In addition to sharing NYFF59 Talks & Q&As, we are delighted to publish four Industry Talks, which took place throughout the festival in our Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center. These talks, now available below, welcomed a vast array of industry professionals to discuss and debate the pressing issues of their day-to-day work life, from topics as wide-ranging as the future of distribution to gender equality on set.

NYFF Talks were presented by HBO. The NYFF59 Industry Program was sponsored by Topic Studios.


Industry Talk: Democratic Financing for Emerging Filmmakers

An illuminating conversation on the evolving landscape of independent filmmaking, our panelists discuss the process behind-the-scenes of creating ambitious, beautifully crafted films with limited resources, while still remaining true to their creative visions. Panelists include Decentralized Pictures co-founders Leo Matchett and Michael Musant, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair (PUT FILMS), and Brown Girls Doc Mafia Founder, Iyabo Boyd; moderated by Eric Kohn, IndieWire’s Executive Editor & Chief Critic.


Industry Talk: The Future of Audiences

Panelists Michael Barker (President of Sony Pictures Classics), Arianna Bocco (President of IFC Films), Michelle Hooper (EVP of Marketing at Searchlight Pictures), Tom Quinn (CEO of NEON), and Stacy Spikes (entrepreneur & Founder of Preshow and MoviePass) partake in this intimate conversation with Dade Hayes (Deadline) around what they see for the future of moviegoing audiences.

The panelists discuss the challenges facing the industry in this unprecedented time, as well as exciting new technologies that are creating fresh and innovative ways to connect with the viewer. Listen as they share behind-the-scenes insights on how the film industry is bouncing back from a tough few years and what will make it stronger than before.

This conversation was sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter.


Industry Talk: IndieWire’s Screen Talk with Eric Kohn & Anne Thompson (and Sean Baker)

IndieWire’s Eric Kohn and Anne Thompson returned to the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center at Lincoln Center for a recording of their weekly Screen Talk podcast in front of a live audience–and this time, they were joined by a surprise guest: Sean Baker, director of Red Rocket, a Spotlight selection in NYFF59.


Industry Talk: Women’s Voices

Hear from industry leaders as they discuss their rich and varied experiences, as well as the changes that they have witnessed throughout their careers as successful and innovative women in Hollywood. This conversation features filmmakers Rachel Fleit (Introducing, Selma Blair), and Eliza Hittman (Beach Rats, Never Rarely Sometimes Always), actress Bree Elrod (Red Rocket), and award-winning producer, Wendy Ettinger (founder of Gamechanger Films, Chicken & Egg Pictures); conversation moderated by Esther Zuckerman (Thrillist).