NIFF, based in New York City, creates a platform for artists to represent the region with stories and characters demonstrating Scandinavia’s rich culture and scenery.
The Future of Scandinavian Filmmaking
Scandinavia, a region that includes Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, and Åland, is experiencing impressive growth in the filmmaking industry. Countries like Iceland, the location for films like The Northman (2022), have grown by 85% over five years, showing promise for aspiring visual artists hoping to make their mark abroad. Triangle of Sadness (2022), by Swedish director Ruben Östlund, was nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Motion Picture, Best Achievement in Directing, and Best Original Screenplay.
Get Started in Filmmaking
Looking to build skills in directing, editing, screenwriting, producing, cinematography, and more? In our hands-on programs, aspiring visual storytellers can immerse themselves in their chosen craft, creating their own films and content in a collaborative, supportive environment. Learn more about our available degrees, programs, and short-term workshops today! Prospective students can explore our areas of study or request information from our admissions team.
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