Recent Guests
We welcome over 170 special guests to our theater every year, ranging from filmmakers to screenwriters, actors to activists. See our most recent special guests below, visit our YouTube channel for videos of guests from years past, and visit our special guest archive for past years’ guests.
Filmmaker Greta Gerwig joined us at the JBFC on Dec. 22 for a preview screening of her latest masterpiece, LITTLE WOMEN, followed by a Q&A. Photo by Ed Cody.
Editor/writer Walter Murch (C) & filmmaker Taghi Amirani (R) joined JBFC Board President Janet Maslin (L) for a Q&A following a Global Watch screening of their film COUP 53 on Dec. 17, 2019.
Following a screening of MO during Making Waves: New Romanian Cinema 2019, series curator Corina Suteu (L) moderated a Q&A with filmmaker Radu Dragomir (R) and actress Dana Rogoz (C). Photo by Robert Carfarelli.
Actress Rodica Lazăr (R) joined series curator Corina Suteu for a Q&A following THE WHISTLERS, which screened on Dec. 5, 2019, as the opening night selection for Making Waves: New Romanian Cinema 2019. Photo by Kervin Marseille.
Filmmaker Todd Phillips (R) joined JBFC Board President Janet Maslin (L) for a Q&A following a one-night-only screening of JOKER at the JBFC on Nov. 21, 2019. Photo by Lynda Shenkman.
Legendary actor Michael Douglas joined us Nov. 13 for the 2019 Silver Screen Circle Dinner! Following an evening of clips and conversation with JBFC Board President Janet Maslin, Michael Douglas joined Silver Screen Circle members in the JBFC's Jane Peck Gallery for a dinner. Photo by Russell Peborde.
Filmmaker Scott Z. Burns stopped by the JBFC on Nov. 10, 2019, for a preview screening of his latest work, THE REPORT. Photo by Carter.
Filmmaker/actor Edward Norton joined us Nov. 5 for a special screening of his new film, MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN, followed by a Q&A with JBFC Board President Janet Maslin. Photo by Lynda Shenkman.
On Oct. 30, JBFC Programmer Saidah Russell introduced a one-night-only screening of END OF THE CENTURY, a film she describes as "both epic and intimate, grandiose and delicate."
Creative Culture Director Sean Weiner (R) led a discussion with Focus On Nature Artist-in-Residence Christi Cooper (C) following a screening of CUTIE AND THE BOXER on Oct. 28 #AtTheJBFC. Photo by Robert Cafarelli.
We Hate Movies podcast provided live commentary during CHOPPING MALL, which screened on Oct. 25 as part of the sixth annual Halloween Movie Marathon #AtTheJBFC.
Choreographer/filmmaker Trey McIntyre (L) joined the JBFC's Abby Popper (R) for a photo op prior to his Oct. 21 Q&A on GRAVITY HERO during Dance on Film 2019. Photo by Robert Cafarelli.
Choreographer Peter Pucci (L) and series programmer Kathryn Bonomi (R) enjoyed a photo op during Dance on Film 2019.
JBFC Artist-in-Residence Christi Cooper (R) screened her work-in-progress, YOUTH V. GOV, for students at a Classroom to Screening Room event, then participated in a Q&A with film subject Vic Barrett (C) and Creative Culture Director Sean Weiner (L). Photo by Lynda Shenkman.
Film subject Tarek Mounib participated in a Skype Q&A with WCF Executive Director Laura Rossi following a screening of FREE TRIP TO EGYPT on Oct. 16, 2019. Photo by Lynda Shenkman.
Author John Grisham joined us Oct. 15 for a special event celebrating THE GUARDIANS on the very day of its release! Audience members enjoyed a Q&A with Grisham and JBFC Board President Janet Maslin, a book signing, and a screening of THE FIRM (1993). Photo by Lynda Shenkman.
Filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg and Dr. Tony Bossis, NYU Professor and clinical researcher, joined JBFC Founder Steve Apkon for a Q&A following the Oct. 13, 2019 screening of new documentary FANTASTIC FUNGI.
Roy Cohn’s cousin/journalist David L. Marcus joined us #AtTheJBFC on Thursday, Oct. 10 for a Q&A with JBFC Board President Janet Maslin following a screening of new documentary WHERE'S MY ROY COHN? Photo by Kervin Marseille.
