ABOUT US

THE INDIE & FOREIGN FILM FESTIVAL was founded in 2014 by Father Julian Jagudilla, Director of the Migrant Center of New York, Inc.

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His goal was to celebrate and shine a light on the lives of migrants and the experience of migration as see through the eyes of talented directors and producers from across the globe. 

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After 6 successful years, sharing touching stories of migrants around the world, our most recent festival featured stories of migrants here at home. The plight of those coming to the United States, and the difficulties they face at this specific time in our history, that was the focus this year. 

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In 2019, student films were featured with filmmakers from Columbia University, SUNY Purchase, CCNY, and New York Film Academy, all screening their work. Our first-ever Student Film Awards were also presented last year.  

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Each year, THE MIGRANT CENTER OF NEW YORK presents a special award for a stand out film that spotlights the Migrant Center's mission, which is to protect, respect and promote the rights and welfare of immigrants. 

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The 2019 Migrant Center Award was presented to the documentary feature SEADRIFT directed by Tim Tsai.

MEET THE TEAM