Highlights
Cindy Mich stands out as a rare multi-hyphenate whose work is guided by integrity. An award-winning journalist, media personality, filmmaker, publicist, and festival founder, Cindy has spent decades shaping stories that center authenticity, purpose, and impact. As the Founder of the New York City–based Art Is Alive Film Festival, now in its eighth year, she has built a respected platform dedicated to elevating independent filmmakers and preserving the heart of cinematic storytelling without the distraction of red carpets or celebrity excess.
Beyond film, Cindy is a trusted voice in journalism who contributes to multiple digital publications while also owning and operating Elegant Expressions Magazine, a publication intentionally designed to spotlight artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are often overlooked by mainstream media. With a combined reach of nearly 300,000 across print and radio, and an even broader audience through her public access television talk show, Cin’s Chat Corner, which boasts 2.5 million subscribers across 17 states, Cindy approaches storytelling with a deep sense of responsibility, accuracy, and neutrality.
In this Behind the Media feature, Cindy reflects on how her definition of success has evolved from visibility and recognition to purpose-driven impact, why amplifying underrepresented voices remains central to her work, and how independent media continues to challenge commercial norms. She also shares insight into the realities of building a sustainable, multi-platform career in journalism and film while staying true to one’s values in an ever-changing industry.
You’ve built a dynamic career across journalism, filmmaking, festival leadership, and media ownership. How do you define success today, and how has that definition evolved over time?
Cindy Mich: I have always found the word success to be quite interesting, as it has different definitions for every person. Also, success within the independent world is viewed differently than in the Hollywood sector. The longer I work within these realms, the more success looks different to me. I am certain my age has something to do with that as well. In my twenties and thirties, success meant flashy fashion, high-paying jobs, more attention, and being recognized more often.
As I entered my forties and fifties, success looked a lot different. I feel like I have attached a deeper meaning to this term. It is no longer about the money or the wardrobe, or even if I get a ton of attention. Success means taking my talents and using them in a way that is inspiring, motivating, or educational to the community. Success is being able to impact other lives and do it regularly. A few years back, I realized that I had reached success because a few people told me my words literally saved their lives. I have helped others be seen when they felt invisible and kept the memory of others alive after passing. I believe I have now found some success.
As an award-winning journalist, what draws you to a story, and why is amplifying underrepresented voices so important to you?
Cindy: Typically, when approached by anyone or through a publicist, the draw always comes from three areas. First, the story must be unique in some small way. I am not a fan of telling the same story over and over. Secondly, I am a pushover for a story or person with passion and purpose. Third, it goes back to putting a spotlight on those most deserving - people, places, or products that rarely get attention from the media as a whole. I also should add that anything my children like goes to the top of the list, as those interviews can get me more brownie points at home lol!
As to underrepresented voices and their importance to me, I think it first stems from my own lack of being seen as a person. I spent many years never really feeling noticed, and I know how unpleasant and unfulfilling that was to me. I don’t want anyone to feel invisible. Further, today’s mainstream media has become focused on being more agenda-driven, sticking to hyperlocal stories and profits. This leaves little space for the average artist, business owner, charity, or filmmaker to secure story coverage. It is way out of their norm, where for me, it is my safe space.
What inspired you to found the Art Is Alive Film Festival, now in its eighth year, and what sets it apart in the independent film space?
Cindy: I started covering film festivals ten or so years ago, and they ranged in size from small to top-tier. What I noticed is that the higher up you go, the less attention is placed on art, networking, and overall celebration of cinema. It is more about red carpets, celebrities, and photo opportunities. While those are nice, that is not helping films or artisans get art seen in a bigger way. Therefore, I created Art is Alive to literally keep art alive; to help motion pictures get more attention and accolades.
I am often told there are a few reasons that Art is Alive differs from other festivals. For one, there is almost never a red carpet or an excess of celebrity appearances. This keeps the focus on film. All participants receive regular communication and are connected from day one for collaboration purposes. I offer them film reviews and interviews from other media platforms. I also present their projects for distribution. All are provided with a Q & A panel moderated by an award-winning journalist, aka the Founder. There are a number of novelties that other events do not offer, and I hope many more will in the future.
How does Art Is Alive support authentic storytelling in an industry often driven by commercial appeal?
Cindy: As the Founder, I have always believed that integrity matters in this industry. That starts right out of the gate with submissions. I made the conscious choice to screen, but not judge, the work of anyone I have a connection to personally or professionally. That includes the decisions made for nominations and wins. My thoughts are that having high standards will ultimately lead me to discovering authentic and honest work that deserves recognition.
This also means that movies with recognizable names are not guaranteed acceptance or wins merely due to status. I established a set list of requirements in the categories of storytelling, acting, directing, and cinematography for judges to consider when scoring projects. This aids us in picking out and screening stories that are well-constructed and appeal to a larger audience.
Last year, independent filmmakers made a ton more films with smaller budgets and in less time than Hollywood. That right there should tell you that commercial appeal alone is not the singular key to success.
You contribute to multiple publications while also owning Elegant Expressions Magazine. What motivated you to create your own media platform?
