Hello dear film friends,
It’s unbelievable how much our world has changed in just a week. I know you’re all feeling it. I couldn’t have imagined at the end of February, as we were gearing up for screenings, panels, and events to celebrate Women’s Month that we’d suddenly find ourselves in a city/state/country where cinemas were closed and film festivals cancelled - and that’s just concentrating on the industry part of it. Here we are in New York, home-schooling a kindergartener, and watching things change by the minute.
As most of you know, I approach the work we do with positivity and pro-activeness. Frankly, it’s tough right now. I’m devastated at the unimaginable (although, promise, temporary closure) of Nitehawk and every other cinema in New York. I’m heartbroken over the filmmakers who are concerned about their hard-won films being seen, distributed, and reviewed. It’s overwhelming. I’ve made the decision to take this time to pause and truly consider what the future of film looks like; what do we want it to be? It’s scary and daunting but it’s also very hopeful.
We’re gathering our thoughts and huddling together with our FOFIF family to determine how best to stay connected with each other and with you during this unprecedented moment. In fortuitous timing, I had guest-curated a week of short films for our friends NoBudge and that launches on Monday. It’s a wonderful collection of shorts from the 2019 Nitehawk Shorts Festival. I have also gathered a wonderful list of films to watch online recommended by the brilliant FOFIF filmmakers. I may be sending out more newsletters than previously to stay in touch and keep you updated (and maybe even entertained). We do have good news to report soon - like our four new fund recipients!
I know there is a lot of pain, nervousness, and uncertainty in the film community right now. I don’t have answers but I look forward to getting through the questions with all of you. Stay in touch, email anytime.
With gratitude,
Caryn / The Future of Film is Female
