In 2014 Lauren Atkins founded NYC Web Fest, (NYCWF) New York’s first film festival celebrating Web Series. What began as a one-day gathering, has since turned into a global event with filmmakers  from around the world attending.  Over the past decade, creators have flown in from across the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Ireland, New Zealand, Argentina, Italy, South Africa, and more.  

HuffPost has called NYCWF a “must attend” event for creators and the festival has received international media coverage. Over the years screened projects by Colin Quinn, PBS Digital, IFC, Refinery 29 have screened as well as a World Premiere from Lewis Black of the Daily Show.  In 2016, the festival went on to include Short Films and Pilot Episodes alongside Web Series  

 The Fifth Anniversary in 2018 had indie-filmmakers from across Australia, Canada, the US, alongside Grey’s Anatomy’s Kate Walsh and Best Actress winner Sachi Parker, daughter of Hollywood legend Shirley MacLaine.  In 2019, Victor Williams from longtime running CBS sitcom The King of Queens was in attendance and spoke highly of his experience at the festival.   

In 2020 & 2021, NYC Web Fest pivoted to a virtual festival and included many industry panels & conversations with actors Julie Halston, Victor Williams and more.  As international travel re-opened in 2022, NYCWF moved to Miami Beach as a “welcome back” to in-person networking and screenings.

The Tenth Anniversary taking place November 10-12 2023, is a culmination and celebration of hard work, creativity, and independent film.  It is the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together once again in New York City.

Former jury members and guests include National Lampoon President & and Television Executive Evan Shapiro, #OscarsSoWhite creator April Reign, South African comedian David Kau, filmmakers Xavier Burgin and C.Fitz, ESPN SportsCaster Arda Ocal,  The Grio’s Natasha Alford, and Insecure actor Alexander Hodge.