Q&A with NYFA BFA Filmmaking Alum Fady Jeanbart

NYFA Filmmaking Alum Fady Jeanbart is an Egyptian-American filmmaker based in LA. Since graduating NYFA he has worked on numerous projects that have been selected in multiple festivals and have won awards. His latest short film “I Have No Place To Cry” tells the story of Anna, a woman held captive for years trying to decide between futures. Fady spoke to us about his career after graduating and the making of his latest project. 

NYFA Alumni Network: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, where you're from, and what brought you to New York Film Academy?

My name is Fady Jeanbart, an Egyptian-American filmmaker based in Los Angeles. I am an active member of the Television Academy (Emmy®) and recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Born and raised in Egypt, I have always been drawn to storytelling and the power of visual arts. As a child, I spent hours sitting, watching, and listening to people, fascinated by their stories and personalities. I meticulously documented all my observations in a journal, honing my skills as a storyteller and artist from a young age.

As I grew older, my passion for cinema and the film industry intensified. I moved to Los Angeles, California, to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Filmmaking, graduating with Honors from the New York Film Academy. My time in Los Angeles wasn’t without its challenges, but I persisted, driven by my unwavering commitment to my craft.

My dedication to excellence and my love for storytelling continues to drive me as I seek to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of cinema. Through my work, I aim to inspire others to pursue their dreams and to use storytelling as a means of connecting with people and the world around them. My journey from Egypt to Los Angeles is a testament to the power of creativity and the human spirit, and my story serves as inspiration to all those who seek to make their mark on the world.

NYFA Alumni Network: What projects have you worked on since graduating? Have you won any awards or been showcased in any festivals or competitions?

F. J: I feel fortunate to have worked on many projects since my graduation for which I have received significant recognition, nominations, and awards. I was recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (EMMYS) after working on the Emmy award-winning TV show "Studio City" Seasons 1 & 2.

My thesis short film, "The Red," was selected in multiple film festivals and received several awards, including recognition at the Cannes Film Festival Short Corner, Los Angeles CineFest, Los Angeles Independent Film Awards, Culver City Film Festival, and Alpha Film Festival.

My most recent film, “I Have No Place To Cry,” has also garnered awards. It won Best Short, Best Directing, Best Editing, and Best Lead Actress at the Best Shorts Competition, and was awarded Best Inspirational Film at the Los Angeles Film Awards. Additionally, it has been officially selected for the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, which is a qualifying festival for the Canadian Screen Awards (The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television).

NYFA Alumni Network: Tell us more about your latest project & how you got involved in the project?

F. J: My latest project is my film “I Have No Place To Cry,” which I directed. As mentioned, the film has received recognition, awards, and selections, and it is now qualified to be part of the Canadian Screen Awards.

Logline: Anna is a captive for many years. When given the opportunity to choose between two different futures, she wrestles with her own mind as she’s forced to decide.

“I Have No Place To Cry” sheds light on the harsh realities of human trafficking, where 99% of women never escape. This film is dedicated to them—the voices rarely heard. I felt compelled to create this short film to amplify their stories, believing it is my duty as a storyteller to expose the depths of human suffering and remind us of its profound existence. The film takes a strong humanistic stance, offering sociopolitical, psychological, and philosophical perspectives.

I deliberately utilized the language of cinema to enhance the narrative. The aspect ratio in the film serves as a metaphor itself; the 1.37:1 ratio symbolizes confinement, evoking a sense of being trapped. As the story progresses, moments of imagined and earned freedom are depicted through the 16:9 (1.78:1) aspect ratio, allowing the audience to experience Anna’s journey as she yearns for liberation. This technique is used poignantly at the end, reflecting her pivotal decision to remain in her current reality despite have had a chance to escape.

The film continues its festival run, and our entire crew is immensely proud of the final product.

NYFA Alumni Network: What did you learn at NYFA that you applied directly to this project and others?

F.J: I learned a lot during my time at New York Film Academy. At NYFA, I gained a profound understanding of the intricate dance between technical proficiency and creative intuition in filmmaking. One of the most impactful lessons I carried forward is the art of visual storytelling—how every frame, every shot, must contribute meaningfully to the narrative and emotional arc of the film. This principle has been invaluable in shaping my approach to projects, guiding me to not only capture compelling visuals but to imbue each scene with purpose and resonance.

Moreover, NYFA instilled in me a disciplined approach to production planning and execution. From script development to pre-production logistics and on-set management, I learned to appreciate the meticulous preparation required to bring a vision to life effectively. This structured foundation has been instrumental in ensuring that my projects are not only creatively ambitious but also logistically feasible and well-executed

Beyond technical skills, NYFA fostered a collaborative spirit that has deeply influenced my work. The emphasis on teamwork and communication taught me the importance of listening, understanding diverse perspectives, and harnessing collective creativity. This collaborative mindset has enriched the depth and breadth of my projects, allowing me to embrace diverse voices and create films that resonate on a universal level.

Overall, my experience at NYFA has been transformative, equipping me with both the technical prowess and creative insight necessary to tackle complex narratives and push the boundaries of visual storytelling. It has empowered me to approach filmmaking not just as a craft but as a profound means of expression, capable of touching hearts, challenging minds, and sparking meaningful conversations.

Check out the trailer for the film: