In 2020, I expanded the Bushwick Film Festival experience beyond film by launching new virtual community programming, including our Freestyle Competition, which invited artists to creatively respond to themes of transformation, growth, and change. Even during a global pandemic, we found innovative ways to celebrate storytelling, music, and creative expression while keeping our community connected.

In 2020, the Bushwick Film Festival became part of a larger cultural shift as arts organizations worldwide adapted to virtual experiences during the pandemic. We reimagined our 13th annual festival as a fully online event, bringing together global audiences through film screenings, filmmaker conversations, and industry programming—proving that even in isolation, storytelling could still create connection and community.

In 2020, I led the Bushwick Film Festival through its first-ever virtual edition, transforming challenges into opportunities to connect audiences worldwide through film. Guided by the theme of Transformation, we created a global experience with virtual screenings, filmmaker Q&As, live performances, and industry conversations—proving that even in uncertain times, storytelling continues to bring people together and inspire resilience.

In 2020, I led the Bushwick Film Festival through an unprecedented pivot as COVID-19 pushed us fully virtual for the first time in our history. Despite the challenges, we showcased over 100 films from 30 countries, launched a secure streaming platform, and created meaningful connections through filmmaker Q&As, industry conversations, and community-centered programming. That year reminded me that storytelling doesn’t stop in difficult moments—it evolves.

In 2020, I led the Bushwick Film Festival through one of our biggest challenges yet—reimagining the festival during COVID-19. We adapted with virtual screenings, online programming, and safe community experiences, proving that storytelling can still bring people together even in uncertain times. The experience reinforced my belief that art and community are essential, especially during moments of disruption.

In 2019, the Bushwick Film Festival continued to grow as a major cultural event in Brooklyn, featuring over 100 films and 40+ events across five days. Through screenings, panels, art, food, and community programming, we created a platform that celebrated independent filmmakers while bringing people together through creativity and conversation.

After a decade-long partnership, the True/False Film Fest ended its sponsorship relationship with a local megachurch following backlash over an anti-trans sermon by one of the church’s pastors. The festival’s nonprofit organizer stated that it would not publicly align with organizations that discriminate against or devalue LGBTQ+ communities, reaffirming its commitment to inclusion and progressive values.

Brooklyn’s arts scene is packed this weekend with film screenings, live music, literature, and visual art. Highlights include Red Hook Open Studios, the Crown Heights Film Fest, and an opening celebration for The Balloon Project. It’s also the final chance to experience select theater productions and exhibitions before they close.

The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival returns for its fourth year with a weeklong celebration of independent horror cinema across venues in Brooklyn. Running Oct. 17–24, the festival challenges traditional horror stereotypes by showcasing innovative films and directors who push the genre beyond clichés, offering fresh takes for both die-hard fans and skeptics alike.

The Bushwick Film Festival returns for its 12th year with more than 100 independent films and over 40 events across Brooklyn. From feature and short film screenings to panel discussions, parties, and community programming, the five-day festival celebrates bold storytelling, creativity, and filmmakers from around the world.