Filmmaker Bill Haney (R) joined JBFC Programming Director Brian Ackerman (L) for a Q&A following a screening of his film JIM ALLISON: BREAKTHROUGH. Photo by Robert Cafarelli.
Jonathan Demme's longtime music editor, Suzana Períc, moderated a discussion following a screening of THE WIDE BLUE ROAD on Sept. 27. Períc served as a guest curator for the series' fall 2019 season, selecting six films "all inspired by Jonathan."
JBFC Artist-in-Residence Iliana Sosa (second from left) joined Creative Culture Director Sean Weiner (R) for a discussion following a one-night-only screening of ALL OF ME on Sept. 26. Photo by Tommy O.
Filmmaker Sameh Zoabi (L) joined series programmer Lina Matta (R) for a Q&A following the Contemporary Arab Cinema screening of his film TEL AVIV ON FIRE. Photo by Tommy O.
Filmmaker Cyril Aris joined us via Skype for a Q&A following the Contemporary Arab Cinema screening of his film THE SWING. Photo by Robert Cafarelli.
Journalist Sam Dagher (L) joined series curator Lina Matta (R) for a Q&A following a Contemporary Arab Cinema screening of OF FATHERS AND SONS. Photo by Kervin Marseille.
Filmmaker Ahmad Abdallah (L) joined series programmer Lina Matta (R) for a Q&A following a Contemporary Arab Cinema screening of his film EXT. Night. Photo by Kervin Marseille.
Abeer Pamuk, MA degree student at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University (L) joined series programmer Lina Matta (R) for a discussion following a Contemporary Arab Cinema screening of FOR SAMA. Photo by Kervin Marseille.
Filmmaker Mohammed Saeed Harib (L) joined series programmer Lina Matta (R) for a Q&A following the Contemporary Arab Cinema screening of his film RASHID AND RAJAB. Photo by Robert Cafarelli and Tommy O.
Programming Director Brian Ackerman (L) and series programmer Lina Matta (C) were all smiles at the Contemporary Arab Cinema opening night screening of YOMEDDINE.
New documentary NO SMALL MATTER screened Sept. 12 #AtTheJBFC, followed by a panel discussion on early childhood care and education. Presented in partnership with the Ossining Children's Center, panelists included Sheila Hanna, MS. Ed., Professor of Early Childhood Education, Westchester Community College; Dr. Mark Bertin, MD, Developmental Pediatrician and author of How Children Thrive; Terry Becker, MSW, Director of Children’s Services, Ossining Children’s Center; Mary Lou Sgro, Masters in Infant Development and Practice, Professor of Early Childhood Education, Westchester Community College; and moderator Marilyn Wishnie, MS in Education, Former Principal, Hillside Elementary School, Hastings-on-Hudson.
Film critic/author Godfrey Cheshire (L) joined JBFC Senior Programmer Andrew Jupin (R) for a discussion following a screening of CLOSE UP on opening night of To Love and Be Loved: Ten Films by Abbas Kiarostami.
Pubstreet Executive Chef Mogan Anthony (second from right) prepared a custom tasting reception for patrons at our Film to Table event for JULIE & JULIA.
Following a preview screening of new documentary HEADING HOME: THE TALE OF TEAM ISRAEL, filmmakers Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller, and Jeremy Newberger joined JBFC Moderator Paige Grand Pré (L to R) for a Q&A.
Following a preview screening of LINDA RONSTADT: THE SOUND OF MY VOICE, filmmakers Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman joined JBFC Board President Janet Maslin (L) for a Q&A. Photo by Kervin Marseille.
Beatles expert Scott Freiman returned to the JBFC for a Q&A and signing after Sounds of Summer screenings of DECONSTRUCTING THE BEATLES' ABBEY ROAD SIDE ONE on Aug. 19, and SIDE TWO on Aug. 21, 2019.
Actor/performer Paul Lazar (C) and choreographer Annie-B Parson (R) treated audiences to a discussion moderated by choreographer Peter Pucci (L) following a screening of CAGE SHUFFLE on Aug. 20, 2019.
Following a REMIX screening of DOUVAN JOU KA LEVÉ on Aug. 15, 2019, journalist Michèle-Montas treated audience members to a Reel Talk. Photo by Kervin Marseille.