Cindy: Well, I have been a writer for forty years and have contributed to other newspapers and magazines, as well as authored books and manuals. The one thing I have noticed in this field is that my thoughts centering around strong and marketable writing vary from those of other editors. That is not the end of the world. However, if I believe writing about a woman who runs a crochet business or Pilates studio is a strong story, I want the ability to just cover that story without another editor shutting the idea down. It may be less marketable or interesting to them, but to me, what matters is giving the unseen a voice.
In 2026, too many outlets are focused on clickbait coverage or constant celebrity news. I wanted to build a platform with interesting and informative content provided by myself and, oftentimes, newly published authors. A magazine where everyone is considered a celebrity because of their contributions as a person and a professional.
I should also note that Elegant Expressions is the second magazine I started. I used to run the Art is Alive Magazine with the love of my life from 2019-2021. When he began to battle cancer, and then upon his passing, I didn’t have the heart to continue it without him. It took me three years before I really wanted to write again, and thus, Elegant Expressions was born.
With a combined reach of nearly 300,000 across print and radio, how do you approach storytelling with both influence and responsibility?
Cindy: There are three rules I live by in this regard. First off, I never take for granted the fact that I am lucky enough to have the trust of a big audience. That means all my reporting is as accurate and agenda-free as possible. I feel it is my responsibility to tell the truth and stay neutral in my professional life. The second is that I need to use my influence for good purposes.
Rarely will you ever see me do an article or interview where I publicly shame someone. My intent with my writing is to engage, entertain, and educate. I leave the drama and trash talk to clickbait outlets. Finally, I have always looked at my profession as a way to convince other artists and writers to pursue their passions as I did. The world is such a better place when people live and breathe their art, and so I want to persuade more to pursue their passions and the meaning behind their message.
Cin’s Chat Corner on public access TV has grown to 2.5 million subscribers across seventeen states. What do you believe has been the key to building such a loyal audience?
Cindy: First, I must acknowledge that through my time in media, I have found some of the most loyal, loving, and supportive people. I am amazed at how far they will go at times to assist me, and I am honored that people find my interviews and work to be worthy of their attention.
From what I have heard from my audience, they are drawn to my work for a few reasons. They have indicated to me that I have a talent for being genuine - I am unapologetically real and raw. This seems to draw and keep audiences, as not all in media are this open. Second, it is my choice on what I will or will not cover. There is a great deal of negativity in this world right now, and I prefer to do stories that are lighter in nature. I seek out interviewees who are new to my audience so that they can learn about new people or places.
Finally, I am regularly told that I am always prepared research-wise, ask unique questions, and appear natural on camera. Now, I leave you readers, to advise me if they were telling the truth!
You’re regularly covering film premieres, festivals, and major events. What trends are you currently seeing across entertainment and independent media?
Cindy: Two current trends that stand out to me right now are AI and streaming popularity. There are many of us in creative fields that detest the idea of AI usage in film and the arts, as it will take our jobs. Artificial intelligence will never take the place of a human, as it lacks originality, true creativity, or emotion. Yet, because AI is seemingly more budget-friendly, accelerates research, and can yield faster results, people believe it to be the next best thing, regardless of the harm it does to others.
Speaking to streaming, it has clearly been detrimental, in some ways, as far as how content is being distributed, as well as affecting theater attendance. Further, we are now seeing a decline in productions being made, as filmmakers and studios must now compete with the streamers for attention. There has been a shift in the quality of content, and pricing is high. Although it was necessary during the pandemic to stay home to be entertained, people are now becoming too comfortable on couches.
In addition to being a journalist, you also serve as a publicist. How does your media background shape the way you represent filmmakers, talent, and small businesses?
Cindy: Since most of my background lies in this area, I walk into most professional situations by placing a high value on all media opportunities. I see the influence that the media has, and how it can impact the success of any brand. Therefore, I utilize broadcast and print opportunities as often as I can as one big way to get all my clients' attention.
Also, through my work, this has allowed me to solidify relationships with many publicists. This opens the doors for other avenues of promotion, as some are also in the media, have brands that want to collaborate, or have resources that I lack. Additionally, I am presented with an array of invitations because I am part of the press, and these are other means of exposure to the client. Hence, this background is a bonus when it comes to PR.
As a woman navigating multiple roles in media, what challenges have you faced, and how have they shaped your resilience?
Cindy: To me personally, one of the hardest challenges has been to be recognized and respected unless I am somehow affiliated with a top-tier outlet of some sort. Apparently, the millions of subscribers I earned are not enough to be taken seriously. Yet, if I wrote for Deadline or ET, that somehow buys me notoriety and respect. I also struggle with egos in this industry, along with a lack of follow-ups.
Moreover, one big challenge for many of us in the media is that newspapers and magazines seem less relevant to readers. We live in such a visual world that everyone prefers video or TV content. Much of this can often be maddening.
What advice would you give to aspiring journalists, filmmakers, or media entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable, multi-platform careers?
Cindy: Well, there are a few things that others should remember as they begin to build their careers within film or media. First off, no matter who it is, never let anyone tell you that you cannot, or will not, succeed because of age or lack of ability. Next, never choose a career path merely because of money. That one thing that you have a true passion for should be what you pursue.
From the day you start, establish yourself brand-wise as out of the ordinary. Take time to shadow others who can teach you how to sell, market, and promote yourself. Finally, regardless of the constant rejections, downfalls, or hardships, never quit doing what you love.