SVA’s 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.  Guests can enjoy a special selection of music videos by Amanda DiMartino (BFA 2017 Film) 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.

Wednesday 9/17/25

7:30PM Pay or Die (2023)

Scott Alexander Ruderman (MFA 2016 Social Documentary) co-directed this incredibly relevant documentary that explores the crushing financial reality for insulin-dependent Americans living with diabetes.  Following the film, join Ruderman for a conversation about the award-winning documentary and his personal journey living as a diabetic.  Preceded by the NYC premiere of the short documentary The Hemingway (2024), co-directed by the film’s subject, Patrick O’Brien (BFA 1996 Film and Video).   Click here to RSVP.

Thursday 9/18/25

7:30PM 7 Beats Per Minute (2024) – NYC Premiere!

The National Film Board of Canada presents the NYC premiere of this astonishing, award-winning documentary about freediving champion Jessea Lu, who nearly died during a world-record attempt.  Join director and fellow freediver Yuqi Kang (MFA 2016 Social Documentary Film) for a discussion following the film.  Preceded by the NYC premiere of short films produced by OHuo Studio’s Song Lu and Fan Yu, alumni from SVA’s MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media program.   Click here to RSVP.

Friday 9/19/25

8:00PM SVA Premieres: Best of 2025

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 9/20/25

2:00PM Common Side Effects (2025)

Join show co-creator Joseph Bennett (BFA 2008 Fine Arts) and assistant editor Joie Lim (BFA 2021 Animation) of Green Street Pictures for a screening of multiple Season One episodes of this 2025 Emmy-nominated Adult Swim animated series, which follows former high school lab mates as they unravel a conspiracy involving big pharma and the government.  Preceded by the world cinematic premiere of DB Edmunds’ music video Can You Feel It? (2025), directed by Stephen Jablonsky (BFA 1993 Photography, MFA 1995 Photography and Related Media).   Click here to RSVP.

7:30PM Raoul’s, A New York Story (2025)

Direct from a sold-out run at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, this documentary examines the history behind the iconic Soho restaurant Raoul’s.  Join co-directors Greg Olliver (BFA 1996 Film and Video) and Karim Raoul, the restaurant’s owner, for a delicious chat after the film.  Click here to RSVP.

Sunday 9/21/25

2:00PM The Wild Robot (2024)

DreamWorks presents their Academy Award-nominated animated film about an intelligent robot stranded on an uninhabited island.  Following the film, hear from five artists who brought this film to life — Angela Arzumanyan, Charlotte Bae, Nyoung Kim, Lisa Qingyi Liu, and Adam Rosette — alumni from SVA’s three animation, computer art, and visual effects departments.  Click here to RSVP.

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

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