Lantz v. Gotham:
Filmmaker James Lantz is in pre-production for a feature film made to support trans and LGBTQ youth in rural, small-town, and Middle America. After “A Still, Small Paw” was rejected from participating in a vital film market, he filed what is believed to be the first lawsuit of its kind against a major independent-film nonprofit, alleging discrimination.
Correspondence:
August 31, 2026 — Lawsuit filed with Kings County Supreme Court: James Lantz v. Independent Feature Project d/b/a The Gotham Film and Media Institute.
August 17, 2026 — Lantz to Gotham: Lapse of Proposed Resolution.
August 10, 2026 — Lantz to Gotham: Proposed Resolution.
August 7, 2026 — Gotham to Lantz: Legal Letter from James A. Janowitz, Law Firm of Pryor Cashman, LLP.
August 1, 2026 — Lantz to Gotham:Intent to File Administrative Complaints re: A Still, Small Paw, Gotham Week 2026 Shorts to Features.
July 28, 2026 — Lantz to Gotham: No Response from You.
July 26, 2026 — Lantz to Gotham:Follow-up Age Discrimination
July 24, 2026 — Lantz to Gotham: Federal Age Discrimination NEA
July 24, 2026 — Lantz to Gotham: Initial Reaction to Rejection.
July 24, 2026 — Gotham to Lantz: Rejection for Project Week, “Shorts to Features” from Tess Bartholomew and Kia Brooks.