The Big Apple Film Society was established as a means of supporting and promoting independent films and filmmakers from the New York City metropolitan area.  Our primary mission is to connect cinematic audiences with influential, educational and entertaining films that have been developed and produced outside of the mainstream studio system and reflect the ideals of individuals living and/or working within the New York area. Our key philosophy is that as the visual age continues to progress, media will continue to play a major role in the shaping of our society and therefore it is imperative that a multitude of voices are heard and experienced through the visual medium. As New York City is synonymous with cultural diversity, the Big Apple Film Society seeks to recognize and support films and filmmakers that focus their attention on the unique qualities of individuals of all backgrounds and ethnicities.

BIG APPLE FILM SOCIETY SHORT FILM DIGEST – A monthly e-zine designed to keep film audiences updated on award winning short films from New York City filmmakers and production companies. Focuses primarily on short films that are influential, educational and have received award-winning recognition from established film festivals throughout the country and around the world.

NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS “EDUCATION THROUGH FILM” INITIATIVE – Each year the Big Apple Film Society will select a variety of films that can be used for educational purposes throughout classrooms in the New York City Public School System. These films will be screened in classrooms and specially selected filmmakers will be asked to host interactive discussions with students following the screenings, which will allow for a more dynamic, hands-on, cooperative and analytical approach to instruction through use of the visual medium.

BIG APPLE FILM FESTIVAL – Each year, the Big Apple Film Society will host the Big Apple Film Festival. The festival will screen a variety of specially selected film from the New York City independent film community, as well as additional selections from across the country and around the world. The festival includes New York City premieres, interactive panel discussions with industry professionals from the New York City film community, honorary award presentations to individuals who have played an influential role in independent filmmaking in the New York City area, networking parties and events, as well as a closing night awards ceremony in which awards will be presented for achievement in filmmaking, screenwriting and acting.

Jonathan Marc Lipp, Founder 

Jonathan Marc Lipp is a graduate of Hofstra University where he received a Bachelors degree in history. He then received a Master’s degree from Queens College in New York City. He has worked as a journalist for a variety of publications, including “Good Times” and “North Jersey News.” He has written and directed a New York City theatrical production entitled “The What If Show”. He has also written and directed a short film entitled “My Life”, as well as a spec commercial for Honda. Lipp's films, including the feature films "Bridges and Tunnels" and "Singles.com", have screened at a variety of festivals across the country.

Lipp is also the founder of the “Big Apple Film Festival”, which opened at the Anthology Film Archives in New York City in December of 2004. Aside from coordinating the Big Apple Film Festival, he is also currently in production on a short film, “The Tell Tale Heart”, based on the short story by Edgar Allen Poe. Lipp will adapt the original story into a contemporary version, produce and direct, as well as score and record an original instrumental music soundtrack.