The New York Film and Entertainment Soccer Tournament (NYFEST) recently celebrated its 15th anniversary at Pier 5 in Brooklyn, coinciding with the Tribeca Film Festival’s 25th anniversary. This year’s event saw industry figures from Sony Pictures Classics, FilmNation, and other entertainment companies swapping screening rooms for the soccer field to benefit local charities.
The adult tournament featured 40 teams and included over 50 filmmakers associated with the Tribeca Festival. A highlight was the midday All-Star game, which attracted notable participants like actors Alessandro Nivola and Tim Blake Nelson, as well as former MLS player Alecko Escandarian and various influencers.
Founded by Dylan Leiner and Jeffrey Saunders, NYFEST serves as an annual gathering point for the entertainment and soccer communities, raising funds for local charities. Leiner and Saunders emphasized the event’s international appeal, as filmmakers worldwide come together during Tribeca, fostering connections beyond the typical industry interactions. They expressed gratitude for the positive feedback from attendees who eagerly look forward to NYFEST each year.
