School of Visual Arts (SVA) presents After School Special, the College’s annual showcase of some of its most accomplished alumni across a wide range of filmmaking arts. This year’s festival will feature screenings with over 35 alumni from 10 academic departments, and run Wednesday, September 17, through Sunday, September 21, at the SVA Theatre. 

All showings—which include documentaries, television series, and animation—are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, and all will include Q&As with alumni. Doors will open approximately 30 minutes prior to each screening, and guests can enjoy a special selection of music videos by Amanda DiMartino (BFA 2017 Film) in the lobby of the theatre.

PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

Wednesday, September 17

7:30pm | Pay or Die (2023)

Scott Alexander Ruderman (MFA 2016 Social Documentary Film) and Rachael Dyer co-directed this incredibly relevant documentary that explores the crushing financial reality for insulin-dependent Americans living with diabetes. Following the film, join Ruderman and Dyer for a conversation about the award-winning documentary and Ruderman’s personal journey living as a diabetic. Preceded by the NYC premiere of the short documentary The Hemingway (2024), co-directed by the film’s subject, Patrick O’Brien (BFA 1996 Film and Video).

Thursday, September 18

7:30pm | 7 Beats Per Minute (2024)

The National Film Board of Canada presents the NYC premiere of this astonishing, award-winning documentary about freediving champion Jessea Lu, who nearly died during a world-record attempt. Join director and fellow freediver Yuqi Kang (MFA 2016 Social Documentary Film) for a discussion following the film. Preceded by the NYC premiere of short films produced by OHuo Studio’s Song Lu and Fan Yu, 2021 and 2023 alumni from SVA’s MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media program, respectively, which used generative AI in its creation.

Friday, September 19

8:00pm | SVA Premieres: Best of 2025

A spotlight of 17 exceptional live action, documentary, and animated shorts by 22 graduates from nine departments of the class of 2025, many of whom will be in attendance.

Saturday, September 20

2:00pm | Common Side Effects (2025)

Join show co-creator Joe Bennett (BFA 2008 Fine Arts) and assistant editor Joie Lim (BFA 2021 Animation) of Green Street Pictures for a screening of multiple episodes of the first season of this 2025 Emmy-nominated Adult Swim animated series, which follows former high school lab mates as they unravel a conspiracy involving big pharma and the government. Preceded by the world cinematic premiere of DB Edmunds’ music video "Can You Feel It?" (2025), directed by Stephen Jablonsky (BFA 1993 Photography, MFA 1995 Photography and Related Media), which used generative AI in its creation.

7:30pm | Raoul’s, A New York Story (2025)

Direct from a sold-out run at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, this documentary examines the history behind the iconic Soho restaurant Raoul’s. Join co-directors Greg Olliver (BFA 1996 Film and Video) and Karim Raoul (also the restaurant’s owner) for a delicious chat after the film.

Sunday, September 21

2:00pm | The Wild Robot (2024)

DreamWorks presents its Academy Award-nominated film about an intelligent robot stranded on an uninhabited island. Following the film, hear from five artists who brought this animated feature to life—Angela Arzumanyan (BFA 2018 Computer Art, Computer Animation, and Visual Effects), Charlotte Bae (MFA 2013 Computer Art), Nyoung Kim (BFA 2018 Computer Art, Computer Animation, and Visual Effects), Lisa Qingyi Liu (BFA 2022 Computer Art, Computer Animation, and Visual Effects), and Adam Rosette (BFA 2007 Animation). Rosette is currently co-directing Sony's animated film GOAT, coming to theatres in February 2026.

RSVPs via Eventbrite are welcome, but not necessary, and do not guarantee entry. To RSVP and check festival updates, visit: svatheatre.eventbrite.com. SVA Theatre does not offer concessions.

SVA alumni have been featured in film festivals across the globe, steering their own projects and making integral contributions to blockbuster releases. They have won Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes and awards at festivals such as Sundance, SXSW and the Venice Film Festival. 

School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers and creative professionals for seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprising 6,000 students at its Manhattan campus and over 43,000 alumni from some 130 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For information about the College’s 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, visit sva.edu.