SR Socially Relevant (™) Film Festival New York, a non-profit film festival founded by SAG-AFTRA actress Nora Armani, launches its 4th edition March 13-19, 2017 at Cinepolis Chelsea, The School of Visual Arts MFA Social Documentary Film campus and The Tenri Cultural Institute in New York. This year's line-up includes
6 narrative feature films, 12 documentary features, and 28 short films from 23 countries. In addition, 5 feature film script finalists compete for best script. The Closing Night Awards Ceremony takes place at the Tenri Cultural Institute in the Village.
The Mission of the SR Film Festival is to shine the spotlight on filmmakers who tell socially relevant (™), compelling, human-interest stories, across a broad range of social issues. The festival was created in response to the proliferation of violence and violent forms of storytelling in media and entertainment. SRFF believes in the power of cinema in raising awareness towards social issues and promoting positive social change. During its first three years, the SRFF showcased 157 films from 33 countries. Submissions are received from all over the world.
The 2017 edition features an AR/VR and 360 gear expo and film exhibit, panels on Women, Immigrations and Refugees, VR/AR and 360 films, Industry Panels at SVA Social Documentary MFA film department on Funding Film Ideas and The Hazardous Documentary. SAG-AFTRA hosts a low-budget film production workshop for visiting and local filmmakers in the festival, and the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment together with the Governor's Office of Motion Picture & Television present a workshop on filming in New York.