SVA’s 2023 Alumni Film & Animation Festival

Featuring some of School of Visual Arts’ most accomplished film, television, animation, and visual effects alumni, this multi-day festival will include screenings and Q&A’s with industry insiders that offer behind-the-scenes looks at the world of television and cinema. A full schedule and list of participants is below (subject to change) and can also be found at svatheatre.eventbrite.com.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.  RSVPs via the Eventbrite pages linked below are appreciated, but not necessary, and do not guarantee entrance — all events are first-come, first-served.

Doors will open approximately 30 minutes prior to each screening, and guests can enjoy music videos by Vashtie Kola (BFA 2004 Film and Video) in the lobby while waiting to enter.

All events are free and open to the public and take place at SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011. Directions, as well as local restaurants, hotels, and attractions, can be found here.  SVA Theatre does not offer concessions, but will offer water to guests.

If you would like to attend any of these events, but require assistive devices and/or accommodations, please email [email protected] or call 212-592-2980 at least one week prior to the event.

Thursday 9/21/23

7:30PM The Stroll (2023)

Direct from the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, this award-winning documentary offers an historic account of the nearby Meatpacking District, as told from the point of view of transgender sex workers who lived and worked there.  Join co-director Zackary Drucker (BFA 2005 Photography) for a conversation following the film.  Preceded by the short film Keeping Up with the Claus (2021), by writer-director Jaanelle Yee (MPS 2017 Directing).  Click here to RSVP.

Friday 9/22/22

8:00PM SVA Premieres: Best of 2023

School of Visual Arts spotlights exceptional live action, documentary, and animated shorts by its most recent graduates. Join many of the filmmakers and artists, who will be in attendance.  Click here to RSVP.

Saturday 9/23/23

2:00PM Nimona (2023)

See this Netflix animated hit on the big screen!  Set in a futuristic medieval world, the film follows a knight striving to prove his innocence while working alongside a mischievous teen who happens to be a shapeshifting creature he’s sworn to destroy.  Join SVA alumni artists Hannah Roman (MFA 2016 Computer Art) and Toba Siebzener (BFA 2014 Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects) after the film, as they discuss how their behind-the-scenes artistry brought the film to life.  Preceded by the animated short Hang Out 2Day (2022) by Sam Grinberg (BFA 2013 Cartooning).  Click here to RSVP.

7:30PM Call Jane (2022) / Under G-d (2023)

Based on a true story set in 1960’s America, Call Jane follows a married woman who turns to a group of suburban women to find help obtaining an abortion.  Preceded by the award-winning short documentary Under G-d (2023), and followed by a conversation with both films’ respective cinematographers, Greta Zozula (BFA 2010 Film and Video) and Jenni Morello (MFA 2011 Social Documentary Film).  Click here to RSVP.

Sunday 9/24/23

2:00PM The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) in 3D

Everyone’s favorite plumbers try to save Princess Peach in this hit animated film by Illumination Entertainment.  Storyboard artist Jeff Mednikow (BFA 2005 Animation) and clearances manager Jon Kovel (BFA 2004 Film and Video) will introduce the film.  Click here to RSVP.

We would like to thank our promotional partners, including:  Asian American Arts Alliance, ASIFA-East, Center for Communication, New York International Children’s Film Festival, New York Women in Film and Television, Visual Effects Society, and Women in Animation.

Please contact [email protected] with questions. Guests and films subject to change.

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