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.

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 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.