School of Visual Arts (SVA) presents the 10th annual After School Special, the College’s annual festival showcasing the work of some of its most accomplished alumni in film, television, animation and visual effects. A curated roster of screenings by 35 alumni representing 11 academic departments, After School Special is free and open to the public, and runs Thursday, September 24 through Sunday, September 29, at the SVA Theatre. Audiences are invited to take a deeper dive into the artistry of industry-leading alumni during Q&A sessions that will accompany each screening. Guests can also enjoy a special selection of videos by SVA alumni in the lobby of the theatre.

PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

Tuesday, September 24

7:30pm | Hangdog (2023) 

The New York City premiere of director and co-writer Matt Cascella (BFA 2008 Film and Video) and star Desmin Borges’ (FX's You’re the Worst) film about an anxiety-ridden man’s quest through Portland, Maine to retrieve his stolen dog from his girlfriend. A Q&A with members of the cast & crew will take place after the screening.

Wednesday, September 25

7:30pm | Hairspray (1988) 

A special 35mm screening of the John Waters classic starring Ricki Lake and Divine, presented by special guests, comedians and actors Murray Hill (MFA 1997 Photography and Related Media) and Julie Klausner (MFA 2007 Illustration as Visual Essay), who will be on hand to discuss the film.

Thursday, September 26

7:30pm | Igualada (2024)

This timely documentary that follows Black Colombian activist Francia Márquez made its debut at Sundance this year, and will be presented by producer Daniela Alatorre (MFA 2015 Social Documentary Film).

Friday, September 27

8:00pm | SVA Premieres: Best of 2024

A screening of 18 thesis films by 22 recent SVA graduates from nine departments. 

Saturday, September 28

2:00pm | Forget Me Not: Inclusion in the Classroom (2021)

Director Olivier Bernier (BFA 2006 Film and Video) will present his moving documentary about one child’s challenges amid New York City’s complex public school system. The film won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature at the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival. 

7:30pm | Barbie (2023)

A screening of last summer’s smash hit with multiple VFX artists and alumni who worked on the film, including John-Michael Buban (BFA 2008 Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects), Lamie Doan (BFA 2022 Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects), Tara Marie Jacobson (BFA 2007 Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects), Josh Planz (MFA 2013 Computer Art) and Christina Shin (BFA 2014 Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects).

Sunday, September 29

2:00pm | Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

The Oscar-nominated, critically beloved hit, presented by artists and animators David Bleich (BFA 1992 Illustration), David Han (BFA 2008 Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects) and Tatchapon Lertwirojkul (MFA 2007 Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects).

All events will be held at SVA Theatre. Doors will open approximately 30 minutes prior to each screening, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVPs via Eventbrite are appreciated, but not necessary, and do not guarantee entry. To RSVP and check festival updates, visit: svatheatre.eventbrite.com.

After School Special 2024 is presented in partnership with Asian American Arts Alliance, ASIFA-East, Center for Communication, New York International Children’s Film Festival, New York Women in Film and Television, Visual Effects Society 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 42,000 alumni from 128 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For information about the College’s 31 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, visit sva.edu.