The 3^rd Annual NYCIFFF Lights Up New York

For me, there’s something uniquely exciting about an event like this—it’s not just about the clothes, nor is it simply about the filmmaking. It’s about how these two creative powerhouses collide to tell stories that resonate far beyond a runway or a cinema screen. Fashion film isn’t just entertainment; it’s identity, culture, and expression wrapped into one art form.

A Global Showcase in the Heart of Manhattan
This year’s festival was bigger than ever, with 40 official selections representing 14 countries. The sheer diversity on display made one thing clear: fashion is a universal language. From sleek European editorials to heartfelt narratives out of Africa, every screening was a reminder that style and storytelling transcend borders. 

I loved watching the room react to each short—sometimes in quiet awe, sometimes in spontaneous applause. These weren’t just films; they were moments of revelation. And judging by the packed house at Soho House, New Yorkers are hungry for this kind of cultural dialogue. 

Honoring Icons, Elevating Voices The highlight of the evening was the exclusive screening of A Man With Sole – The Impact of Kenneth Cole. Directed by the incomparable Dori Berinstein, the documentary dives deep into Cole’s career, not just as a designer but as an activist who has consistently used fashion to amplify causes that matter. The screening was followed by a live Q&A with Cole himself, Berinstein, and festival director Pedro Oberto—a conversation that was as inspiring as it was candid.

Cole said it best: “Standing up for a cause, and standing out, will always get you noticed in fashion.” It was a statement that rang through the audience like a mantra, especially for the emerging filmmakers and students eager to find their voice in an increasingly crowded industry.

The Awards: A Celebration of Creativity
Of course, no festival is complete without awards, and this year’s ceremony—hosted by designer Marc Bouwer—was a spirited celebration of creativity across genres. Among the standout winners:
• Fashion Documentary: A Man With Sole – The Impact of Kenneth Cole (USA)
• Fashion Film: Self-Mimetic directed by Christophe Chudy (France)
• Micro Fashion Film: Narente + Ivan Delogu Senes by Franco Erre & Lucio Aru (Italy)
• Model Performance: Candice Swanepoel in Where Time Stands Still by JP Micallef (French Polynesia)
• LGBTQ+ Representation: Clash of the Prints by Jimi Urquiaga (USA)
• Music Video: Intruso by Eugenio Recuenco (Spain)
• Fashion Editorial Film: Florescence for Shon by Alice Gatti & Diego Indraccolo (UK)
• Best Emerging Talent: Edo Odion directed by Samuel Chukwuebuke Iwor (Nigeria)
• Best Student Fashion Film: Pure Negation by June Seo, Parsons School of Design
• Fashion with a Purpose: Catwalk Furbaby 2 directed by Karen Floyd, ELYSIAN Impact (USA)

Each winner represented not only excellence in craft but also a bold vision of what fashion can mean in today’s world. 

More Than a Festival—A Movement
What struck me most throughout the night was the sense of community. Over cocktails and laughter during the closing reception, I heard conversations about sustainability, identity, and the responsibility that comes with holding a camera or designing a collection. The NYCIFFF isn’t just an awards show—it’s a movement. It’s about pushing boundaries, raising voices, and reminding us that fashion film has the power to provoke, inspire, and unite. Festival director Pedro Oberto summed it up beautifully: “The 40 selected films represent the diversity in fashion and storytelling that the world needs today. Every filmmaker should be proud of their achievement.” 

Looking Ahead With more than 800 submissions this year—the festival’s biggest season yet—it’s clear the NYCIFFF is quickly becoming a cornerstone in the global fashion calendar. For New Yorkers, it’s another reason to celebrate our city’s role as both a cultural hub and a launchpad for innovation.