NYWIFT Announces New and Returning Board Members for 2023-2024 The accomplished group of documentary and narrative filmmakers, producers, and educators joins the non-profit’s dynamic leadership team   Clockwise from top left: NYWIFT Board Members Sirad Balducci, Christina Kiely, Amenya Makuku, Kuye Youngblood, Joyce Pierpoline, and Neyda Martinez   New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is pleased to announce the results of its 2023 Board of Directors elections. As a non-profit 501c3 public charity, NYWIFT is governed by a board of directors elected by the membership. Board members serve on committees in the areas of Development, Membership, Communications, Programming, Special Events, and Advocacy and Education. Six spots on the board have been filled, with one new member and five returning members:   New Board Member: Neyda Martinez: Neyda Martinez is a producer, strategist, writer, and a long-time cultural worker who explores the role of art in public life while centering social justice and cultural equity. Selected in 2023 as a Sundance Woman to Watch x Adobe Fellow, and a Faculty Fellow for the Mellon Initiative for Inclusive Faculty Excellence, her current documentaries in production include Bartolo and A Chasm in Chinatown. Presently, Martinez is an Associate Professor in the School of Media Studies, Director of the Media Management Graduate Program, and Co-Director of the Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative at The New School.   Returning Board Members: Sirad Balducci: Sirad Balducci is an independent feature film producer based in New York with over 25 years of experience. As one of the founders of the Give Film Foundation, Balducci strongly believes in the profound power of film to make a social impact. Her award-winning short film Generation Lockdown, which she wrote and directed, sheds light on the traumatic psychological effects experienced by children in the face of the gun epidemic. Christina Kiely: Christina Kiely has been producing and directing documentaries for over 25 years. Most recently she has been executive producing #whereisPengShuai for Vice News Documentaries. Other credits include ABC News’ first digital documentary series, A Murder on Orchard Street, and the accompanying hit podcast; the ABC News documentary series NYPD 24/7 (Emmy nomination); In the Jury Room; ABC Primetime Mondays; the A&E Biography of Yo-Yo Ma; Code Blue (TLC); Rights & Wrongs: Human Rights Television (PBS); and documentaries for the U.N. International Labor Organization. Amenya Makuku: Amenya Makuku is an independent producer and the Head of Development and Production for Courtney Lee-Mitchell’s 4th Power Films (FX’s Kindred), with previous tenures at Edward Norton’s Class 5 Films, where she worked from development through physical production on Thanks for Sharing, and FilmNation Entertainment, where she worked on Oscar-nominated Room and Arrival. She just wrapped production on Craig Webster’s Woman in the Cabinet. Joyce Pierpoline: Joyce Pierpoline is an award-winning producer and founder of Pierpoline Films based in New York and Paris. Her most recent film, The Listener, starring Tessa Thompson and directed by Steve Buscemi, premiered at the Venice Film Festival this year; other films include The Transfiguration; Sundance award-winning cult favorite Teeth; Happy Tears; Angelica; and the award-winning In the Company of Men. She also serves on the board of BAFTA-North American, where she is Chair of the Film Committee, and she is the co-founder of the Producers Guild of America’s Women’s Impact Network. Kuye Youngblood: Kuye Youngblood is an Emmy award-winning producer with experience in scripted, documentary, stand-up comedy, and concert captures with a focus on series, shorts, and features. Formerly the Head of Development and Production, she is currently the General Manager of the BRIC TV network. Her EP work has screened at Tribeca, Sundance, The Lower East Side Film Festival, New Voices in Black Cinema, Hot Docs, ABFF, UrbanWorld, Bentonville, Bushwick Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival, and Seattle International Film Festival, among others. “We are thrilled to have welcome back this powerhouse group of returning board members to the NYWIFT leadership team, bringing their energy, passion, and insight to drive forward NYWIFT’s mission of equity and inclusion. And we are so excited to welcome new board member Neyda Martinez, whose contributions to New York City’s educational and cultural institutions are unparalleled,” said NYWIFT CEO Cynthia Lopez. “We are thrilled to welcome back this powerhouse group of returning board members to the NYWIFT leadership team, bringing their energy, passion, and insight to drive forward NYWIFT’s mission of equity and inclusion. And we are so excited to welcome new board member and friend Neyda Martinez, whose contributions to New York City’s educational and cultural institutions are impressive and her creative spirit has been instrumental in helping filmmakers accomplish their goals,” said NYWIFT CEO Cynthia Lopez. “The NYWIFT board made a commitment during a strategic plan more than seven years ago to diversify our board, and we are so proud that the board is now 65% diverse with creative talent from across the documentary, narrative, podcasting, and television industries.” “This is a critical time in our industry as we face an important moment of reckoning and support our friends and colleagues who are striking for a better, safer, and more equitable working environment. This moment calls for a smart, strategic, and innovative group of industry leaders driving the conversation forward, and it’s exciting to have such dynamic group of NYWIFT Board Members on the team to listen to, guide, and support our members who are working toward positive change,” said NYWIFT Board President Leslie Fields-Cruz.  Learn more about the NYWIFT Board of Directors at nywift.org/about/board-of-directors.

Join the conversation on social media:  #nywift | @nywift NYWIFT programs, screenings and events are supported, in part, by grants from New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature. Updated: Sep 25, 2023

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In Toronto ?? Catch the New York Woman in Film & Television Virtual free hangout!!!

Gather together online with your NYWIFT colleagues at our February 2023 virtual speed networking mixer. We will be joined by our friends from WIFT Toronto! Come ready to share creative ideas, suggestions, and contact info for further engagement. We will begin the evening with a ten-minute salon conversation to discuss WIFT Toronto’s latest opportunities and initiatives, followed by about 90 minutes of speed networking, during which you will be randomly paired off with other attendees to network one-on-one. This is a great opportunity for NYWIFT members to network – internationally! – with their WIFT sisters.  NYWIFT will also offer a discount on membership to any new members who attend that evening. NYWIFT hangouts are a safe space to ask entertainment related questions, seek advice, employment and other industry opportunities. Prep your elevator pitch and get ready to make connections! As always, all members are welcome and encouraged to attend and mix, mingle and get to know our dynamic and talented members and staff in an informal setting. DATE Tuesday, February 28, 2023 TIME 6 – 7:30 PM ET PLATFORM Zoom Free to attend.  RSVP Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, February at 3 PM ET in order to attend.  About WIFT Toronto Founded in 1984, WIFT Toronto is a member-based, not-for-profit organization. We are passionate individuals who are dedicated to the education, engagement and empowerment of our members at all stages of their careers in the screen-based media industry.  Our mission is to build and advance the careers of our members by providing professional development, peer support, and mentorship. Our vision is to be a leader in building an equitable, inclusive and accessible screen-based media industry. Our three E’s are Educate | Engage | Empower About NYWIFT New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) connects, educates, and advocates for women to accelerate diversity in media. As the preeminent entertainment industry association for women in New York, NYWIFT energizes women by illuminating their achievements, presenting training and professional development programs, awarding scholarships and grants, and providing access to a supportive community of peers. NYWIFT is part of a network of more than 60 women in film organizations 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.

Join the conversation on social media:  #nywift | @nywift NYWIFT programs, screenings and events are supported, in part, by grants from New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature. Updated: Feb 24, 2023

Event Information NYWIFT Virtual Hangout with WIFT Toronto Date/Time:  Tuesday, Feb 28, 2023 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM  Location:  Virtual Free Program    Register » (opens in new window) #newyorkwoneninfilm&tv#fineartmagazine#fiearttvfun