JBFC Artist-in-Residence Shelby Zoe Coley (R) joined Creative Culture Director Sean Weiner (L) for a discussion following a screening of FRANCES HA on Aug. 14, 2019.
Filmmaker/photographer Stephen Wilkes (R) joined JBFC Senior Programmer Andrew Jupin (L) for a Q&A following an advance screening of Wilkes' new documentary, JAY MYSELF.
Filmmaker Julie Simone surprised patrons with an impromptu Q&A following a Sounds of Summer screening of her film, FIDDLIN, on Aug. 7, 2019.
WFUV's Dennis Elsas (R) joined us #AtTheJBFC on July 29 for a Sounds of Summer screening of ECHO IN THE CANYON, followed by a Q&A with JBFC Programmer Karen Sloe Goodman (L).
JBFC Creative Culture Fellow Abby Akhamie introduced our one-night-only screening of MOTHER OF GEORGE on June 27 as part of JBFC original series Remix.
Following a screening of beloved film MOSTLY MARTHA, Pubstreet Executive Chef Mogan Anthony prepared a tasting reception in our Jane Peck Gallery.
Following a preview screening of TRUE JUSTICE, author/film subject Anthony Ray Hinton (R) joined JBFC Chairman Emeritus Hugh Price (L) for a #JBFCLive Q&A.
OKLAHOMA! producer Eva Price, music director Nathan Koci, lead dancer Gabrielle Hamilton, and actor Patrick Vaill joined series moderator and JBFC Board Member Dori Berinstein for a #JBFCLive Q&A on our June 23 Life on the Stage event.
Following a Jazz Sessions screening of THE JAZZ AMBASSADORS on June 19, patrons were treated to a live performance by musician Bryan Carter.
Actor Alec Baldwin (C) joined us June 18 for a preview screening of FRAMING JOHN DELOREAN, followed by a #JBFCLive Q&A moderated by JBFC Board President Janet Maslin (R). Photo by Lynda Shenkman.
Following a one-night-only screening of PLANET OF SNAIL, JBFC Womxn Filmmaker-in-Residence Siyi Chen (R) joined Creative Culture Director Sean Weiner (L) for a #JBFCLive Q&A.
Following a Jazz Sessions screening of THE JAZZ LOFT ACCORDING TO W. EUGENE SMITH, patrons enjoyed a live performance from the Ben Paterson Trio. Photo by Giancarlo Anastasio.
Annual #JBFC series Jazz Sessions: Beyond the Notes continued on June 6 with a screening of new documentary SHE'S GOT JAZZ, followed by a live performance from Veronica Swift (L) and her trio.
Following a screening of GUILTY BY SUSPICION, Hollywood Producer Irwin Winkler (R) joined JBFC Board President Janet Maslin (L) for a Q&A, followed by a book signing. Photo by Thomas Rubino.
Jazz Sessions: Beyond the Notes opened May 29 with a screening of A GREAT DAY IN HARLEM, followed by a live performance from the Emmet Cohen Trio. Photo by Lynda Shenkman.
Following a preview screening of Joanna Hogg's THE SOUVENIR on May 23, JBFC Programmers Saidah Russell (L) and Nicole Klein (R) treated audience members to a WTF ("Women Talk Film") Reel Talk.
Following the May 9 screening of YOUNG PICASSO during FrameWorks 2019, patrons enjoyed a Q&A with Jim Coddington, the former Agnus Gund Chief Conservator at the Museum of Modern Art, where he was part of the team that restored Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d’Avignon."
On Sunday, May 5, we presented the first annual Life on the Stage Spotlight Award to Alan Cumming (C), pictured here with JBFC board member and Broadway producer Dori Berinstein (L) and JBFC Executive Director Edie Demas (R). Photo by Lynda Shenkman
Filmmaker Joe Berlinger joined us May 5 #AtTheJBFC for a preview screening of his new film EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL, AND VILE.
Ara Osterweil, a film scholar, painter, McGill University professor, and a former member of the JBFC faculty, joined us on May 5 for a Q&A following a FrameWorks 2019 screening of BARBARA RUDIN & THE EXPLODING NY UNDERGROUND.
Filmmaker Josh Lowell (R) joined us May 2 for closing night of Focus on Nature 2019. Following a screening of Lowell's film THE DAWN WALL, JBFC Programming Director Brian Ackerman (L) moderated a #JBFCLive Q&A.
