School of Visual Arts (SVA) presents 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. The festival, which is free and open to the public, runs from Thursday, September 21 through Sunday, September 24 at the SVA Theatre and features a curated roster of screenings by 30 alumni representing 11 academic departments. 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. Guests can also enjoy music videos by Vashtie Kola (BFA 2004 Film and Video) in the lobby of the theatre.

PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

Thursday, September 21, 7:30pm | The Stroll (2023)

Direct from the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, this award-winning documentary offers an historic account of the nearby Meatpacking District, as told from the point of view of transgender sex workers who lived and worked there. Join co-director Zackary Drucker (BFA 2005 Photography) for a conversation following the film. Preceded by the short film Keeping Up with the Claus (2021), by writer-director Jaanelle Yee (MPS 2017 Directing).

Friday, September 22, 8:00pm | SVA Premieres: Best of 2023

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

Saturday, September 23, 2:00pm | Nimona (2023)

Set in a futuristic medieval world, this Netflix animated film follows a knight striving to prove his innocence while working alongside a mischievous teen who happens to be a shapeshifting creature he’s sworn to destroy. Join SVA alumni artists Hannah Roman (MFA 2016 Computer Art) and Toba Siebzener (BFA 2014 Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects) after the film, as they discuss how their behind-the-scenes artistry brought the film to life. Preceded by the animated short Hang Out 2Day (2022) by Sam Grinberg (BFA 2013 Cartooning).

7:30pm | Call Jane (2022), Under G-d (2023)

Based on a true story set in 1960s America, Call Jane follows a married woman who turns to a group of suburban women to find help obtaining an abortion. Preceded by the award-winning short documentary Under G-d (2023) and followed by a conversation with both films’ respective cinematographers, Greta Zozula (BFA 2010 Film and Video) and Jenni Morello (MFA 2011 Social Documentary Film).

Sunday, September 24, 2:00pm | The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) in 3D

Everyone’s favorite plumbers try to save Princess Peach in this hit animated film by Illumination Entertainment. Storyboard artist Jeff Mednikow (BFA 2005 Animation) and clearances manager Jon Kovel (BFA 2004 Film and Video) will introduce the film.

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 entrance. To RSVP and check festival updates, visit: svatheatre.eventbrite.com.

After School Special 2023 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 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.