The Sixth Borough Film Festival returns for its second year at MU.
@SIXTHBOROUGHFILMFEST / INSTAGRAM
Nicholas Melendez, Staff Writer
Following the debut of the Sixth Borough Film Festival (SBFF), the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences at Manhattan University (MU) will host the event for a second year. The festival, running April 2-4, 2027, will feature work from filmmakers of all ages and from around the world.
The Quadrangle spoke with SBFF Program Director Michael Grabowski, Ph.D., a professor of communication, sound and media arts and director of the university’s game design program, about the work that goes into organizing the festival and the opportunities it provides for filmmakers and students.
“[The film festival is] an opportunity for people to come and see both short film and feature films produced by filmmakers that don’t necessarily get commercial distribution,” Grabowski said. “[It’s] an opportunity to see work by up-and-coming filmmakers, established independent filmmakers, and anyone who wants to contribute to the art.”
As the festival returns, MU has continued to expand its involvement in film. The university has added a film minor and continued its partnership with Lionsgate Great Point Studios in Yonkers. Through the partnership, MU currently offers two film classes at the studio during the fall semester, with two more in development for the spring.
The courses provide students with hands-on experience at a professional facility where television and film projects are produced, connecting classroom learning with the film industry.
Grabowski also pointed to the scope of this year’s submissions.
“We had over 200 entries from 30 countries, and I just saw an entry from Greece, another one from India, another one from Japan, another one from Dubai,” Grabowski said.
The international submissions give the festival an opportunity to bring a range of filmmakers and perspectives to the MU community while showcasing work from both emerging and established independent filmmakers.
The Quadrangle also spoke with Jason Tiziano Silva ’26, a communication alum who concentrated in media production, about his involvement with the festival.
“[The SBFF] gives students and filmmakers a chance to showcase their work and have people actually see it,” Silva said. “As someone who loves this kind of work, it was really cool to be part of something that brings everyone together and celebrates the work we’ve created along with other filmmakers.”
Silva edited and produced the festival trailer and a “Welcome to the Film Festival” short shown before screenings. He also helped create social media videos and assisted with festival preparation.
“It makes me proud to have been a student at MU,” Silva said. “Seeing students and faculty come together to create something like the film festival shows how much creativity, passion and talent there is at MU.”
Students have also contributed to the festival through its social media and press efforts.
Sadie Fox, a senior double English and communication major, worked with the festival’s social media and press teams last year. She described the experience as an opportunity to learn more about the industry while working alongside her peers.
“[The SBFF] was a great opportunity to network with directors and meet people in the film industry,” Fox said. “I had a great time learning about the behind-the-scenes aspects of a film festival and working with peers… It makes me feel proud of [the] communication department and how much we’ve grown since I came to MU. I love the community we have here and hope it continues to grow.”