Our annual Industry Forum took place on March 10, 2023
Chelsea Factory
547 W 26th St, NYC

We have always advocated for a more diverse and inclusive world for kids on screen. In 2020 we raised the call behind the scenes and launched our industry initiative, Toward an Inclusive Future, to jumpstart actionable conversations among experienced and rising creators of media and entertainment for kids. Join us once again for frank and insightful conversations that help shape the future of kids' storytelling.

The 2023 Industry Forum is a two-part series of exciting, community conversations to celebrate, support, and expand the children’s media field toward a more inclusive future. NYICFF alumni filmmakers and partnering organizations will offer creative inspiration and practical takeaway for industry leaders, aspiring filmmakers and creatives, students, culture workers and educators. This free NYICFF event is designed specifically for current university students and recent graduates and was created to both ensure and demonstrate the value of a diverse and culturally inclusive workforce from idea to audience.

2023 industry forum events

Anne del Castillo
Introduction and Welcome

3:15-4:15pm
Two Truths and a Lie
Animated Documentary and True Storytelling for Young Audiences
Featuring Carlos Hagerman and Jill Murphy

There is something uniquely magical about animated documentary: by swapping photorealism for illustration, it opens up space for young audiences to empathize with diverse characters and challenges them to view even fact-based stories as construction. With his parallel documentary and animation work, award-winning filmmaker Carlos Hagerman will discuss the possibilities of both while showcasing his powerful feature Home is Somewhere Else. Common Sense Media Editor-in-Chief Jill Murphy will explore true-to-life storytelling for kids and share studies about the real-world impact of inclusive representation on young viewers. Moderated by NYICFF Programming Director Maria-Christina Villaseñor, this panel will feature animated documentary work that interweaves fact and fiction from Festival filmmakers.

4:30-5:30pm
Making Your Mark
Creative Career Building in Children's Media
Featuring Peilin Chou, Kim Díaz, and Emerald Wright-Collie

No two career paths are identical. Join three powerhouse leaders in the animation and children’s media industry as they share their inspired success stories and the unbeaten paths that got them there. You’ll learn about exciting new projects, training programs, and gain insight into how to forge your own unique path in the children’s media industry.