August 31, 2022
NFFTY WELCOMES A NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR
The Talented Youth (NFFTY) is excited to introduce our new managing director, Ryan Saunders.
"We're excited to be filling out NFFTY's shared leadership staff with Ryan as our new Managing Director!" says Robert Speewack,Board President. "His past experience with Cineyouth and also with NFFTY makes him the perfect leader for us to be adding to the organization and we're looking forward to having him join our staff Directors to continue pushing NFFTY's strategy and vision forward together, and to contribute to finding new avenues for NFFTY to explore in developing opportunities for NFFTY's filmmakers and alumni!"
A graduate of DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts, Ryan has been involved with the Chicago International Film Festival since 2014 as an archivist, technical manager, programmer, and ultimately as the CineYouth Festival Director.
When asked about his new role at NFFTY, Ryan said, "I'm thrilled to take on a larger role with NFFTY and help the organization continue to grow. I've been a long time admirer of the work the festival has done over the years and the community that has been developed. After having made the move out west from Chicago, NFFTY welcomed me into the family and helped me feel at home. With Krupa and Leomary at my side, I will continue to foster a space for young artists to express themselves and share their art with the world!"
Ryan’s involvement in NFFTY is an exciting time for the organization. With three directors, the organization is excited to have their new dream team as they continue to build a more equitable film industry.
"I'm really excited to hand things over to not one but three excellent leaders,” says Dan Hudson, outgoing Executive Director. “Our filmmakers inspire us to innovation and challenging the status quo every day, and I'm excited to see what is possible by empowering Krupa, Leomary, and Ryan to collectively pursue what's next for NFFTY."
As we welcome Ryan at the peak of our annual pitch competition submissions season, we look forward to building a stronger film community for young artists. Pitch competition submissions are open now through September 16, 202. For more information on the pitch competition and 2023 submissions deadlines and criteria, and more, please visit: www.nffty.org.
About NFFTY
Founded in 2007 by three then teenagers---Jesse Harris, Jocelyn R.C., and Kyle Seago---the National Film Festival for Talented Youth is now the world’s largest and most influential film festival for emerging filmmakers. Based in Seattle, WA, the four-day film festival includes over 200 film screenings, panels, contests, parties, and networking opportunities for emerging filmmakers. Filmmakers from around the world submit feature-length and short films in narrative, documentary, animation, music video, and experimental categories. Since its founding, NFFTY has screened films from over 2,700 filmmakers ranging in age from 5 - 24 years. The 16th Annual National Film Festival for Talented Youth will astound filmmakers and audiences once more - join us April 27 through April 30, 2023.
# # #
For more information:
Email: press@nffty.org
Phone: 206.905.8400