Member Spotlight: Emma Cavalier

Emma Cavalier grew up in New York City and was encouraged to develop her acting chops from an early age. Since childhood, she has traveled domestically and internationally pursuing further education and professional experience in the performing arts. During school, she was awarded an honor of excellence in acting, and soon after moved on to extend her experience beyond the stage. She established herself as a trusted and versatile producer, writer, and director during her years living in Massachusetts before earning her SAG-AFTRA membership performing in David O. Russell’s, AMERICAN HUSTLE. Now, back in New York, and soon extending her residence to Los Angeles, Emma has recently come off of performing a supporting role in, SERVING BRÛLÉE, an original play staged in New York City’s, West Village. A proud Italian-American, Emma’s family reaches far and wide. With ancestral roots in Calabria, these days the Cavalier family extends from California, to Ohio, New York, and Canada.

Related STORIES

Alissa Jung on Paternal Leave | Open Roads: New Italian Cinema 2025

Actress-turned-director Alissa Jung made her Open Roads: New Italian Cinema debut with the U.S. premiere of Paternal Leave, a thoughtful exploration of a father-daughter relationship set against the backdrop of Northern Italy. The film, which had its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, 2025, engages audiences with a quietly moving and at times unexpectedly funny story. It follows 15-year-old Leo (newcomer Juli Grabenhenrich), who leaves Germany in search of Paolo (Luca Marinelli), the father she’s never met. What unfolds is an encounter that’s as tender as it is illuminating.

On the occasion of the 24th edition of Open Roads, Jung spoke with NOIAFT’s founder/president, Taylor Taglianetti, about her transition to feature filmmaking.

NOIAFT Announces Strategic Partnership with MOVIEITALY+

Exciting News! The National Organization of Italian Americans in Film & Television (NOIAFT) is thrilled to announce a brand new partnership with MOVIEITALY+. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our mission to celebrate and showcase the beauty of Italian cinema and culture.

Ginevra Elkann on ‘I Told You So’ | Open Roads: New Italian Cinema 2024

On May 31st, Italian-French director/producer Ginevra Elkann’s “I Told You So” saw its U.S. premiere at the 23rd edition of Open Roads: New Italian Cinema. Taking place at Lincoln Center in New York, audiences were in for a treat as they immersed themselves through a sweltering Roman heatwave, exposing its characters to the heights of their struggles and addictions.
On the occasion of the 22nd edition of Open Roads: New Italian Cinema, Mazzucco spoke with NOIAFT’s founder/president Taylor Taglianetti about her latest project.

Margherita Mazzucco on ‘Chiara’ | Open Roads: New Italian Cinema 2023

Best known for her leading role as Elena Greco in the hit HBO show, My Brilliant Friend, Margherita Mazzucco takes on Saint Clare of Assisi in her film debut, Chiara.

On the occasion of the 22nd edition of Open Roads: New Italian Cinema, Mazzucco spoke with NOIAFT’s founder/president Taylor Taglianetti about her latest project.