On Wednesday, November 20th, Art21 hosted a Filmmaker Celebration to toast an international group of filmmakers, collaborators, and DOC NYC attendees on another incredible year of documentary storytelling. Whether attendees were seasoned contributors to Art21 or newcomers discovering our work, the evening was a testament to the vibrant filmmaker community.

Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed a lively atmosphere filled with delicious bites, libations, and engaging conversation. The event highlighted the vital role of short-form storytelling in Art21’s mission to bring contemporary art to the widest possible audience.

Art21’s Director of Production, Nick Ravich, addressed the room full of familiar and new faces. “Tonight is explicitly about celebrating you all—the filmmakers who contribute directly to Art21 and the greater nonfiction production community that we’re all a part of. Your efforts quite literally make what we do possible,” he shared in his remarks.

Guests in attendance included César Martínez Barba, director of “Howardena Pindell: Inner Circle;” Bryan Chang, director of Beijing, from Season 10 of Art in the Twenty-First Century; Elahe Esmaili, director of “A Move,” a recent New York Times Op-Docs released short; Matteo Lonardi, director of “Salah Elmur: Fixing Time;” Andrew Nadkarni, director of the Academy Award short listed “Between Earth & Sky”; Malika Zouhali-Worrall, director of “Bodies of Knowledge,” from Season 11 of Art in the Twenty-First Century; and Raphaela Neihausen, Executive Director of DOC NYC.

As the night drew to a close, attendees left with full hearts and a renewed commitment to telling stories that matter. The evening not only honored the year’s achievements but also fostered connections and inspired future creative endeavors. Cheers to another art-filled year with Art21!