Stonestreet Studios made a triumphant return to the Big Apple Film Festival earlier this month, presenting eight films across multiple programs from November 10–13. This impressive slate highlights the studio’s expansive creative reach and its unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers. With a reputation for blending mentorship and innovation, Stonestreet continues to demonstrate why it remains a cornerstone of independent film in New York City.
The eight films that premiered were all produced by Stonestreet co-founders Alyssa Rallo Bennett and Gary O. Bennett, underscoring the studio’s collaborative model that has defined its legacy. Among the standout titles were Harvard—written and directed by Gary O. Bennett and starring Alyssa—and Schrödinger’s Cat, directed by Alyssa and written by Gary, which features one of Alyssa’s original songs. These projects exemplify the duo’s creative synergy, while the remaining six films showcase the talents of directors who emerged from Stonestreet’s residency program, continuing a 34-year tradition of transforming actor-storytellers into multifaceted filmmakers.
The lineup reflected Stonestreet’s signature blend of socially conscious, character-driven, and genre-spanning storytelling. Audiences can expect a diverse range of narratives, from introspective dramas that explore the human condition to absurdist comedies that challenge conventions, and speculative fiction that pushes the boundaries of imagination. This breadth of storytelling not only demonstrates the versatility of Stonestreet’s filmmakers but also reinforces the studio’s commitment to cultivating bold, original voices.
“We’re thrilled to have eight films at Big Apple this season—each one reflecting a unique voice, collaboration, and creative spark,” say Stonestreet co-founders Alyssa Rallo Bennett and Gary O. Bennett. “This lineup represents the full spectrum of storytelling we champion at Stonestreet, from the deeply personal to the boldly experimental.” Their statement captures the essence of the studio’s mission: to empower creators to tell stories that resonate on both intimate and universal levels.
As Stonestreet Studios celebrates its 34th year of original filmmaking and artistic mentorship, its strong presence at the Big Apple Film Festival serves as a testament to its enduring influence. The studio has consistently championed socially relevant narratives, cultivating films that spark dialogue around cultural, political, and emotional themes. This year’s showcase not only honors its legacy but also points toward a future where independent voices continue to thrive under Stonestreet’s guidance.
The festival premiere also highlights the studio’s unique residency program, which has long been a pipeline for emerging talent. By encouraging actor-storytellers to write, direct, shoot, and edit their own work, Stonestreet fosters a holistic approach to filmmaking that empowers artists to take ownership of their creative visions. This model has proven to be transformative, producing filmmakers who are not only versatile but also deeply attuned to the power of storytelling in shaping cultural conversations.
Stonestreet Studios body of work spans award-winning socially speculative feature films such as ReRUN (Christopher Lloyd), Rain Without Thunder (Jeff Daniels, Linda Hunt, Steve Zahn), and The Pack (Luci Arnaz, Elisabeth Moss), as well as pilots, web series, and MicroMovies featured in dozens of international festivals including Tribeca, Newport Beach, Soho International, Sedona, and Toronto Independent Film Festival. Known as an incubator of socially conscious, character-driven, and culturally provocative content, Stonestreet has built a reputation for pushing boundaries while nurturing talent through its residency program for NYU Tisch Drama.
Over the years, Stonestreet has developed an impressive roster of alumni who have gone on to achieve remarkable success in film, television, and theater. Notable names include Miles Teller (Whiplash, Divergent), Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, House of Cards), Camila Mendes (Riverdale), Danny Ramirez (Top Gun: Maverick), Beanie Feldstein (Booksmart), Xosha Roquemore (The Mindy Project), Francesca Reale (Stranger Things), Ximena Lamadrid (Bardo), Idina Menzel (Frozen), Rachel Sennott (Shiva Baby, Bottoms), and Nik Walker (Hamilton).
With films streaming worldwide, Stonestreet Studios continues to stand as a beacon of independent filmmaking, mentorship, and cultural innovation.
