Fourteen-year-old independent film festival expands its mission with filmmaker talkbacks, creative networking events, and a “Taste of Yonkers” opening night
YoFi Fest, one of the region’s most celebrated independent film festivals, will present 156 films from 24 countries, along with works from right here in its own backyard, from November 6 through November 15. Features, documentaries, shorts, animation, music videos, web series, and student work will all be on the program.
YoFi Fest began fourteen years ago as a non-profit with a mission to raise the level of arts and culture in its community by showcasing independent filmmakers and offering educational and cultural opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t exist in the area. This year, the organization is more committed than ever to continuing and expanding that mission.
Meet the Filmmakers
Most film programs will be followed by a live Q&A, giving audiences the chance to ask filmmakers about their work. “The filmmaker talkbacks are one of the best parts of the film festival,” said Patty Schumann, YoFi Fest’s Co-Founder and programmer. “This year looks like we’ll be having many of the filmmakers at the festival.”
Festival Highlights
• Opening Night Party – Friday, November 6 at 6:30 p.m.: A celebration of creativity featuring a “Taste of Yonkers” Red Carpet Reception with local food and drink, a curated selection of short films, and an after-party.
• Workshops on both weekends
• After-parties throughout the festival
• Morning networking events at the start of each weekend day, where attendees can bring their ideas and business cards while the festival provides the coffee “We want people to know we are a gathering place for the creative community, so we can’t wait to see what these
introductions lead to,” said Dave Steck, YoFi Fest’s Co-Founder and Executive Director.
An Award-Winning Festival
YoFi Fest gives audiences a rare opportunity to see films they likely won’t find anywhere else. FilmFreeway has named the festival one of its “Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals” nine times, and Westchester Magazine has twice named it “Best of Westchester.” YoFi Fest was also cited as one of the top ten reasons Yonkers was voted the “Hippest Town in the Lower Hudson Valley” by The Journal News and LoHud.
Location and Access
All screenings and workshops take place in downtown Yonkers, within a few blocks of each other, at either the Yonkers Riverfront Library theater, directly across from the Yonkers Metro-North Train Station, or YoFi’s own DMAC (Digital Media Art Center), which hosts programs, screenings, and events year-round. The festival is convenient to public transportation and several nearby parking lots.
Tickets and Information
For the full schedule, tickets, and more information, visit YoFiFest.com.