An opportunity to hear from 5 seasoned film industry professionals in production, distribution and exhibition on how to get your film funded, made and seen.

Honing your personal story
Sav Rodgers is the Director of the 2023 Tribeca premiere CHASING CHASING AMY, a film exploring his journey to understand the complicated truths surrounding the ’90s LGBTQ+ rom-com that saved his life. In this talk, he will explore the power of personal storytelling and the relentless collaboration needed to be an independent filmmaker.

Cultivating Care, Catalyzing Change
Molly Murphy will discuss how principles and practices of accountability can strengthen stories and drive change.

Whose Story? Working with Communities to Achieve Impact
Non-fiction storytelling has become a force as influential as legal and political advocacy. And impact campaigns have grown as a means to extend the reach and life of important stories. But the growth of the impact sector risks replicating challenges of equity and inclusion across our industry. Nyasha Laing will address pitfalls and best practices faced when working with communities to transform narratives.

Throw Away the Umbrella and Dance In the Rain
Our industry has been hit with a tsunami of disruptions, from a pandemic to two major strikes that shut down cinemas, festivals, and production. According to Bloomberg, net income at the largest U.S. entertainment companies has dropped by more than 60% since 2013, and even documentary producers know getting their project funding if it’s not celebrity-studded or true crime is tougher than ever. Maria Agui Carter, an indie writer, director and producer shares her strategies for thriving against the odds and dancing in the rain.

Cinema going as civic engagement
Why going to a physical cinema to watch films with other people is crucial to your development as an artist, a cinephile and a citizen. Curator, filmmaker and educator Anna Feder discusses the importance of cinema culture and its place in the film ecosystem. Our well being as a society depends on the health of our independent exhibition spaces which require all of our participation.