Embracing Local Filmmaking With HUDSY

Kingston-based film production company HUDSY has made dreams come true for aspiring filmmakers across the Hudson Valley. Produced for the Hudson Valley by members of the Hudson Valley, HUDSY has taken the concept of at-home streaming services and local, creative approaches to film to a new level.

Conceived from a mission to “unite and empower the Hudson Valley through impactful storytelling by promoting diversity, providing opportunities, fostering understanding and driving positive change.” HUDSY’s main goal is to tell impactful stories through film. 

HUDSY was co-founded in 2017 by Executive Director of Production Angel Gates Fonseca, a South Bronx native who relocated to the Hudson Valley in 2016. Fonseca, who had initially pursued a career in the music industry, ultimately realized his passion for film.

According to HUDSY’s website, Fonseca’s upbringing in New York City’s cultural melting pot “immersed [him] in the diverse cultural tapestry of the boroughs, equipping [him] with the ability to collaborate seamlessly with individuals from many backgrounds.” With this passion for connection and storytelling, the sparks of HUDSY’s creative fire were lit. 

Being such a hyperlocal organization has allowed HUDSY to connect with Hudson Valley locals on a much deeper level, fostering a unique sense of local community and creativity. HUDSY co-founder and Executive Director of Operations and Distribution Laura Kandel feels this sentiment is certainly true, especially when it comes to the organization’s ideals of diversity and creativity. 

“The Hudson Valley is filled with an incredible array of people and cultures and stories. As the digital world continues to grow, the ability to connect in person and online seems to become harder,” Kandel said in a message. “One of our goals from the beginning of HUDSY was to help create something beautiful for the region, in all of its diversity, creativity, beauty and beyond, to go to one place, one space and connect.”

Kandel, a Hudson Valley native and SUNY New Paltz alum, says that her lifelong connection to the region has played a major part in her work at HUDSY. 

“My work at HUDSY is engaging in the community I’ve lived in my entire life in a new and meaningful way. In the five years I’ve been with HUDSY, I have met and built relationships with more of my neighbors, experienced more of this region and grown to understand more about the incredible diversity of people, cultures and experiences here,” she said.

“I feel more connected to the Hudson Valley now than I ever have before. I’m grateful for that opportunity, and for the opportunity to work with our incredible team every day,” Kandel continued.  

HUDSY’s three main initiatives are to create, educate and connect with the community, an achievement that has made its mark on the region. The organization has a free-to-watch online platform called HUDSY TV. The site is home to more than 600 free regional films, with the hope of telling stories about the culture of the Hudson Valley online and in person. 

Many of the HUDSY Originals feature the work of filmmakers from the Hudson Valley area, whose stories often follow a series of personal triumphs and tribulations, environmental activism or social justice issues throughout the region. 

The programs within these three main initiatives “aim to tell diverse stories that may fall through the cracks or never be told,” Kandel explained.

Every story told through HUDSY Originals is meant to “educate others to be local storytellers through our paid apprentice program and Directors Project, and to share the incredible creativity of the region at our in-person events and online.”

As Kandel described, HUDSY hosts a variety of interactive programs for filmmakers early in their careers. Their Apprenticeship Program offers five filmmakers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the film production field from April to October. This apprenticeship is a five to 10 hour commitment per week, and participants have the chance to work alongside fellow apprentices in producing high-quality films. Although the registration deadline has passed for the 2025 Apprenticeship Program, those interested in eventually applying should keep their eyes open for next year’s registration. 

The HUDSY Director’s Project is a similar program designed to work in tandem with the Apprenticeship Project. Like the Apprenticeship Project, the Director’s Project is “designed to empower local emerging directors who are ready to lead the creation of powerful films,” which often come about as a series of short films and narrative-driven projects. Aspiring directors chosen from the application pool will have the chance to collaborate with HUDSY staff and apprentices, as well as access to production equipment for the filming process, which occurs between May and October.

The members of HUDSY are dedicated to their craft and their ability to promote change through storytelling. Production teams at HUDSY place an emphasis on the ideals of hard work and collaboration, which has ultimately led to the creation of many impactful films. 

“I am constantly inspired by our production team and the authenticity, care and creativity they bring to our HUDSY Original films,” said Kandel. “While I’m primarily on the operations side of the organization, I’ve had the honor to produce a few pieces with the team and can attest to their incredible skill and integrity.”

Picking a favorite HUDSY film is a challenge for Kandel. “How do you choose a favorite child?” she said. However, some standouts for her include the documentaries “Against the Grain,” “This Organic Life,” “New York Rocks with Geo Beck” and “TRANSition.” Each film and docu-series is free to stream with a quick registration through HUDSY.tv.

“Helping to share the stories of our region feels so important in this time and having a platform to do this in a truthful way that is built with integrity and inclusivity at its core makes me feel like I am able to make an impact,” Kandel said. 

“We recognize how exclusive the film industry can feel and want to continuously find ways to make it more inclusive.”