Musicians Tony Trischka and Bruce Molsky treated audience members to a #JBFCLive performance in celebration of Pete Seeger's 100th birthday, following our May 1 screening of PETE SEEGER: THE POWER OF SONG during Focus on Nature 2019.
Following an evening of short films on April 29, filmmaker and environmentalist Jon Bowermaster continued our HOPE ON THE HUDSON event by moderating a panel with Safe Energy Rights Group co-founder Courtney M. Williams, PhD, Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan, Riverkeeper’s Water Quality Program Director Dan Shapley, and Jay Goldmark, Field Crops Manager from the Farm Hub.
Jan Johnsen, author of "Gardentopia: Design Basics for Creating Beautiful Outdoor Spaces," joined us for a Q&A and book signing following the April 25 Focus on Nature screening of FIVE SEASONS: THE GARDENS OF PIET OUDOLF.
Filmmaker Kent Jones (R), pictured here with JBFC Programming Director Brian Ackerman (L), joined us Wednesday, April 24 for a screening of his debut feature film DIANE. Following the film, Jones joined Tracy Cochran for a #JBFCLive Q&A.
Winemaker Pascal Marchand (R) joined JBFC Programming Director Brian Ackerman (L) for a Q&A following the April 20 Focus on Nature screening of GRAND CRU.
Local filmmakers Susan Todd (L) and Andy Young (R) joined us for a Q&A following the April 20 screening of their big-screen 3D adventure BACKYARD WILDERNESS during Focus on Nature 2019.
Focus on Nature 2019 kicked off with THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM, followed by a Q&A with Jack Algiere, Farm Director at Stone Barns Center (R) and JBFC Programming Director Brian Ackerman (L). Photo by Lynda Shenkman.
Producer Nancy Spielberg stopped by for a Q&A following the closing night screening of WHO WILL WRITE OUR HISTORY during the 2019 Westchester Jewish Film Festival.
Following the April 16 screening of THE OSLO DIARIES, Steven Bayme—AJC's Director of Contemporary Jewish Life as well as AJC's Koppelman Institute on American Jewish-Israeli Relations—offered his insights.
THE WALDHEIM WALTZ showed April 11 #AtTheJBFC as part of the 2019 Westchester Jewish Film Festival. Following the screening, AJC Chief Executive Officer David Harris (L) and AJC Westchester/Fairfield President Richard W. Cohen (R) joined us for a #JBFCLive Q&A.
PROSECUTING EVIL: THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLD OF BEN FERENCZ screened April 11 as part of the 2019 Westchester Jewish Film Festival. Following the screening, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid bin Ra'ad Zeid al-Hussein (L) and joined Felice Gaer, director of AJC's Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (R), for a Q&A.
THE ANCIENT LAW, a silent film from 1923, screening on April 7 #AtTheJBFC as part of the 2019 Westchester Jewish Film Festival. Pianist Donald Sosin (L) and violinist Alicia Svigals (C) provided live musical accompaniment during the film, then joined series programmer Bruni Burres (R) for a Q&A.
Filmmaker James L. Freedman joined series programmer Bruni Burres following the April 7 screening of Freedman's film CARL LAEMMLE during the 2019 Westchester Jewish Film Festival.
Emmy- and Tony-nominated actress Tovah Feldshuh joined us via Skype for a Q&A with WJFF series programmer Bruni Burres following our April 6 screening of GOLDA'S BALCONY: THE FILM.
Filmmaker Carl Reiner joined us via Skype for a Q&A with WJFF series curator Bruni Burres following the April 6 screening of DEAD MEN DON'T WEAR PLAID, part of WJFF's "Celebrating Carl Reiner" retrospective.
JBFC Programming Director Brian Ackerman (L) moderated a Q&A with James S. Snyder, Director Emeritus of the Israel Museum (R) following a WJFF screening of THE MUSEUM on April 4.
Following the April 3 screening of WHO WILL WRITE OUR HISTORY, AJC Westchester/Fairfield Regional Director Scott Richman moderated a Q&A with Sam Kassow, author of the book upon which the film is based, and Ambassador Maciej Golubiewski, the Polish Consul General in New York (L to R).
Following the March 21 screening of scintillating new documentary THE WORLD BEFORE YOUR FEET, JBFC Senior Programmer Andrew Jupin (L) moderated a Q&A with film subject Matt Green (C) and filmmaker Jeremy Workman (R).
