RACHEL ISRAEL WINS NYWIFT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTING A NARRATIVE FILM AT WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL

Director of THE FLOATERS Honored with $1,000 Prize and Recognition for Bold, Perspective-Shifting Storytelling

Photo (attached)

Photo Credit Leslie Hassler

Top Row from L-R Jacob Moskovitz, Producer Becky Korman, Max Samuel

Bottom Row L-R Thani Brant, Director Rachel Israel, Producer Becky Korman and Producer Shai Korman

Woodstock, NY – October 20, 2025 – Director Rachel Israel was awarded the prestigious NYWIFT Award for Excellence in Directing a Narrative Film for her film THE FLOATERS at the Woodstock Film Festival. The award, presented by NYWIFT CEO Cynthia Lopez and Board Member Kim Jackson, includes a $1,000 prize, a certificate, and a six-month NYWIFT membership.

In their jury statement, the festival praised the film's unique approach to storytelling "THE FLOATERS was funny and charming and smartly executed, but, among its most impressive messages was how critical it is not to just accept what we're told, no matter how long we've been told it; how critical it is to take a fresh look, from a different perspective, at the ideas we were raised on; and how very much we miss out on when we don't."

Accepting the award, Israel expressed gratitude to the Woodstock community and NYWIFT for creating a vital space for artists during challenging times. "It's a very isolating and scary time to be in this world as an artist, as a human being, as an American, as a woman," Israel said. "Being here at the festival has just been so inspiring to me to see so many compassionate, loving, radical films that make me not feel alone."

THE FLOATERS faced significant production challenges, becoming one of the first independent films to shoot following the actors' strike. Israel credited her producers—Shai Lily, Becky Korman, and Andrew Gordon—for their dedication and endurance in bringing the project to life.

Israel credited her producers—Shai Lily, Becky Korman, and Andrew Gordon—for their dedication and endurance in bringing the project to life, despite the many challenges of independent

filmmaking today. Israel also acknowledged the importance of family support in sustaining her career as a female film director, thanking her husband, Kurt Enger, who stayed home caring for their five children during the ceremony.

The NYWIFT Award for Excellence in Directing a Narrative Film celebrates directors who demonstrate exceptional vision and craft in narrative storytelling, recognizing work that challenges audiences to see the world through fresh eyes.

About THE FLOATERS
Directed by Rachel Israel (Keep the Change). The Floaters stars Jackie Tohn (Nobody Wants This), Sarah Podemski (Reservation Dogs),Aya Cash (The Boys), Seth Green (Austin Powers), Judah Lewis (The Babysitter), Nina Bloomgarden (It's What's Inside) and Steve Guttenberg (Three Men and a Baby).

After being ousted from her rock band, Nomi (Jackie Tohn) returns to her childhood Jewish summer camp for a last-resort job. Tasked with supervising a group of outsider teens, she faces off against a rival camp and her own past, ultimately discovering the true meaning of connection and legacy.

About NYWIFT
New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) advocates for equality in the moving image industry and supports women at every stage of their careers. For more information, visit www.nywift.org.

About Woodstock Film Festival
The Woodstock Film Festival celebrates independent film and supports emerging and established filmmakers through screenings, panels, and awards. For more information, visit www.woodstockfilmfestival.org.