As New York City welcomes its iconic new mayor Zohran Mamdani, I welcome the new year with the same feeling of hopefulness over happiness. “Afford to live and afford to dream” as proclaimed in his campaign is a slogan that cuts deep in the best way. Hopefulness feels more grounded and realistic so for now I’m rolling with that. To all those who have been navigating challenges in life and the industry, it is my hope that like our new mayor that progress has now arrived.

Welcome to the Winter 2026 Update!

I am proud to announce our tender and poignant coming of age film Stateside, written and directed by Dennis Shinners was awarded the Audience Favorite Award at the LINK USA Queer Reel Shorts screening event at the Manhattan location of the Alamo Draft House. We are grateful to those who voted for us. 

 

 

 

 

 

Our next project in the wings, The Last Day of Byron Bray, written directed and featuring Michael Borrelli  and WIlliam Sadler is poised for a successful 2026 festival season. Based on true events, themes of intergenerational queerness, the right to die and caring for each other are explored. I anticipate the spring update filled with news of press and high level festival acceptances.

 

 

I had the pleasure to consult on Art Matters by acclaimed gallery owner and filmmaker Sundaram Tigore. The film questions personal ethics in art and the sacrifices one must make in order to survive. In this photo I am on set with Bollywood legend Nandita Das and Sekou Laidlow.

 

 

CAKE, written and directed by Caro Ribeiro was a joy to cast the NYC actors. This comedy with a message is having its NYC premier at The Dances with Films festival late January.

UPCOMING PROJECTS:

I am delighted to be invited once again to collaborate with Princeton University Professor Moon Molson to cast a thesis project  Pedigree, written and directed by Michelle Tang. This dark comedy takes parent/child dynamics to outrageous heights. What makes this experience extra special is the casting process will be witnessed  by Princeton directing students. This will be a master class on the indie casting process and  exploring interpersonal communication techniques  between directors and actors.

One of my greatest pleasures is being on the faculty of NYU’s Tisch residency at Stonestreet studios. An immeasurable joy is giving opportunities on and off screen to my students. As i enter into my 5th year of teaching I’m excited to announce that I will be a co-producer on the gripping film State Crossed Lovers, directed by Stonestreet founder Alyssa Rallo Bennet. A modern day Romeo and Juliet facing the stark reality of being stripped of reproductive rights is a haunting and timely tale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until the Spring update I wish you a safe, grounded and hopeful New Year!

Love,

Liz