January 31, ’12
The list of films for first Short Program of the year is more validation the intended focus of NYNL is becoming ever sharper.  Filmmakers in the initial program created, original, vanguard films with one thing in mind: tell the story each saw in his and her minds eye.  Things continue to evolve and our goal to create a top notch fest of films is just a step closer.
Feb. 22nd goes down as thus:
AN ACCIDENTAL MONK,  Ehsan Ghoreishi dir. (U.S.)
THE CRIMSON ROOM, Martin Sharpe dir. (Australia)
DOROTHY, Eros Romero dir. (Australia)
ELKO, Alexander Yan dir. (U.S.)
THE GAY WHO WASN’T GAY ENOUGH, Linzi Knight dir. (Canada)
GROUNDED, Kevin Margo/Barrett Meeker dirs. (U.S.)
HIGH MAINTENANCE, Shawn Wines dir. (U.S.)

December 9th
Saturday the Dec 10th marks the last program of the year for NYNL, relationships seems to be the running reflection here in this program, the indelible yet difficult to tame emotions of human relationships.  Jef Taylor takes a long look into the lake of past relationships in AFTER YOU LEFT, as man in his thirties tries to make sense of his failed attempts at love.  Emma Burch, all the way in from London brilliantly takes a poke at a Mum and her daughter in BEING BRADFORD DILLMAN, as the daughter tries to make sense of "boys" in her life.  Its a animated romp and something tells me it won’t be the last one hears of Ms. Burch.  Joel Fendelman takes it a bit further and turns his attention to look at what divides and  binds us with DAUD, as a young Muslim boy searches for friendship in New York City.  Jim Vendiola uses DRIFT to look at two souls clinging to the notion"the one" may exist in the urban setting of Chicago and the love ads of Craigslist.  

Andrew Patrick Ralston and Ryan Rickett take a lighter look at things with IN LOVING MEMORY OF CHAD, as they introduce a roommate who is rather uptight, secluded and has trouble fitting in to the new house; not from a Craigslist ad I wouldn’t say.   From across the sea, Ivan Glavachev takes us to NARVA, a future world or perhaps a modern world; he dreams of men lost in a war, unsure of the future and forgotten by time.  Finally we have Kelsey Stark and her take on a journey through the un-conscience as she demystifies life and its eternal meaning in LGFUAD, you will be left asking a few questions after the trip.

Please join us for the after party on Saturday December 10th, at 4th Down Brooklyn.  Looking forward to this weekend.   

December 6th 2011
Been awhile since checking in here, but back to give a preview (of sorts, more a teaser) of the Friday December 9th films.  In this first year we are ecstatic to present films that reach such sensitivity and skill.  The lineup on Friday the 9th reaches across an ocean of film genre and delivers the best of what independent filmmakers are about.  From the stunningly succinct and playful BARBEE BUTCHER by Sophie Lagues and DESPERATE CROSSING by MinSeok Jeon, to the Lars Von Trier-ish (yes Lars) LIN by Piers Thompson, you’ll be left with a lot to think about with this program. New York filmmaker Eliza Hittman touches the audience with the ultra realism and perception of FOREVER’S GONNA START TONIGHT, Eliza will have a lot to say about the female ethos in years to come.  The same goes for Mary Gillen and her peek into the life of a young woman in COHETES trying to make sense of the foreign world around her.  

Ruben Amar doesn’t back down from anything with his take on the day in the life of a young Palestinian boy in CHECKPOINT.  Young New York filmmaker Bobb Barito shows he’s someone film festivals will hear from in years to come with the psycho-drama/horror LEAD ME TO THE CLOUDS.  Australian filmmaker James Boldiston does his take on the life of a boxer recalling his rage in the face of regret in LEATHER.

Jonathan Seligson explores the ether and the Great Beyond in the animated BEAST OF HEARTS, its a trip one won’t soon forget.  

Special thanks to our jury, who have gone above and beyond the call with dedication and generosity.  NYNL hopes to see you there, its been a long great year and the yes, the Summit is near and we’re ready to plant the flag on this one.  We most especially thank the filmmakers who submitted and for letting us showcase the great films.  

October 3rd 2011
After some degree of difficulty, and taking a hard look at all of our options to find the right vibrant venue for NYNL 2011 Fall Film Series we have nailed it down.  NYNL is pleased to announce a partnership with indieScreen in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY.  The premiere year end showcase includes two short film programs unreeling December 9 & 10 at 7:30pm each night.  indieScreen is the perfect fit for NYNL, its professional set up will give emerging filmmakers who squeeze it out on micro budgets a chance for the all-pro feel.  Thank you to the good people at indieScreen for helping us get it done.

