MPMT Junior Shares His Experiences at the 2025 Gotham Week Expo

Gotham Week Expo 2025, from September 30 to October 2 in Brooklyn, New York, was a great opportunity for connecting with independent filmmakers and local directors, all while exploring New York City.

I attended the event alongside seven other MPMT students and visiting lecturer Kim Fowler. Over the week, we all learned together during sessions and explored the city after hours, trying new restaurants, visiting parks, and even seeing “Wicked” on Broadway.

Being new to UF CJC, I was not sure how I would fit in at first, but everyone was very friendly. Talking to them outside the panel sessions, hearing their stories about CJC and the projects they’ve worked on gave me a better idea of what is possible in the college.

At Gotham Week, the mornings usually featured panel-style conversations, while the afternoons focused more on small-group discussions and interaction among participants.

One that really stood out was “Building Resilient Careers in the Age of AI and Industry Disruption” with MiFILM and Black Film Space. It explored how AI is becoming part of filmmaking, especially in post-production. My group, led by Anatola Araba, who is the founder of Reimagine Story Lab, discussed AI tools like Machine Cinema and Runway, which help filmmakers quickly adjust lighting, restyle a shot or subject, and add or remove elements within a take. We also talked about the ethical line between using AI as a creative tool and the issue of AI holding copyright over artistic work. Thinking more about the legal side of AI and how it is beginning to take credit for creativity was interesting.

Another session that resonated with me was our final one, “Keynote: Kiss of the Spider Woman’s Bill Condon.” During it, Condon shared stories from his career and spoke honestly about the shift from college to the professional world. He reminded us that the journey into the industry would not be easy, but he assured us it would be worth it. The moderator, Darrien Michele Gipson who is the Executive Director of SAGindie expanded on that idea. He emphasized how we, filmmakers, need to understand both the creative and business sides of the field to build sustainable careers. Hearing both of them offered a well-rounded view of what it means to grow as a filmmaker, and balance artistry with practicality.

The trip gave me more clarity about my career path and pushed me to think about what I want and do not want to do. It also made me reflect on how to reach wider audiences, connect with professionals, and take real steps toward success. It taught me that nothing happens by chance. Consistent effort and initiative are needed to be successful.

I am grateful that my first semester at UF included an inspiring trip like Gotham Week. It showed me that the opportunities CJC provides are always worth pursuing and can help you shape your path if you take them.