The 2026 Film Festival will bring together powerful documentary screenings, conversations with filmmakers and creatives, behind-the-scenes access to the craft of filmmaking, and time to experience Williamsburg in Brooklyn, one of New York’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
Agenda
*schedule subject to change
Monday, November 9
Arrival Day
4:30 p.m.
Cocktails, Speakeasy, The Wythe Hotel
5:15 p.m.
Screening #1, Screening room, The Wythe Hotel
7 p.m.
Dinner, Cellar Dining Room, The Wythe Hotel
Tuesday, November 10
Screening #2, Screening room, The Wythe Hotel
Lunch in small groups at a variety of Williamsburg restaurants
Discussion session with experts where we will take what we’ve learned from our morning films and see how experts are working on the issues
- Private hands-on cooking class at Hudson Table, an interactive culinary studio that brings a perfect balance between a recreational and an instructional cooking
Wednesday, November 11
Screening #3, Screening Room, The Wythe Hotel
Lunch in small groups at a variety of Williamsburg restaurants
Afternoon free, it’s a perfect opportunity to slip into the city for a show or to explore all that Brooklyn has to offer
Dinner on your own
Thursday, November 12
Visit to the Brooklyn Museum
Lunch at the museum cafe
Closing Film Session and discussion, Screening Room, The Wythe Hotel
Closing Dinner, Cellar Dining Room, The Wythe Hotel
OR SCROLL DOWN FOR ACTIVITIES, FILM TEAM, TRAVEL INFORMATION AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Group Activities
The Flavors
Manhattan has the high-end dining rooms where you sit back and watch, but Brooklyn invites you to roll up your sleeves at Hudson Table. Trade the classic steakhouse reservation for a vibrant, hands-on cooking experience in Williamsburg—all while sipping expertly batched Cosmopolitans and Manhattans as you master the kitchen.
The Art Scene
Manhattan has the grand galleries of the Met, but Brooklyn boasts the bold, boundary-pushing contemporary collections of The Brooklyn Museum. One of the oldest and largest art museums in the country, this magnificent Beaux-Arts institution is celebrated for its massive Egyptian collection alongside cutting-edge, politically engaged contemporary exhibitions.
Free-time Activities
The Neighborhood Vibe
Manhattan has the historic streets of SoHo, but Brooklyn answers with the dramatic waterfront charm of DUMBO. Short for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” this iconic neighborhood blends historic cobblestone streets and industrial brick warehouses with a sophisticated modern energy. It serves as the perfect starting point for a guided walking tour that explores DUMBO’s rich history before taking you across the breathtaking, iconic spans of the Brooklyn Bridge.
The Waterfront
Skip the crowded paths of Central Park and opt instead for Brooklyn Bridge Park. This stunning 85-acre waterfront oasis offers postcard-perfect views of Manhattan alongside a vibrant neighborhood famous for its historic cobblestone streets, dramatic industrial architecture, and the iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge.
The Views
Times Square has the neon lights, but nothing compares to watching the sun set over the harbor from the peaceful Brooklyn Heights Promenade. This tree-lined pedestrian walkway cantilevers over the waterfront, offering a classic, romantic setting with panoramic, unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
The Rooftops
While the Empire State Building offers a classic view, a trip to The William Vale Rooftop serves up a far more stunning, panoramic look at the Manhattan skyline. Sitting atop a striking luxury hotel in Williamsburg, its 22nd-floor bar, Westlight, offers a stylish, high-energy atmosphere and unparalleled, 360-degree views of the entire city.
The Culinary Landscape
Manhattan is famous for its historic dining institutions, but today’s most exciting culinary concepts are found in neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Fort Greene. Defined by leafy, brownstone-lined streets and trendy industrial spaces, these neighborhoods serve as a vibrant canvas for independent, chef-driven restaurants that prioritize creativity and flavor over pretense.
The Urban Exploration
If you’ve already walked the High Line, it’s time to discover Industry City. A massive, repurposed 19th-century industrial complex on the Sunset Park waterfront, this sprawling space has been transformed into a bustling creative mini-city filled with artist studios, design shops, and an open-air food hall.
The Avant-Garde
MoMA is a must-see for modern art, but for truly immersive, cutting-edge installations, locals head to Pioneer Works in Red Hook. This radical, non-profit cultural hub is housed in a colossal, light-filled 1860s ironworks factory dedicated to experimental art, music, science, and massive, site-specific exhibitions.
The Shopping
Trade the commercial crowds of Fifth Avenue for a relaxed afternoon browsing the indie boutiques of Cobble Hill & Carroll Gardens. These two adjacent, quintessential Brooklyn neighborhoods are known for their quiet, historic charm, featuring beautiful brownstone streets lined with highly curated independent shops and artisan makers.
The Theater
Look beyond the bright marquees of Broadway to catch a performance at St. Ann’s Warehouse. Built directly into the brick ruins of a 19th-century tobacco warehouse on the DUMBO waterfront, this stunning avant-garde theater is globally recognized for staging some of the most innovative and boundary-pushing productions in the world.
OR SCROLL DOWN MEET THE FILM TEAM OR MORE INFORMATION ON TRAVEL INFORMATION AND ACCOMMODATIONS
The Film Team
Our films are once again curated by L3 members Joanne and Jim Steinback with the help of filmmaker and founder of Original Thinkers, David Holbrooke.
Holbrooke’s connection with the best and brightest minds in the industry opens the door for L3 members to talk with these thought leaders and visionaries. His well-honed interview skills always lead to deep, informative conversations.
Our film selection will be announced at a later date.
Travel Info
Plan to arrive in New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on November 9 in time for our opening event at 4:30 p.m.
Take an Uber, Lyft, or cab to our hotel. Travel time from JFK to The Wythe Hotel is between 35-55 minutes.
Plan your departure flights for any time on November 13.
Accommodations
The Wythe Hotel
This discrete historic Brooklyn residence provides a natural retreat from the city that never sleeps. High ceilings, original industrial details, and Manhattan skyline views invite you to relax and be inspired. Brooklyn heritage meets luxury.
The Wythe has a private screening room for easy access and comfort all in one.
For anyone who wants to come early or stay after our event, we have secured the group rate of $499 per night++ for the 3 days prior or after the event. Rooms are subject to hotel availability.
The Wythe is a beautiful boutique property, but in classic New York fashion, the rooms are definitely on the cozy side.
Registration
Please note we have worked hard to keep this event priced as close as possible to prior film festivals. New York is simply a more expensive destination, and we appreciate your understanding.
Early Registration Per Person Pricing
Double Occupancy $5,075 per person
Single Occupancy $6,225
Receive the early registration discount when you register with a paid deposit. Deposits are refundable minus a $150 administration fee up to 89 days after registration opening.
$1,000 per person deposit due at registration
Remaining balance due by August 19, 2026
Standard registration fees
Double Occupancy $5,575 per person
Single occupancy $6,725
Standard registration fees will apply after August 18, 2026.
Registration includes accommodations November 9 – 13, all activities and meals with the exception dinner on Wednesday, November 11 and free time activities.
Deposits are refundable—minus a $150 per‑person administrative fee—for up to 89 days after registration opens. Refunds will be issued as a credit that can be applied toward a future L3 travel event.
Please note: Only deposit payments are refundable.
L3 Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) charitable nonprofit. A portion of your registration fee may be tax-deductible if your tax professional advises it.
Registrants will receive a tax receipt listing the fair market value of this event after the trip is completed.
