History

History and Mission

The International Filmmaker Festival of New York is a global industry event held annually in the world’s most iconic center of arts, New York City. Each year, the IFFNY festival brings to New York world premieres of films from around the globe, and gives the American audience unique opportunities to discover international cinema.

Photo by Innovation Media New York

IFFNY began in 2012 as AFW (Albanian Film Week) and has grown each year, becoming one of the most respected festivals in New York for its commitment to advancing the film culture. Its popularity and success is due to the hard work and enthusiasm of the festival organizer Mrika Krasniqi, who is passionate about arts.

Director Mrika Krasniqi is the winner of “Woman of the Year” by US Congress, “Best Human Artist” by the European Community of Jewish Artists in Paris, France; “Best Organizer” by One World, Kosova; “Best Director” by DOCU Independent in Freiburg, Germany; “Best Productionby New Poland Film, Poland; “Best Social Documentary” by NYIFF, USA; “Best Historical Documentary” by Los Angeles Film Festival; and she is named “Ambassador for Peace” by the Universal Peace Federation.

The mission of IFFNY Festival is to promote and aid the development of the international cinema and film authors. Our goal is to act as the main meeting point where international cinema converges in a spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange through the presentation of the finest and most recent achievements in world cinema.

Each year IFFNY presents Red Carpet screenings of feature, short and documentary films, followed by Q&A, workshops, reception with artists and organizers, VIP after-party and Award Night Gala.

The International Filmmaker Festival of New York is one of the leading platforms of international cinema, dedicated to artists who embody diversity, innovation and creativity.


Board of Directors

Mrika Krasniqi, IFFNY Founder and Festival Director

Mrika Krasniqi is a visionary film director, writer, producer and successful entrepreneur, known for her ground-breaking documentary films. Mrika Krasniqi is named “Woman of the Year” by U.S. Congress, “Best Director”, and “Ambassador for Peace” by the Universal Peace Federation. She won “Best Human Artist” for her film “Soldier” by the European Community of Jewish Artists in Paris & “Certificate of Honor” at the Producers Network at Cannes Film Festival, France. Mrika Krasniqi has worked as Associate Director for the National Geographic, building communication capacity to counter infectious disease threats. Read full bio >> 

 

Ibër Deari, Festival Selector  for Feature Film Category

Director, writer, producer, DOP Ibër Deari is born in 1990, in Macedonia. He is a talented director and writer, known for his award-winning movies: My City Screams (2015), Toka(2016), A long way Home (2017). Ibër Deari is the winner of numerous prestigious international awards, including: Best Artist, Best Film, the Audience Award for Best Film for “Last Confession”, Best Director and Best Film for “My City Screams”, Best Short Film and Best Director for “Land” and Best Director for “A Long Way Home”. 

 

Natasha Ruth, Festival Selector for short Film Category

Natasha Ruth was born in West Africa and moved to the US with her family when she was 6 years old. She pursued her studies in movie criticism in Los Angeles and has since traveled extensively around the world, critiquing films at numerous prestigious film festivals. Natasha Ruth is not only passionate about film criticism but also shares her knowledge as a teacher in the fields of movie analysis and social media. She enjoys imparting her expertise to aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts alike, helping them navigate the intricate world of cinema and digital communication. Over the past two years, she has been involved with IFFNY as part of the supporting team. Currently, she serves as a festival selector for the short film category. 

 

Anil Zogjani, Festival Selector  for Animation Category

Anil’s journey into animation began at a young age, where his involvement with the IFFNY Festival sparked his passion for the art form. Since then, his dedication to animation has only deepened. Despite the myriad opportunities presented by life in New York City, Anil has steadfastly prioritized his craft, pouring his energy into honing his skills and exploring the endless possibilities of animation. His portfolio boasts a diverse range of projects, from whimsical creations for friends to sophisticated animations for businesses and prestigious film festivals alike. With each endeavor, Anil’s commitment to storytelling through animation shines brightly, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression.

 

 

Amina Zhaman, Festival Art Director 

Amina Zhaman, Ph.D., is a successful award-winning artist, based in New York, known as filmmaker, singer-songwriter, actress, producer, theatre director, writer, poet, critic, scientist and social activist. Author of 70 songs in English and 5 instrumental compositions, Winner of Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival. Amina Zhaman directed and starred in the first ever screen version of American classical play “Before Breakfast” by Eugene O’Neill. In 2017 Amina Zhaman founded her own international theater “AM/NA Theater”. 

 


Past festivals

IFFNY 2022

IFFNY 2021

IFFNY 2020

IFFNY 2019

IFFNY 2018

IFFNY 2017

IFFNY 2016

IFFNY 2015

IFFNY 2014

IFFNY 2013

IFFNY 2012