DOCFEST ‘24
REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR THIS YEAR’S DOCFEST
These films from the Documentary Specialization class of 2024 combine journalism and character development with cinematic narrative. Some of them have already been admitted to festivals, and others remain in the midst of the distribution process.
Join us for the film festival from the 16 filmmakers in the Class of ‘24 on December 6th from 5:00 to 8:00pm and Dec 7th from 12:00 to 6:00pm.
We look forward to seeing you!
THE FILMS
Tide and Time
Directed by Naeem Amarsy and Natalie Ruiz-Pérez
Screens live at 5:30 pm on FRIDAY, Dec. 6
Q&A with filmmakers to follow
As he approaches his 85th birthday, a famous nature conservationist reflects upon his legacy preserving the disappearing ecosystem of New York City’s largest wetlands.
METTLE
Directed by Chelsea Casabona and Surabhi Sundaram
Screens live at 6:30 pm on FRIDAY, Dec. 6
Q&A with filmmakers to follow
“METTLE” follows the remarkable journey of Liana Mutia – a blind Filipino-American judoka – as she trains for her second Paralympics, aiming to become the first American woman to bring home the gold in para-judo.
Storytime
Directed by Holly Lehren and Katie Cline
Screens live at 12:00 pm on saturday, Dec. 7
Q&A with filmmakers to follow
“Storytime” delves into the battle over drag story hour in New York City. Exploring the motivations of both LGBTQ+ advocates and right-wing opponents in greater depth than ever before, “Storytime” shines a light on the individuals behind the movements.
That's On Period
Directed by Carla Mende and Nishtha Shanti
Screens live at 1:00 pm on saturday, Dec. 7
Q&A with filmmakers to follow
Chantal Alison Konteh fights an uphill battle against stigma, ineffective legislation, and scarce funding to combat period poverty in NYC, where 200 women depend on her every month. This documentary sheds light on a deeply personal struggle representative of a systemic issue affecting 1 in 3 menstruators in the US.
Windows of the Flyway
Directed by Audrey Karnan and Maurice Oniang’o
Screens live at 2:45 pm on saturday, Dec. 7
Q&A with filmmakers to follow
In the heart of New York City, a dedicated volunteer navigates the concrete jungle’s deadly impact on birds, collecting fallen victims and rescuing the wounded each morning during migration seasons, while finding solace and beauty in Central Park. Through her eyes, the film explores the city’s harsh realities and hidden natural wonders, revealing a poignant connection between the urban and natural worlds.
Absence of Me
Directed by Neha Sati and Refael Kubersky
Screens live at 3:45 pm on saturday, Dec. 7
Q&A with filmmakers to follow
“Absence of Me” tells the story of exiled Iranian artist Esha Sadr, who uses her artwork to resist Iran’s totalitarian regime from Washington, DC. Through her creations – old clothing infused with memories and bricks symbolizing her lost home – Esha confronts the duality of absence and presence, asking herself: “Where do I exist now?”
On Our Block
Directed by Astrid Useche and Chloe Barlow
Screens live at 4:40 pm on saturday, Dec. 7
Q&A with filmmakers to follow
The decade-long turf war between “The 900” and “The Hoolies” in Bed-Stuy didn’t start with Wesley Jeffreys and Jason Bostic, but they’re determined it ends with them. The two former rivals embark on an unprecedented journey, guided by a former Bloods member turned mentor, to end the gun violence and hate tearing their community apart.
The Encampment
Directed by Kira Boden-Gologorsky and Gaia Caramazza
Screens live at 5:30 pm on saturday, Dec. 7
Q&A with filmmakers to follow
“The Encampment” captures the historic protest movement that unfolded inside Columbia University and ignited the rest of the world, told through the key activists who organized it all.
With intimate access to the Columbia Gaza Solidarity encampments, a building occupation, and two NYPD sweeps, this film utilizes over 60 hours of unseen footage to offer a nuanced perspective on the movement that overtook the world.