The Line Up 
AFTER YOU LEFT

BARBEE BUTCHER

BEAST OF HEARTS

BEING BRADFORD DILLMAN

CHECKPOINT

COHETES

DAUD

DESPERATE CROSSING

DRIFT

FOREVER’S GONNA START TONIGHT

HAPBA

IN LOVING MEMORY OF CHAD

LEAD ME TO THE CLOUDS

LEATHER

LGFUAD

Stay tuned for ticket info and reception and after party info.

August 21 2011
The NYNL format for the upcoming series weekend this Fall will include approximately 8-10 films chosen as the best of from the Winter, Spring and Summer Series.  The Fall lineup of films will also include about 6-10 new films from the recently submitted crop.  The entry deadline for the Fall lurks around the corner and we are excited about the overall lineup; the diversity and skill of the filmmakers working on micro budgets is spectacular.  All of Fall films are thrown into the potpourri of films in competition.  In other words, all of the shorts in the Fall fest/series are eligible for the NYNL Best Short moniker.  The winner of the NYNL best of will be chosen by our astute jury of artists.   

We have not nailed the dates in, but look for it to happen about mid November, just as the weather gets nice and crisp.  Look for the dates and venue to be posted this week.  We are looking at a couple of special spots in our native Brooklyn, we intend to get just the right ambience.  If you have submitted your film for the upcoming deadline, we want to say thank you so much and can’t wait to see the film.  If you’re thinking of submitting, please do.

July 26th 2011
NYNL wants to thank the filmmakers who screened films in the Summer Series.  Wish all of you could have attended and had a chance to respond to the audience.  When a artist has a shot to verbalize his or her ideas with an audience we hope new insights can be made by the filmmaker.  With that, hearing other filmmakers discuss his or her own process, sometimes very simple and problem solving, can be encouraging.  It was a pleasure to meet Eliza Hittman, Daniel Stine, Ed Blythe, Michael Lavine and Jef Taylor humbly and enthusiastically interact with us and the audience.  

A quick update about the Fall Series: we hope to have actual dates for the Fall Series in the next 10 days.  Additionally by the end of August we will be making several other announcements about the Fall series and beyond.  We hope to keep this Nynl popping and pressuring up in the positive for filmmakers, so please if you have a hankering to throw in your work, please go for it.

July 11th 2011
It’s hard to believe, as time fly’s but we are just a few days away from the 2011 Summer Series.  We believe that once again, it delivers a diverse, potent line up of short films with very unique content.  We aim to offer short films that, for the most part, many people do not come across.  Additionally, we believe the format is exciting, because the audience does not necessarily know what types of films he or she will be seeing at the series – we design the programs to be a mix up of different genres.  Looking forward to getting audience feedback with this lot.  The program screens several very honest, but funny drama’s that have great imagination with; Sundance participant AFTER YOU LEFT by Jef Taylor, GOD AND VODKA by Daniel Stine and SWAN DIVE by Michael Lavine.  Michael does a great job of building the tension in SWAN DIVE and he makes sure you care about what the character is experiencing.  Daniel shows a great touch and ability to tell a love story without getting sentimental, and the acting is great.  From what we’ve seen of Jef’s work, he does a great job of simply making the film he wants to make, he doesn’t necessarily want people to ‘like’ his films and he’s very honest with himself in his work. 

On the international side, we have the tense stomach churning of SIEBTER TAG from Germany/France and the eye opening documentary A CAMBODIAN SNACK.  SIEBTER TAG dives into a very complex issue with a tragic plot-line, but does it with great humanity as well.  

Jef and Michael are New York filmmakers who will be in attendance. Daniel will be in attendance as well for the brief Q&A following the screening. That is about it for now, please check back tomorrow for more about this weekend and a bit of a preview of Saturday’s great line-up.

