Innovating Children's Media: Nina Guralnick’s Nonprofit Leadership in Film

Her Success Story

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Nina Guralnick. The two talk about how NYICFF curates the best films for children globally to foster empathy, understanding, and awareness. They also discuss the organization’s impactful programs, from the annual New York festival to national tours and educational initiatives, and offer insights into the unique challenges of running a nonprofit.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Nina learned about the NYICFF opportunity and decided to explore it, leading to her current role.

• The mission of the NYICFF and why it is so important.

• The impact of film on children.

• An overview of the festival's major programs including the annual New York festival, the national touring program, and educational field trips.

• Nina’s vision and future goals for the festival.

Nina Guralnick is the Executive Director of New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF), an arts organization dedicated to building understanding, promoting empathy, and amplifying voices that bridge a global divide through film. With comprehensive operational expertise and a background in creating deeply engaging arts events, she has transformed NYICFF from a beloved annual event to an industry leader with year-round programming for kids, families, classrooms, filmmakers, and cultural organizations across the United States. Nina’s leadership is built on strong and strategic fiduciary oversight and consistent attention to the needs of the communities she serves. Her decision-making is informed by a desire to use art to create lasting change among young audiences and society at large.

Website: www.nyicff.org

Social Media Links: @nyicff on Instagram