Join us for an evening of remarkable short films by extraordinary young filmmakers chosen by their peers as the best of Reel Works in 2024.

You are invited to a special reception with Board of Directors and Gala Host Committee.

Each spring, Reel Works students honor their fellow filmmakers with the F. John Outcalt Award for Outstanding Filmmaking in a unique peer-recognition initiative. Our Youth Ambassadors carefully review and nominate peers whose work demonstrates exceptional artistic excellence, personal storytelling, and social impact.

Created in loving memory of writer, director, and activist Forman John Outcalt by his partner of 18 years, Andrew R. Rosenthal, and the Barbara and William Rosenthal Family Foundation, the F. John Outcalt Award for Outstanding Filmmaking celebrates student work that exemplifies Reel Works’ core value.

Meet The Filmmakers

Sponsorship Packages

Support the next generation of filmmakers and media creatives! We offer a variety of sponsorship packages to fit your budget. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.

If you are interested in sponsoring the ChangeMakers Gala, contact us at Development@reelworks.org.

Nearby Transportation

By Subway:
- 7 Train: Take the 7 train to the 34 St–Hudson Yards station. Upon exiting, walk south along Hudson Boulevard toward Vessel. Enter The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards.
- A, C, E Trains: Disembark at 34 St–Penn Station. Exit at 33rd Street & 8th Avenue, then walk west on 33rd Street toward 10th Avenue. Enter The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards.
By Bus: The M34-SBS, M12, and M11 bus lines have stops within a few minutes' walk of Hudson Yards.
By Rail: If arriving via Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), New Jersey Transit, or PATH trains, alight at Penn Station, located between West 31st and West 33rd Streets and 7th and 8th Avenues. From there, it's a short walk west to Hudson Yards.
By Car: Parking is available at 10 Hudson Yards, Abington House, and One Hudson Yards, all located along West 30th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues.

Recording Notice

Please be aware that by attending this event, you are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. Your entry and presence at the event constitute your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or recorded. You also agree to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any media you are featured in for promotional purposes related to Reel Works and its initiatives. This includes, but is not limited to, use on websites, social media, news, and advertising.

Accessibility

At Reel Works, everyone deserves a comfortable and enjoyable theater experience. We're actively working to enhance our accessibility features and create an inclusive environment for all audience members. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us at Development@reelworks.org to best support your visit.

Reel Works is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that mentors, inspires, and empowers underserved NYC youth to share their stories through filmmaking, creating a springboard to successful careers in media and beyond.

After School: Reel Works’ free after-school programs pair teens with professional filmmaker-mentors to create original short documentaries, narrative films, and experimental films that have won countless awards and been seen by over 20 million viewers worldwide since 2001.
In-Schools: Reel Works In Schools brings the power of our award-winning workshops into the classrooms of New York City public schools. Contact us to learn how to bring our filmmaking programs to your classroom!
MediaMKRS: MediaMKRS diversifies the media landscape and levels the hiring field by bringing together industry leaders, educators, and local government to train and credential rising talent.

Please note that attendees to this event will be signed up for the Reel Works newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time.

The 2025 F. John Outcalt Award For Outstanding Filmmaking Screening

Join us for an evening of remarkable short films by extraordinary young filmmakers chosen by their peers as the best of Reel Works in 2024.