School of Visual Arts (SVA) presents After School Special, the College’s annual film and animation festival showcasing the work of some of its most accomplished alumni in film, television, animation and visual effects. The festival, which is free and open to the public, runs from Wednesday, September 21 through Sunday, September 25 at the SVA Theatre. This year’s festival will showcase the work of 40 SVA alumni participants.

After School Special features a curated roster of screenings that showcase the high caliber of talent produced by SVA’s academic programs. Audiences are invited to take a deeper dive into filmmaking with behind-the-scenes insights from industry-leading alumni during Q&A sessions that will accompany select screenings.

Highlights include:

• Upon entry to the lobby of the theatre, guests can enjoy music videos by Kevin Slack (BFA 2008 Film and Video), the editor who has worked with artists including Taking Back Sunday, Grace Vanderwaal and Hozier.
• Hot off recent successes at international film festivals, writer-director Andrew Semans (BFA 2001 Film and Video) and director David Osit (MFA 2011 Social Documentary Film) will take part in conversations following screenings of their films,  Resurrection and Mayor, respectively.
• This year features the first-ever standalone panel, with five alumni animators discuss their career trajectories, in partnership with the New York City chapter of Women in Animation.
• Screenings of new films from Disney and Pixar animation, including last year’s Encanto and this year’s Turning Red and Lightyear, will include discussions from several alumni on how their artistry brought these stories to life.

All events will be held at SVA Theatre. Doors will open approximately 30 minutes prior to each screening. Seating for screenings is on a first-come, first-served basis, but all attendees must be masked and provide proof of vaccination (or proof of exemption and a recent negative test) upon entrance to the theatre. RSVPs via Eventbrite are appreciated, but not necessary, and do not guarantee entrance. To RSVP, check festival updates and view the full COVID-19 safety protocols, visit: svatheatre.com.

PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

Wednesday, September 21

7:30pm | Resurrection (2022)

Direct from the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, this psychological horror-thriller stars Rebecca Hall and Tim Roth. Join writer-director Andrew Semans (BFA 2001 Film and Video) for a conversation following the film.

Thursday, September 22

6:30pm | Animation Panel: Career Journeys

In partnership with WIA NYC Chapter, we’re proud to present our first After School Special panel! Join multiple SVA alumni animators as they discuss their careers—from graduation to where they are today. The panel will include a range of industry pros, from those just starting out, to seasoned veterans. 

7:30pm | Mayor (2020)

This Peabody Award-winning documentary follows Musa Hadid, the charismatic mayor of Ramallah, who aspires to lead the city into the future. Director David Osit (MFA 2011 Social Documentary Film) will be on hand to discuss his work following the screening.

Friday, September 23

8:00pm | SVA Premieres: Best of 2022

SVA spotlights exceptional live action, documentary and animated shorts by its most recent graduates from nine different academic departments. Join many of the filmmakers and artists, who will be in attendance.

Saturday, September 24

2:00pm | Turning Red (2022)

See this Disney+ hit on the big screen! Disney and Pixar’s first all women-led film tells the coming-of-age story of Meilin, as she learns to deal with her emotions. Join several SVA alumni animators and artists after the film, as they discuss their behind-the-scenes artistry.

7:00pm | Lightyear (2022)

Get a double-dose of Disney and Pixar animation on Saturday, as the Toy Story prequel fires up the big screen in 3D. Multiple SVA alumni animators and artists will be on hand following the film, as they discuss how they took Buzz to infinity and beyond!

Sunday, September 25

2:00PM | Encanto  (2021)

One of Disney’s newest and biggest hits will have you dancing in the aisles! Following the film, we will talk about Bruno, Mirabel, and the rest of the Madrigal family with the SVA alumni animators and artists who helped create their magical world.

After School Special 2022 is presented in partnership with Asian American Arts Alliance, ASIFA-East, Center for Communication, Film Movement, IFC Films, New York International Children’s Film Festival, New York Women in Film and Television, Shudder, Visual Effects Society, Writers Guild of America-East and Women in Animation.

SVA alumni have been featured in film festivals across the globe, steering their own projects and making integral contributions to blockbuster releases. They have won Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes and awards at festivals such as Sundance, SXSW and the Venice Film Festival. 

School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers and creative professionals for seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprising 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and more than 41,000 alumni from 128 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For information about the College’s 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, visit sva.edu.