Single documentary filmmaker Nina Davenport decided as a 40-year old New Yorker to have a baby on her own – and film the process. With the help of her best friend, Amy, as birth partner and her gay friend Eric as sperm donor, First Comes Love tracks Nina’s story from idea, to conception, to birth. This touching, hilarious real-life story reflects on life, love, and relationships – and what comes first.

NFF spoke with Nina about her experience in both making the film and having a child as a single mother. Read more below, and then meet Nina and her son Jasper at her screenings on Thursday, June 27 at 2:30pm and Friday, June 28 at 11:30am!

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An NFF favorite Signature Program, Late Night Storytelling,  returns with a new, exciting host —
Ophira Eisenberg, Presenter of NPR’s Ask Me Another and author of Screw Everyone. 

NFF is overjoyed to present Ms. Eisenberg, selected as one of New York Magazine’s “Top 10 Comics that Funny People Find Funny.” But don’t take our word for it – check out one of these videos and prepare to laugh your face off!

Late Night Storytelling is a hilarious, thought-provoking evening of five minute curated stories told by Islanders and guests of the Festival, followed by cocktails. This year’s theme is “The Great Escape” — provocative stories about breaking free, breaking out, or simply cutting loose.

Join us at ‘Sconset Casino on Friday, June 28 at 8:00 pm as we welcome a group of handpicked storytellers who are ready to spill their inner most secrets for you and you alone (well, you and two hundred of your closest friends), and prepare to meet Ophira – she’s ready to meet YOU.

Late Night Storytelling is presented by Showtime

NFF 2013 is proud to announce a special curated section of our documentary programming this year, the Environmental Documentary Program on Friday, June 28 at 9:30 AM.  This program includes a close look at urgent environmental issues ranging from the reconstruction of the New Jersey Shore in Sea Bright Rising (pictured above), drinking water availability in Africa in This is Normal to the post-earthquake catastrophe in Haiti in Haiti Redux.

Learn more about each of these films online with our film guide, and take a look below for an in-depth interview with Sean Moran, the producer of Sea Bright Rising.

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We recently spoke with Tom Gilroy, director of NFF18 film The Cold Lands, who will be attending the Festival.

The Cold Lands is about eleven-year-old Atticus. When his mother dies unexpectedly, the young boy flees into the Catskill Mountains on his own. After wandering the woods in shock, Atticus latches onto eccentric Carter, a scruffy wildman who lives in his car, chain-smokes pot, and sells handmade necklaces at music festivals. A wary alliance forms, with each dependent on but unsure of the other. The Cold Lands is an original, thoughtful, and beautifully shot coming-of-age film imbued with a strong sense of place and independence.

Learn more below about Gilroy’s return to NFF and the  inspiration for this striking film, and then check it out at NFF 2013 on Thursday, June 27 at 7pm and Friday, June 28 at 3:30pm!

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You may have read about the acclaimed NFF18 film In A World…, featuring NFF New Voices in Screenwriting Award-recipient Lake Bell as an emerging voiceover artist, attempting to follow in her famous father’s footsteps.

But what exactly is a voiceover artist, and how do you become one?  Voiceovers are everywhere: from commercials, to video games, to podcasts, voice actors are in demand now more than ever. And with recognizable voices such as Jon Hamm, John Corbett, and Dennis Haysbert cropping up more and more, it’s increasingly more difficult for a young actor to break into the business.

Before you check out In A World… on Friday, June 28 at 5pm and/or Saturday, June 29 at 2pm,  read more at PBS.org and The Guardian about this little-known and difficult but highly lucrative career!