NYICFF Industry Forum 2020: Towards an Inclusive Future

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On Friday, February 28th, TAP staff and Animation Intensive interns had the honor of attending the New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF)’s Industry Forum 2020: Towards an Inclusive Future held at SVA Theater.

“This year, [NYICFF] recognized the need and value of bringing a brilliant community of content creators, producers, distributors, students and educators together for an authentic exchange, to look at inspiring media for all ages, and how diverse and inclusive storytelling and production practices strengthen the artistry and reach of this work.” (Nina Guralnick, NYICFF Executive Director and Maria-Christina Villaseñor, NYICFF Programming Director)

The day kicked off with opening remarks from our amazing partner, Anne Del Castillo, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), followed by a fascinating keynote from Julie Ann Crommett, Vice President of Multicultural Audience Engagement at The Walt Disney Studios and Secretary and Inclusion Committee Co-Chair at Women In Animation (WIA).

Then, it was time for the first panel discussion: Singular Stories, Multiple Viewpoints, where we witnessed beautiful presentations from and engaged in a thought-provoking Q&A with:

  • Karen Rupert Toliver - Producer, Academy Award©-winning short film HAIR LOVE and Executive Vice President, Creative, SONY PICTURES ANIMATION

  • Peilin Chou - Producer, ABOMINABLE and Chief Creative Officer, PEARL STUDIO

  • Dice Tsutsumi - Founder, TONKO HOUSE, Co-Director of Academy Award©-nominated short THE DAM KEEPER, and Director of upcoming Netflix series ONI

During the coffee break, our interns chatted with Karen Rupert Toliver! We’d be lying if we said we weren’t a little star struck, especially intern and apprentice A.B. who is a huge fan. Thank you for your time and graciousness, Karen!

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The day concluded with the second panel discussion: Animate NYC, where we got to see collective projects from and engaged in an interesting Q&A with:

  • Kim Diaz - Director of Production & Development, SESAME WORKSHOP

  • Sarah Mullervy - Emmy Award©-winning Producer, SVP of Creative, SILVERGATE MEDIA

  • Stephanie Simpson - Emmy, BAFTA and Annie award winning Head Writer and Co-Executive Producer of HILDA, Head Writer and Executive Producer of THE OCTONAUTS, and Head Writer of ARTHUR

  • Gerta Xhalo - Director of Production, TED-ED

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NYICFF knows “how impactful it is for kids to see themselves reflected on screen and that it is equally important for them to see cultures beyond their own. Through film, they develop empathy, gain an appreciation of storytelling, expand their curiosity, and consider possibilities that may shape their own futures.” (Guralnick and Villaseñor). We couldn’t agree more!

We left the day feeling inspired and ready to continue our mission of increasing diverse representation in the animation sector, one we share with our friends at NYCIFF.

stephanie Syfert