Bring Your Own Chair: Independent Cinema From New York City

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” So said Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to be elected to The House of Representatives for the State of New York in 1968. In the spirit of this statement, we’re excited to present nine independent films and documentaries produced in New York City by female filmmakers. The Big Apple provides the perfect backdrop, vibrancy and funky extras you need to make even the smallest of budgets pop and the city’s been fertile soil for many directors’ first cinematic outings without any studio backing. From unconventional coming of age, through post revolution dystopia to niche subculture exploration, these nine features bring fresh perspectives ready to be discovered.