New York Film Academy Documentary Department students learn to make films by making films. Hands-on, intensive MFA and one-year Conservatory programs pair rigorous instruction with close mentoring by a world class faculty to support students from around the world as they create their own documentary films. Alumni have received an Emmy® Award, multiple Academy Award®- and Emmy Award nominations and honors at Sundance, Berlin, Cannes, SXSW and Toronto. NYFA has been named one of The Hollywood Reporter‘s “Top American Film Schools,” Variety‘s “Stellar Film Schools” and The Independent’s “10 Best Academic Programs for Documentary Filmmakers.”
DOC NYC U is co-presented by Kanopy
(TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 68 MIN)
Ghost Villages of the Himalayas | Director: Kuldeep Sah Gangola
Despite encroaching leopards and relentless isolation, 89-year-old Ammaji refuses to leave her home.
(USA, 16 MIN)
My Dad Vernon | Director: Serena Smith
Vernon teaches Serena creative life hacks while she tries to understand why he lives in his car.
(USA, 3 MIN, excerpt)
Mamá | Director: Lucia Florez
Chia joins her mother to research motherhood in the Andes, where they confront their own relationship.
(USA, 6 MIN, excerpt)
All I See Is the Future | Director: Nancy Dionne
A former drug dealer becomes a successful optician—until a mistake threatens his dream.
(USA, 14 MIN)
A Word Away | Director: Mollie Moore
For 18 years, selective mutism has kept Cosmo silent about escaping South Sudan—until now.
(USA, 20 MIN)
Get It | Director: Joe Cleary
Reem hustles to parlay street-dancing fame into a rap career.
(USA, 3 MIN, excerpt)
B-city | Director: Carolina Gonzales
Bhustak creates a makeshift hip-hop studio to help neighborhood kids escape violence in Bogotá.
(USA, 3 MIN)
Baladna | Director: Aya Hamdan
A Syrian baker navigates economic instability and immigration status to bring his family to Bahrain.
(USA, 3 MIN)
Epiales | Director: Anna Panova
Follow a photographer into the frightening universe of sleep paralysis.
(USA, 3 MIN, excerpt)
Unloved | Director: Nika Nikanava
The story of three women coming to terms with having fathers who abandoned them.
(USA, 11 MIN)
The Rhythms | Director: Nika Nikanava
In memoriam to a promising and well-loved filmmaker.
(USA, 2 MIN)