Welcome to NYWIFT Talks, a weekly series to bring updated news and vital information about the impact of COVID-19 on the media and entertainment industry. Industry professionals will be in conversation discussing what you need to know about theatrical releases, digital advances, virtual tools, festival opportunities, production updates and more.

NYWIFT Talks are free for all to attend.

SXSW was the first 2020 festival to cancel due to the spread of COVID-19 but now they are back. They were soon joined by Tribeca Film Festival, Nantucket Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival, and more. They strived to continue to champion filmmakers so they teamed up with Amazon to present 2020 titles through their streaming app.

But, this year, they are back — virtually. We are joined by SXSW leaders Janet Pierson (Director of Film) and Claudette Godfrey (Senior Programmer) to discuss what SXSW looks like, how the pandemic affected them, and what they are doing to reclaim that momentum for filmmakers.

Moderated by Easmanie Michel, NYWIFT’s Special Projects Associate.