Featuring some of School of Visual Arts’ most accomplished film, television, animation and visual effects alumni, this multi-day festival will include screenings and Q&A’s with industry insiders that offer behind-the-scenes looks at the world of television and cinema. A full schedule and list of participants is below (subject to change) and can also be found at svatheatre.eventbrite.com.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVPs via the Eventbrite pages linked below are appreciated, but not necessary, and do not guarantee entrance—all events are first-come, first-served.

Doors will open approximately 30 minutes prior to each screening. Guests can enjoy a special 10th anniversary selection of videos by SVA alumni in the lobby while waiting to enter.

All events are free and open to the public and take place at SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011. Directions, as well as local restaurants, hotels, and attractions, can be found here. SVA Theatre does not offer concessions, but will offer water to guests.

If you would like to attend any of these events, but require assistive devices and/or accommodations, please email svatheatre@sva.edu or call 212-592-2980 at least one week prior to the event.

Tuesday, September 24

7:30pm | Hangdog (2023)

We’re pleased to present the New York City premiere of this delightful comedy about an anxiety-ridden man on a desperate quest to find his stolen dog. Join director / co-writer Matt Cascella (BFA 2008 Film and Video) along with star Desmin Borges (You’re the Worst) and members of the cast and crew for a conversation following the film. Click here to RSVP.

Wednesday, September 25

7:30pm | Hairspray (1988) on 35mm film with special guests Murray Hill & Julie Klausner

While no SVA alumni were involved in the making of the film, two of our esteemed alumni, Somebody Somewhere‘s Murray Hill (MFA 1997 Photography and Related Media) and Difficult People‘s Julie Klausner (MFA 2007 Illustration as Visual Essay) selected it as one of their favorite films to watch and discuss. Following the movie, the two actor-writer-comedians take the stage for a fun, funny, and intimate chat! Click here to RSVP.

Thursday, September 26

7:30pm | Igualada (2024)

Direct from the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, this engrossing, timely documentary follows Black Colombian activist Francia Márquez on her dark horse campaign for Colombia’s presidency. Join producer Daniela Alatorre (MFA 2015 Social Documentary Film) for a discussion following the film. Click here to RSVP.

Friday, September 27

8:00pm | SVA Premieres: Best of 2024

School of Visual Arts 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. Click here to RSVP.

Saturday, September 28

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

This insightful documentary, set within New York City’s public school system, follows 3-year-old Emilio and his family as they find themselves embroiled in a challenge all too common for children with disabilities – to secure the right to an inclusive education. After the film, join director Olivier Bernier (BFA 2006 Film and Video) as he discusses his journey as both the filmmaker and one of the film’s subjects. Click here to RSVP.

7:30pm | Barbie (2023)

Last year’s blockbuster is back on the big screen for one night only, followed by a conversation with alumni from SVA’s BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects and MFA Computer Arts programs. Join these visual effects artists as they discuss how their behind-the-scenes artistry brought Barbie to life! Click here to RSVP.

Sunday, September 29

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

The exciting Academy Award-nominated sequel follows Miles Morales as he catapults across the multiverse! Following the film, hear from three artists who helped take the web-slinger from the comic book to the screen — David Bleich (BFA 1992 Illustration), David Han (BFA 2008 Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects), and Tatchapon Lertwirojkul (MFA 2007 Computer Art). Click here to RSVP.

Please contact svatheatre@sva.edu with questions. Guests and films subject to change.

We would like to thank our promotional partners, including: Asian American Arts Alliance, ASIFA-East, Center for Communication, Human Pictures, New York International Children’s Film Festival, New York Women in Film and Television, Rota6, Visual Effects Society, Writers Guild of America-East, and Women in Animation.

Special Event

After School Special 2024

SVA Theatre