Barbara Walters (who appears in the film via archive newsreel), editor Francisco Bello, producer Brian Frye and director Penny Lane answer questions about Our Nixon. Photo by Philip May.

For 42 years, New Directors/New Films has showcased the future of film with its annual lineup of fresh faces on the filmmaking scene, and Film Society's New Wave is determined to keep it going for many more.

New Wave members are film supporters in their 20s and 30s who receive insider access year-round to movie premieres, parties, special events and exclusive preview screenings at the Film Society of Lincoln Center. Events are designed for fun, high-energy film enthusiasts, filmmakers, artists and industry professionals. Their financial support enables the Film Society to secure its place as the premiere destination for independent and world cinema in New York City.

A group committed to the future of cinema, New Wave members attended many New Directors/New Films screenings using their membership benefits, and at the close of the festival members and their guests took over the entire Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center to host a party following the closing night screening of Our Nixon.

Last fall, during the New York Film Festival, New Wave celebrated the 25th Anniversary of The Princess Bride with a special reunion screening and party with the cast in attendance. Previous installments in this reunion series include The Royal Tenenbaums and The Breakfast Club, and the 2013 film is scheduled to be announced this summer.

In the meantime, members will receive exclusive invitations to special screenings like the recent New York Premiere of Stoker at Lincoln Center and a celebration of food and film with the James Beard Foundation Greens (Foodies Under 40), featuring a tasting party with some of New York's finest chefs and mixologists.

New Wave is spearheaded by a leadership committee deeply invested in the role of young donors at the Film Society. Committee members include Josh Cohen (chair), Lauren Hurst, Sasha Kipka, Soleil Nathwani, Charlie Prince and Vanessa Uzan.

Click here to learn more about the program and follow New Wave on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on screenings and parties. Below is a selection of photos from the New Directors/New Films Closing Night screening of Our Nixon and party in the Film Center.


Our Nixon filmmakers Brian Frye and Penny Lane arrive at ND/NF Closing Night. Photo by Godlis.


New York band Happy Lives performed at the after-party. Photo by Philip May.


Guests enjoyed special cocktails from Patron. Photo by Philip May.


Party-goers fill the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center. Photo by Philip May.


New Wave members and guests at the closing night party. Photo by Philip May.


New Wave members and guests at the closing night party. Photo by Philip May.


Photo booth complete with Nixon masks. Photo by Philip May.


Viola director Matías Piñeiro (left) and friend. Photo by Philip May.


Soldate Jeannette director Daniel Hoesl (left) and friend. Photo by Philip May.

New Wave Patrons, those providing the highest levels of support, were invited to a private dinner with Our Nixon filmmakers Penny Lane and Brian Frye last Thursday in advance of the Closing Night of New Directors/New Films, also the film's New York premiere. Co-hosted with Stonehenge at The Olivia, participants dined and discussed the use of Kickstarter and social media to fund the film's production. Photos courtesy of JJ Ignotz Photography.


The table is set at The Olivia. Photo by JJ Ignotz.


New Wave members introduced themselves at the start of the dinner. Photo courtesy by JJ Ignotz.


Penny Lane spoke about how the film was shaped by the success of their Kickstarter campaign. Photo by JJ Ignotz.


Film Society's Eugene Hernandez (left) and Brian Frye (center) joined the conversation about crowdfunding's influence on modern filmmaking. Photo by JJ Ignotz.

A special thank you to New Wave's partner, Stonehenge, which owns and manages more than 20 distinct rental building in Manhattan and adds a unique value to their properties through special curated programming. Events are free for residents and are regularly produced in partnership with cultural institutions such as the Film Society of Lincoln Center.