Pubstreet Executive Chef Mogan Anthony catered a custom tasting reception following a Film to Table screening of "ramen western" TAMPOPO on March 20. Photo by Kervin Marseille.
Following a Global Watch screening of HALL OF MIRRORS on March 19, 2019, film subject/journalist Edward Jay Epstein (C) joined filmmakers Ines and Ena Talakic for a photo op.
Film subject Jamil Sunsin (C) and Steven Choi, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition (R) joined us for a Q&A moderated by Westchester Community Foundation Executive Director Laura Rossi (L) following a Community Matters screening of COLOSSUS. Photo by Lynda Shenkman.
Filmmaker James Kent was kind enough to sign a poster for THE AFTERMATH following a preview screening and his Q&A with JBFC Board President Janet Maslin.
NASA Astronaut Nicole Stott (L) and filmmaker Guy Reid (R) discussed APOLLO 11 following a Mar. 10 screening as part of JBFC series Inquiry: Science on Film.
Filmmaker Claire Simon (L) and Creative Culture Fellow Lydia Cornett (R) were all smiles following their JBFC Live Q&A on opening night of Simon's new documentary, THE COMPETITION.
Sound artist and sonic philosopher Bruce Odland hosted two Ear Yoga workshops at the JBFC Media Arts Lab on Mar. 3, 2019. Photo by Giancarlo Anastiasio.
Following a Feb. 28 screening of the documentary DEATH CAFE, JBFC Programming Director Brian Ackerman (L) moderated a Q&A with Barbara Sarah (R), the host/facilitator of the Death Cafe of Northern Westchester.
Following a Remix screening of new documentary CHI-TOWN on Feb. 21, 2019, the sold-out crowd enjoyed a post-screening discussion with film subject/professional basketball player Keifer Sykes, filmmaker Nick Budabin, community leader Patrice Moore, and executive producer Terry Minogue. Photo by Lynda Shenkman.
JBFC Board President Janet Maslin and film writer Mark Harris (L to R) treated audiences to yet another spectacular Oscar Talk on Feb. 20, 2019, continuing a beloved JBFC annual tradition. Photo by Lynda Shenkman.
Following a Meditative Life screening of SPRING, SUMMER, FALL, WINTER...AND SPRING on Feb. 19, writer/meditation Leader Tracy Cochran engaged with the audience on how the film conveys the meditative mind.
Following a Meditative Life screening of essential documentary FROM SHOCK TO AWE, on Feb. 10, 2019, JBFC Programming Director Brian Ackerman moderated a Q&A with filmmaker Luc Côté and Dr. William Vingiano, a veteran and therapist who works with issues of PTSD (L to R).
Filmmaker Cristina Gallego was all smiles with Q&A moderator Natalie Erazo, Coordinator of Repertory and Specialty Film Programs at BAM, following an advance screening of Gallego's new film BIRDS OF PASSAGE on Feb. 8, 2019.
Annual JBFC series The Meditative Life: Consciousness, Meaning, and Connection kicked off Tuesday, Feb. 5 with a screening of TIBET: THE TRAIL OF LIGHT, followed by a Skype Q&A with filmmaker Hamid Sardar, and a reception in the JBFC's Jane Peck Gallery. Photo by Lynda Shenkman.
JBFC Executive Director Edie Demas poses with panelists Pleasantville High School Student Sofia Tome, developmental pediatrician/author Dr. Mark Bertin, and Psychiatrist Dr. Alicia Murray (L to R), after moderating their Q&A following a screening of new documentary SCREENAGERS. This event on Feb. 4, 2019, was presented in collaboration with the PTAs of the Bedford Roads School and Pleasantville Middle School.
Following a sold-out screening of HORN FROM THE HEART: THE PAUL BUTTERFIELD STORY on Jan. 23, 2019, producer/co-writer Sandra Warren (R) and music teacher Billy Roues (L) treated the audience for a Q&A on the life and legacy of musican Paul Butterfield. Photo by Kervin Marseille.
Filmmaker Astra Taylor joined us Jan. 17, 2019, at the JBFC for a Global Watch screening of her film WHAT IS DEMOCRACY?, followed by a JBFC Live Q&A. Photo by Thomas Edward Olszewski.