May 23rd 2011
We are very happy to once again usher out the great short films we will be presenting at the screening series.  Many great short films came thru the tunnel on this go around and it took more time and effort to make sure we considered each film carefully for inclusion. We hope all the filmmakers continue on creating films, as I think we watched a lot of shorts that proved many great talents are out, many great stories are there to be seen.  Making a great short film is delicate business, very detailed and skill oriented; particularly shorts that are on the micro budget diet.  But ingenuity can win the day, and many of the submissions we fortunate enough to receive proved just that.  It’s also an honor that we receive so many submissions from just about everywhere in the world and its humbly to be able to watch skilled simple stories that might originate from the other side of globe.  
The Line-Up for the NYNL 2011 Summer Film Series
A CAMBODIAN SNACK –  Garret Atlakson dir., US

AFTER YOU LEFT –  Jef Taylor dir., US 

BOFFIN & BOFFIN –  Ed Blythe dir., US

DANIELS ASCHE –  Boris Kunz dir., Germany

DILLI –  Sushmit Gosh, Rintu Thomas dirs., India

FRIDAY NIGHT TIGHTS –  Jooni Park dir., US

FOREVER’S GONNA START TONIGHT –  Eliza Hittman dir., US

GOD AND VODKA –  Daniel Stine dir., US

LOVE BIRDS –  Brian Lye dir., Czech Republic

SIEBTER TAG –  Nadine Voss dir., France/Germany

SWAN DIVE –  Michael LaVine dir., US

5 MINUTES EACH –  Vojin Vasovic dir., Canada/Serbia Montenegro

 

April 26th 2011
The deadline for the 2011 Summer Series is quickly approaching and we are very looking forward to putting this upcoming program together.  Our hope is that the program inclusion becomes more and more competitive and that is what is happening.  We want to be known for quality and showcasing films that take risks.  In fact, our aim is to make that quality, the daring factor of a film the main component of inclusion.  It is good to know that we aren’t obligated to program films that attract star power, but films that exude quality and skill under budget constraints.  We know many films, probably about 90% of the films we receive are produced with budgets under $10,000.00, yet the films we program are a great example of creating a great film without massive amounts of money.  Filmmakers please get your film to us; no frills here, just great short films.

March 30th 2011
The 2011 Spring Series exceeded our expectations.  The line-up was stellar, with the entire program being; funny, entertaining and thought provoking.  The Q & A’s after the screening blocks were lively and just proved that folks love to get insight about great films.  It’s always a great feeling when the filmmakers are able to make an appearance and several were able to do so.  Summer is just around the corner and the Series will return.  The fun continues on very soon.

March 24th 2011
The talk back is set for tomorrow night.  We have several of the directors appearing for a post show discussion.  But I just wanted to mention that tomorrow, March 25th; we have a world premiere at The Wild Project: SIGNS (Israel) Tamar Nethanel, director (Tamar unfortunately can’t make it).  SIGNS is a moving short film that for me spoke of letting go of the pain, ideals and realizing that life cannot be encapsulated; its humanity that persists.  I’m also very much looking forward to hearing Patty Nelson discuss her process for the very funny HANDLET (U.S.).  Once seen, one will know what I am speaking of; Patty sort of distilled social network dating or modern dating: she takes a look at neuroses as it dominates our relationships; very funny stuff.  DAUD (U.S.)is another great example of filmmaking at its best, I think. DAUD director Joel Fendelman uses the camera as buffer between his observations and real life and in turn shows us what he came up with; a very thoughtful short film (that he is making into a feature) about a young boy and his journey to know himself.  EAT ME (U.S.) brings a new twist to the Zombie horror genre; more funny stuff from Rocco Nivisoccia- I love to hear what motivates horror directors.  BROOKTON HOLLOW (U.S.) is a fantasy, almost experimental short about self discovery and being true to who you are despite what is around.  I’m looking forward to hearing more from Joshua Smith about Brookton and the unique way the story unfolds.  LOVE CHILD (Sweden) Daniel Wirtberg, director; is also on the docket, a wonderful and light-hearted short about a little girl fighting for her parents attention.  LAMENT FOR A TOY FACTORY, Caleb Allen director, offers some psychotically creative music video fayre tomorrow as well, if you want to know where a film comes from; this is the one. Diego Otero explores the feeling every New Yorker has felt on a subway train, anger and disgust I suppose and Diego nails it with HOLD THAT TRAIN.

March 22nd 2011
We will be hosting a talk back with the filmmakers who will be on hand after each program block this weekend.  Thus far; Daniel Belkin, Dona Hernandez, Ruben Amar, Joshua Smith, Jeffrey Nesker, Brooke Sebold and several other filmmakers will be on hand to discuss each of their films.  It’s always great to hear the perspective from the filmmaker.  It’s an informative & informal good time after the sets, and its always cool to spotlight perhaps an emerging filmmaker.  See you soon.

