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AFI Conservatory Alumni in the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival Lineup
The Tribeca Film Festival has announced the official lineup for its 25th edition, scheduled for June 4–15, 2026. We are excited to highlight AFI Conservatory Alumni who are premiering new projects throughout the festival, with entries featured in the Spotlight Narrative, U.S. Narrative, and Shorts Competition categories. If your film is included in this year’s program and isn’t mentioned, please contact us at Alumni@AFI.com – we’d love to celebrate your accomplishment. SPOT
Dear Stranger
DEAR STRANGER centers on Kenji Saiga, a Japanese architecture professor in his forties striving to revive his academic career at a university in New York, and his wife Jane, a Taiwanese-American puppeteer clinging to the vestiges of a once-promising career. The couple struggles under the weight of parenthood, caring for Jane’s elderly parents, and financial instability. Their already strained relationship is pushed to the breaking point when their 4-year-old son, Kai, suddenl
DUKLA
Set against the violent backdrop of the Dukla Pass battles, an unconventional romance develops between a young Roma man and a German officer—two individuals from opposing factions and diverse backgrounds. This impactful and innovative film, characterized by its unique visual poetry and evocative atmosphere, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile boundary between love and hatred, and the consequences when ideology triumphs over humanity. The art film project is an except
Across The Years
This film, created to mark our nation’s 250th anniversary, unveils an untold story of America, narrated through the voices and legacy of one of its founding families. American history began not with the Pilgrims, but with visionaries and exiles—individuals who crossed the ocean seeking possibility rather than purity. Their narrative reminds us that democracy is fragile, tolerance and liberty require constant defense, and true freedom demands the humility to extend it to other
The Price of Wings
In the post-Reconstruction South, seventeen-year-old August Lowry exchanges his family's heirloom locket for a bicycle that promises liberation—but this transaction triggers an ancient curse. As the monstrous Sorrow Kin emerges to reclaim what was lost, August and his family confront the haunting consequences of ambition and the weight of inherited obligations. The Price of Wings is a Southern Gothic story of yearning, heritage, and the peril of confusing freedom with flight.
HOW WE SEE
How We See is a short docu film project. The film presents the deeply personal and moving narrative of Tom Monte, a blind musician and piano tuner, who has been navigating the streets of Manhattan for over fifty years. Despite facing unimaginable loss—including the deaths of his two children and his wife, Rita Montauredes, who battled glaucoma—Tom's resilience and quiet courage continue to shine. His journey exemplifies perseverance, dignity, and the enduring strength of the
Behind The Door
"Behind the Door" is an award-winning narrative short film featured at the NY Independent Art Film Festival, directed by Nodar Marshanishvili from Georgia. The film intricately unfolds the life of Temo, a Georgian immigrant and skilled locksmith who has successfully established a quiet and seemingly content existence in the bustling city of Berlin. This new life, however, is constructed on the foundations of his past, which he has meticulously avoided confronting. The narrati
THE LAST RECKONING
THE LAST RECKONING emerged from a timeless question: Do we receive what we deserve? The project was a nominee of NY Independent Art Film Fest for best independent film and best cinematography. A renowned lawyer conspires with his rash brother to conceal a manslaughter, but when an innocent person is accused, their scheme unravels, leading to a moral confrontation and unavoidable judgment. Garnet Campbell is a Canadian filmmaker whose perspective has been influenced by the qu
Discover Award winning Talents of New York Independent Art Film Fest
The New York Independent Art Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing a diverse range of indie genres, including drama, documentary, animation, and more, fostering creativity and innovation by offering unique perspectives to a global audience. The festival holds annual screenings at the Producers Club theatre and seasonal showcases, promoting indie arthouse films worldwide. It features competitive seasonal IMDb qualifying contests that recognize outstanding contributions in s
THE MAN OF THE TREES
Daniel Balima is an experienced horticulturist from Tenkodogo, a small town in the Sub-Saharan region of Burkina Faso. He resides there with his large family and has been working since his birth 67 years ago. As a child, Daniel contracted polio, and despite growing up without the use of his legs, he managed to follow his father in the family nursery by walking on his hands. Daniel worked with immense passion and skill, turning his disability, which often defines destinies in
Movies Set in New York
New York City has been the setting for numerous iconic films. Some of the most famous include "West Side Story," "Taxi Driver," "Breakfast at Tiffany's," and "Do the Right Thing" . These films highlight different facets of the city, from its lively culture and bustling streets to its gritty side. Below are some well-known movies set in New York City, organized by theme: Classics & Musicals: "West Side Story" (1961): A classic musical about rival gangs in New York City. "Br
Mags and Julie Go On A Road Trip
This comedy feature, directed and produced by a woman, centers on Mags, who finds herself at a pivotal moment in her life. Her best friend Julie persuades her to leave town, leading them into one mishap after another, ultimately discovering the true essence of friendship. Ryann Liebl, an award-winning director, completed her first feature film in 2019. Despite challenges like the absence of film festivals, closed cinemas, and no live events, she managed to finish and release
The Ashes of A Dream
Randy Lupo returns to Staten Island, a place that once held the vibrancy of his youth, only to find his mother slowly slipping into the quietness of old age, a stark reminder of the passage of time and the inevitable changes that come with it. The once lively conversations that filled their home have dwindled, replaced by a silence that speaks volumes of her unspoken fears and regrets. As he navigates the complexities of their relationship, she urges him to confront and corre
Modern Folklore
"Modern Folklore" is a horror anthology that explores Native American folklore and contemporary fears, leaving you to ponder whether it's myth or reality. Miles Porter is a multifaceted composer, screenwriter, and director, renowned for integrating music, storytelling, and visuals into powerful cinematic experiences. His emotional scores, gripping scripts, and visionary directing highlight his talent in suspense, drama, and horror. With a keen attention to detail and a passio
The next screening event of NY Independent Art Film Fest at the Producers Club Theatre
Don't miss the upcoming screening of the NY Independent Art Film Fest at the Producers Club theatre in NY. Admission is free for everyone. Join us on November 30th, 2025, at 12:00 PM for a day filled with creativity and inspiration as you watch shorts, features, and films of all genres from around the world. This event showcases nominees and winners of the NY Independent Art Film Fest, featuring independent art films, including both feature-length and short films, from talent
