Empire State Review Contributor 
From October 24 to 26, 2025, the New Yorker Festival marked an extraordinary milestone as it celebrated the magazine’s 100th anniversary. Over the course of three days, the event brought together a diverse and influential group of writers, filmmakers, artists, and cultural figures for a series of discussions and panels. The festival, known for its intellectual rigor and creative spirit, explored a wide range of topics, including literature, filmmaking, the impact of artificial intelligence on society, and the complexities of the American justice system. The star-studded lineup provided festival-goers with a rare opportunity to engage with some of the most prominent voices shaping contemporary culture.
As part of the centennial celebrations, the festival featured a comprehensive series of discussions that delved into pressing cultural and social issues. One of the most anticipated conversations centered on the future of artificial intelligence, a topic that has garnered increasing attention due to its profound implications for technology, society, and ethics. Experts in the field, along with journalists and thought leaders, examined AI’s potential and challenges, sparking thought-provoking debates on how this technology is likely to shape the world in the coming decades. The event also offered a deep dive into literature, exploring the evolution of writing and storytelling over the last century and highlighting some of the most influential works featured in The New Yorker.
The festival’s discussions extended to other cultural subjects as well, including a poignant look at the American justice system. Speakers, including legal scholars and social activists, unpacked the complex issues surrounding justice, fairness, and reform, engaging the audience in critical dialogue about the state of the nation’s legal institutions. The intersection of art, politics, and social justice was a recurring theme throughout the festival, providing ample space for reflection on how these elements are intertwined in shaping modern American life.
A highlight of the festival was the premiere of the Netflix documentary The New Yorker at 100, directed by Marshall Curry and produced by Judd Apatow. This documentary offered an intimate look at the history of The New Yorker, exploring how the publication has influenced culture, journalism, and intellectual thought throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The film was met with enthusiasm, as it featured interviews with longtime contributors, rare archival footage, and behind-the-scenes insights into how the magazine has maintained its reputation as a beacon of high-quality journalism and thought-provoking writing for a century.
As part of the centennial celebration, the festival showcased a rich variety of voices and genres, including screenings, readings, and panel discussions that invited audiences to reflect on the legacy of The New Yorker and its lasting impact on both journalism and the arts. For many attendees, it was a chance to celebrate the magazine’s contributions to cultural conversations while looking ahead to its continued role in shaping the future.
The 2025 New Yorker Festival proved to be a fitting tribute to the magazine’s storied history, combining a rich legacy with a dynamic and forward-thinking vision. As The New Yorker looks to the future, the festival’s diverse lineup and conversations underscored the magazine’s unwavering commitment to fostering intellectual engagement and celebrating creativity across a broad spectrum of fields.
