NEW YORK, NY (July 24, 2024) – Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) announced today the honorees for the annual Changemaker Gala will be Golden Globe and Emmy-winning comedian Jerry Seinfeld and Jessica Seinfeld, executive producer of DAUGHTERS, founder of the Good+ Foundation, and bestselling author.
The Gala, which is set to take place on Wednesday, November 13th at 7 p.m. at L’Escale in Greenwich, CT, will benefit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan Family Connections program, which reunites parents incarcerated on Rikers Island and their children for an afternoon of play and learning at the museum.
This first-of-its-kind national model is designed to strengthen parent-child bonds, reduce the trauma of separation on the child, motivate parents to improve behavior in custody, and reduce recidivism. GIFF’s Changemaker Award honors artists who have used their public platform and the power of film to further positive social change. Past honorees include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Eva Longoria Baston, John Legend, Ashley Judd, Renée Zellweger, Christy Turlington Burns, Freida Pinto, Trudie Styler, Abigail Breslin, Harry Belafonte and Mia Farrow.
“We are thrilled to present Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld with our 10th Anniversary Changemaker Award. Jerry and Jessica are the perfect fit for Changemakers in this momentous year. Jessica has used her platform for decades to advocate for the disenfranchised, underrepresented and now the Jewish community in their battle against the rising tide of anti semitism around the world. Jerry, having created the iconic comedy show of our lifetime, is the perfect balance we have always been looking for in a Changemaker. He is a celebrity who is able to tackle difficult topics, while making us laugh. What an incredible gift laughter is to carry us through challenging times.”
“GIFF has always proudly stood as an anti-hate organization. We now stand beside our Jewish friends and neighbors, as well as all those facing injustice because of their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Thank you Jerry and Jessica for all you do to make our world a brighter place,” Wendy Stapleton, Founder & Chairwoman, GIFF.
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Greenwich International Film Festival will showcase the best of its impact over the years, with a program that features an expanded Jewish Film Series combating antisemitism through cinema, robust programming highlighting women’s stories, and an inspiring lineup of social impact films.
“The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is honored that Jessica and Jerry Seinfeld and the Greenwich International Film Festival will make a generous gift to strengthen our shared work supporting children affected by the trauma of parental incarceration. Together–at CMOM, on Rikers Island, and through the power of film–we are proud to bring attention to this challenging yet vitally important issue,” said CMOM CEO and Museum Director Dava Schub.
About Greenwich International Film Festival
2024 marks the 10 year anniversary of Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) as an all-female founded 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that bridges the worlds of film and philanthropy through films, panels and special events. GIFF harnesses the power of film to serve the greater good by supporting causes that relate to basic human rights, education, the environment and health care.
GIFF prides itself on our female driven and philanthropic programming. Over half of our screened films are written and/or directed by women, and we work to provide powerful charitable impact. To date, GIFF has raised over $1,100,000 for charity partners, awarded $200,000 to filmmakers, and offered a variety of free educational programs for the community. Visit
About Children’s Museum of Manhattan
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a nationally recognized leader in early childhood development, offering interactive exhibits, public programs, and educator-led workshops for children and families from a diversity of backgrounds and abilities. The work is research-based and designed to help young children build the intellectual, emotional, physical, and social skills needed for school readiness and to thrive in today’s world. Beyond welcoming visitors to the Museum, CMOM serves New York City’s historically marginalized populations through outreach partnerships with public schools, libraries, shelters, community centers, Head Start centers, and more.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
