Gina Prince-Bythewood Set to Headline Film Independent’s Forum

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The forum features screenings, panels, workshops, one-on-one meetings, receptions, and networking opportunities, all aimed to support and elevate independent storytellers. Sessions will explore best practices for fiction films and documentaries across all platforms, from theatrical screens to television and streaming outlets, while highlighting emerging tools and formats that foster innovation and creative risk-taking. In addition to panels and workshops, Industry Connect, the event’s signature one-on-one meetings with industry leaders and experts, will be held on both days.

The New Wave, presented in partnership with Film Independent, SAGindie, Easterseals Disability Services and Plot Shift Media, returns with a two-part program spotlighting the next generation of artists shaping independent film. Curated with guidance from all three partners, this year’s conversations will highlight both the creative and professional challenges faced by emerging talent across the industry.

The program begins with New Wave Filmmakers, a roundtable exploring filmmakers’ experience with the dual goals of making money while telling stories that can both entertain and inspire transformation. This will be followed by New Wave Actors, featuring a diverse group of talented performers who have broken into the industry and continue to deliver standout performances, including Isabel Deroy-Olson (“Fancy Dance”), Jessy Yates (“Pulse”), Marissa Bode (“Wicked”) and Michael Cimino (“Motorheads). SAGindie executive director Darrien Michele Gipson will moderate the conversation, which aims to look at how the actors are pushing boundaries and fighting for more authentic and inclusive representation onscreen.

Now in its 20th year, the Forum continues to be the perfect space to meet and learn from independent filmmakers and executives who are calling the shots today, and to exchange ideas with peers in a very inclusive, festive and communal setting.

Confirmed speakers include:

Esteban Arango, director, “Ponyboi”
Marissa Bode, actress, “Wicked”
Pamala Buzick Kim, founder, mavenverse
Wendy Calhoun, writer/producer, “Empire”
Lisa Callif, partner, Donaldson Callif Perez LLP
Daniel Cardone, senior manager nonfiction programs and fiscal sponsorship, Film Independent
Michael Cimino, actor, “Motorheads”
Andrew Corkin, producer, “Rosemead”
Deniese Davis, producer, “Insecure”
Isabel Deroy-Olson, actor, “Fancy Dance”
Vera Drew, writer/director/actor, “The People’s Joker”
Aaron T. Edmonds, vice president of film, Hartbeat
Darrien Michele Gipson, executive director, SAGindie
Lauren Greenfield, director, social studies, “Queen of Versailles”
Angela C. Lee, director of Artist Development, Film Independent
Zoe Lister-Jones, writer/director/producer/actor, “Slip”
Adam Bhala Lough, director, “Telemarketers”
Lauren Mann, producer, “Swiss Army Man”
Missy Mansour, producer, “Loot”
Josh Mingo, location and permit consultant, Legend Locations LLC
Sam Mirpoorian, director, “Greener Pastures”
Sev Ohanian, producer, “Sinners”
Alex Orlovsky, producer, “Roofman”
Shari Page, program director, Half Initiative
Nina Parikh, director, Film Mississippi
Anayansi Prado, director, “Uvalde Mom”
Chris Quintos Cathcart, co-CEO, Unapologetic Projects
Brenda Robinson, executive producer, “Passing”
Izzy Shill, writer/director, “Going Nowhere”
Annalisa Shoemaker, distribution strategist, “To Kill A Tiger”
Sarah Strunin, producer, “Jaripeo, burn, scar”
Steffie van Rhee, producer, “Earth to Michael”
Trevor Wall, producer, “Slanted”
Tre Wesley, video producer, IMDb Originals
Kit Williamson, writer/director/actor, Unconventional
Jessy Yates, actor, “Pulse”
Ryan Zacarias, producer, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”