March 1st 2011
The lineup is set.  Thanks to all the filmmakers who sent his or her film for consideration. Many of the films were excellent, but we can’t necessarily find a place for each film.  We believe the films we selected as part of the program continue our goal to screen diverse, innovative and risk-taking films.  Part of our desire is to program films of different flavors and showcase them next to one another.  The full program is below.   We look forward to, hopefully, meeting as many filmmakers as possible.

Friday, March 25th-8PM
  Brookton Hollow; Directed by Joshua Smith
  Daud; Directed by Joel Fendelman
  Eat Me; Directed by Rocco Nisivoccia Jr.
  Handlet; Directed by Patty Nelson, Wes Hurley
  Hold That Train; Directed by Diego Otero
  Lament For a Toy Factory; Directed by Caleb Allen
  Love Child; Directed by Daniel Wirtberg
  Signs; Directed by Tamar Natanel

Saturday, March 26th-5PM
  A City Symphony Underground; Directed by Catherine Stratton
  I’m Right Behind You; Directed by Jeffrey P. Nesker
  Street Hassle; Directed by Roger Davidson
  Street Justice; Directed by D.R. Hernandez
  This is Don; Directed by Dan Bowhers, Matthew Maguire and Vandal Truong
  When’s Lunch; Directed by Sarah-Rose Meredith

Saturday, March 26th-8PM
  After the Snow; Directed by Brooke Sebold
  Checkpoint; Directed by Ruben Amar
  Clemency; Directed by Joseph Albanese
  Freaky Saturday Night Fever; Directed by Etienne Goldet
  I Don’t Want 2 B Ur Friend; Directed by Daniel Belkin
  The Language; Directed by Tobias Stretch
  LGFUAD; Directed by Kelsey Stark

February 24th 2011
We’re inching closer to finalizing the lineup for Spring. Very excited about all the films, as with the Winter Series it’s going to be a very diverse program. Many female filmmakers jumped on board with this series and we are very happy about it. We hope to the film series that programs the most cutting edge films around.  Stay tuned for Monday the 28th, we’ll kick it off.

January 9th 2011
The lineup for the first series is in and we are very excited about the films we received and the diverse, risk-taking row of films for the weekend of January 28.  Thank you to all filmmakers who submitted.  We know making these films are visions of passion and the money often times comes out of the wallet of the directors.  Our goal is to diversify the portfolio, but mainly to screen daring films; films that throw caution to the breeze and jettison off the cliff of faith.  We are happy to say we think we got it.  NYNL wants to cover the spectrum of film styles and we think we delivered.  The number of international films on the list is impressive and we hope to keep hearing from you.  Here are the list of films, directors included.  Congrats and we hope to see you in a few weeks. I

• Cafe; Directed by Norman Magden
• Come Sit Stay; Directed by Jody Oberfelder
• Drift; Directed by Jim Vendiola
• Holy Sheep; Directed by Taira Ebihara
• Juzzo; Directed by Spencer Davids
• Sync; Directed by Ein Chang
• Taste; Directed by Yvonne Grzenkowicz
• Voyeurnet; Directed by Stuart Parkyn

• Astronaut; Directed by Andrey Chegodaev
• Bloody Mary Christmas; Directed by Claudio Centimeri
• The Burying Beetle; Directed by Dave Rock
• Deriva; Directed by Angel Tirado
• The Fantastic Adventures of Cloudman; Directed by Phoebe Parsons

• Beast of Hearts; Directed by Jonathan Seligson
• Bottles; Directed by Jon Stout
• Coverage; Directed by Jef Taylor
• Leather; Directed by James Boldiston & David Richardson
• The One About the Sheep; Directed by Toby Roberts
• The Rainbow Room; Directed by Igor Yankilevich
• Waffle; Directed by Rafael De Leon Jr.

January 3rd 2011
The Winter Series is just around the corner and we are locked down and viewing the submissions several times over; in order to give each film equal consideration. All the submissions for the Winter Series were very strong and we are extremely excited to announce the final program. Tune back in soon for the program announcement!

December 9th 2010
We are very pleased with the submissions received so far. Please keep them coming and don’t hesitate to send us an email if you have a question about your film. We are adding some cool new things to the premiere to make it a diverse, interesting and fun weekend of films. NYNL is going to be pushed to the max and we want to see all filmmakers get a chance to be seen in our grand city.

We also would like to invite anyone who wishes to get involved be it the filmmakers, a sponsor or if someone just wants to help to give us a buzz via email.