Industry Players From Sony Pictures Classics and FilmNation Among Those Who Flocked the NY Film & Entertainment Soccer Tournament Benefitting Local Charities

Industry players from Sony Pictures Classics, FilmNation, Gersh and Cinetic were among the film and entertainment figures who traded screening rooms for the soccer pitch at this year’s New York Film and Entertainment Soccer Tournament benefitting local charities.

The 15th edition of NYFEST, held June 6 at Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, coincided with Tribeca’s 25th anniversary and unfolded just as the U.S. was preparing to host the World Cup. The adult tournament brought together 40 teams and more than 50 filmmakers with movies playing at Tribeca Festival.

The program included a midday All-Star game that drew actors, executives, athletes, artists and influencers. Longtime NYFEST participant Alessandro Nivola was joined by actor-director Tim Blake Nelson, actors Asher Grodman and Ezra Moreland, former MLS player Alecko Escandarian, designer and artist Colm Dillane, better known as KidSuper, and influencers Jeff Obeng, known as Mufasa, Sofiyat Ibrahim, Romeo Bartley Jr. and Elias Becker. Model Yvesmark Cherry and doctors and influencers Dr. Lia and Dr. Robin Barrett also participated, while the event spotlighted New York’s professional soccer clubs NYCFC and Gotham FC. MTuckman Media, Capelli and NYU took home trophies across the tournament’s three adult brackets.

Founded by Sony Pictures Classics executive Dylan Leiner and soccer industry executive Jeffrey Saunders, NYFEST has grown into an annual meeting point between the entertainment and soccer communities, while raising money for local charities.

Leiner and Saunders reflect on 15 years of organizing the NY Film & Entertainment Soccer Tournament

For Leiner and Saunders, part of NYFEST’s appeal is the increasingly international mix of filmmakers and industry figures who converge 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 said. “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,” they added. “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.”