This year, the soccer pitch became a vibrant hub for industry players from Sony Pictures Classics, FilmNation, Gersh, and Cinetic as they participated in the New York Film and Entertainment Soccer Tournament (NYFEST), an event dedicated to benefiting local charities.
Celebrating 15 Years of NYFEST
The 15th edition of NYFEST took place on June 6 at Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Tribeca Festival and the U.S. gearing up to host the World Cup. This year’s adult tournament featured 40 teams, drawing participation from over 50 filmmakers showcasing their works at Tribeca Festival.
Stars Align on the Soccer Field
A highlight of the event was the midday All-Star game, which attracted an eclectic mix of actors, executives, athletes, artists, and influencers. Notable attendees included long-time NYFEST participant Alessandro Nivola, actor-director Tim Blake Nelson, and actors Asher Grodman and Ezra Moreland. The roster also featured former MLS player Alecko Escandarian, designer and artist Colm Dillane, known as KidSuper, as well as influencers such as Jeff Obeng (Mufasa), Sofiyat Ibrahim, Romeo Bartley Jr., and Elias Becker. Additional participants included model Yvesmark Cherry and doctors Dr. Lia and Dr. Robin Barrett. The event also highlighted the presence of New York’s professional soccer clubs, NYCFC and Gotham FC, with teams from MTuckman Media, Capelli, and NYU taking home trophies across the tournament’s three adult brackets.
A Legacy of Community and Connection
Founded by Sony Pictures Classics executive Dylan Leiner and soccer industry executive Jeffrey Saunders, NYFEST has evolved into an annual gathering that bridges the entertainment and soccer communities while also raising funds for local charities.
Leiner and Saunders reflect on 15 years of organizing the NY Film & Entertainment Soccer Tournament
The Global Appeal of NYFEST
For Leiner and Saunders, the festival’s allure lies in its increasingly international mix of filmmakers and industry figures who come together in New York during Tribeca.
“We hear constantly from people how they look forward to NYFEST all year long and that it is among their favorite days during Tribeca,” the co-founders shared. “NYFEST continues to be gratifying not only because it brings so many of our friends and colleagues in the New York area together, but because of how international the event has become. Each year we welcome filmmakers and guests from all over the world who come to NYC with their films and find that soccer and NYFEST allow them to connect with our industry and spectators in a totally different way.”
