2026 ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES CREATIVE CONFERENCE PROGRAMMING PRESENTED BY CINEFI FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

38 in-person panels spotlight content and script development, with a focus on microbudget filmmaking

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact: ATLFF@ssmandl.com 

Atlanta, GA (April 21, 2026) — The Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) today announced the full lineup for its 2026 Creative Conference, a cornerstone of the festival’s 50th anniversary celebration. Presented by CineFi, the Creative Conference runs Tuesday, April 28, through Friday, May 1, with new sessions available virtually following the festival.

Now in its 16th year, the Creative Conference will feature 38 in-person panels, workshops and conversations, as well as a curated slate of 12 original virtual programming sessions for a total of 50 events to celebrate 50 years of independent filmmaking. Sessions bring together filmmakers, industry leaders and creatives from across the country, with a focus on practical tools, career development and community-building in independent film.

This year’s programming emphasizes filmmaker development and the enduring indie spirit, with sessions on micro-budget production, alternative financing, practical effects, evolving distribution models and emerging storytelling formats.

“This year, we’re celebrating the ingenuity and resilience of independent filmmakers,” said Creative Conference Director Linda Burns. “The program is designed to give creators actionable tools and insight to tell bold stories at any budget level.”

Panels feature conversations with established and emerging voices across film, television and new media. Headlining sessions include A Conversation with David Cross, a candid look at comedy and a decades-spanning career; and a discussion between directors Craig Zobel and James Ponsoldt on their evolution from independent filmmaking to helming major studio and streaming projects, includingThe Penguin and Wonder Man.

Additional featured speakers include 3 Arts Entertainment manager Jermaine Johnson, whose company represents top-tier film and television talent, and actor Felix Solis (Ozark), alongside working professionals across development, sound, casting and distribution.

Conference highlights include Practical AI for Independent Filmmakers, examining ethical, real-world uses of AI as a creative support tool; Inside the Independent Film Ecosystem (sponsored by Buffalo 8), breaking down financing, packaging and distribution; and Creating Creature FX and Puppetry for Indies with Raymond Carr, focused on practical, budget-conscious effects work.

Programming also spotlights Atlanta is the Story (sponsored by the Television Academy), exploring the city’s role as an on-screen character, and Vertical Stories: Visual Journalism in the Social Media Era, which examines how mobile-first storytelling is reshaping media through citizen journalism and audience engagement.

Additional sessions cover casting in the Southeast, indie film marketing strategies, audio post-production, alternative finance models such as crowd investing, and the evolving relationship between music, film and television. Interactive programming includes live performance challenges, rapid-fire storytelling sessions and hands-on workshops designed to give attendees practical, immediately applicable skills.

Twelve Creative Conference discussions will be available for streaming worldwide following the festival, expanding access to global audiences. Virtual programming highlights include conversations on paracinema and alternative genres, an international filmmakers roundtable, multilingual screenwriting, accessibility in film, and the evolving landscape for independent and underrepresented creators navigating distribution, authorship, and audience engagement in today’s industry. 

2026 CREATIVE CONFERENCE LINEUP

IN-PERSON PROGRAMMING AT THE TARA ATLANTA

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026

Practical AI for Independent Filmmakers

Beyond a creative threat or a magic shortcut, AI is emerging as a vital support system for indie filmmakers navigating limited resources. This panel explores ethical, non-replacement ways to use these tools as practical "thought partners" for project organization, technical troubleshooting, and administrative management. By examining real-world applications—from grant writing to visual communication—the discussion highlights how filmmakers can integrate AI responsibly to combat burnout and sustain their work. Designed for solo artists and small teams, the session offers a grounded look at utilizing AI to streamline workflows without sacrificing artistic voice or human decision-making.

Presenters: David Jackson II, Amy Scatliff, and Elizabeth P. Kealoha

Creating Creature FX and Puppetry for Indies with Raymond Carr

This interactive presentation explores the director’s perspective on crafting realistic puppets and creature effects within a limited budget. Through behind-the-scenes footage and demonstrations of shooting and lighting techniques, the session reveals how to build dynamic, character-driven worlds without high-end studio resources. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in stylized sci-fi and horror, the discussion centers on using a designer’s eye to ground fantastical stories in rich, tactile environments.

Presenter: Raymond Carr

Screenwriting Development Deals

Writing a screenplay is a significant challenge, but securing a development deal presents an entirely different set of hurdles. This panel features screenwriters who have navigated the journey from initial pitch to final script within the studio system. The conversation breaks down the mechanics of development deals, offering firsthand accounts of handling executive notes and the specific strategies used to land these coveted agreements.

Moderator: Creative Conference Director Linda Burns

Panelists: Carrie Schrader, Janlatae' Mullins, and Takashi Doscher

Improv for Screenwriting with Dad’s Garage

This interactive workshop utilizes improv techniques to help writers move past the blank page and flesh out original ideas. Participants will explore how spontaneous brainstorming and character exploration can challenge traditional thought patterns and strengthen scripted work. By adopting the prompts used by professional improvisers, filmmakers can learn to move fluidly from initial concepts to fully realized scenes.

Moderator: Tim Stoltenberg

Panelists: Kevin Gillese and Tom Rittenhouse 

Get More Work, Have More Fun: How to Become a Jack of all Trades and Multi-Potentialite

Specialization isn't the only path to success in the film industry; for many, being a "jack of all trades" is the key to longevity. This discussion focuses on the value of "multi-potentialites"—creatives who dabble in various crafts and mediums to build a versatile skill set. Fabricators from major productions share how curiosity and a willingness to work outside one's comfort zone create unique job opportunities and a more resilient creative career.

Presenters: Sam Carter, Chris Brown, Erin Dukes, and Prof. Jas. M. Stacy 

Inside the Independent Film Ecosystem

While technology has made filmmaking more accessible, monetization remains a complex challenge for independent creators. This session provides a comprehensive overview of the modern film ecosystem, beginning with traditional finance structures like equity, debt, and tax credits. The presentation then moves into creative packaging strategies and the critical role of film festivals and marketing in securing distribution and building a global audience.

Presenter: Adam Harris Engelhard

Producing in Georgia Under the New Mandatory Tax Credit Audit Rules

Recent changes to Georgia’s tax incentive program have introduced mandatory audits that can impact indie productions. This panel clarifies how to properly account for expenditures and navigate the Department of Revenue’s requirements to ensure legitimacy. For projects under the $500,000 threshold, experts explain how to aggregate projects to qualify, providing filmmakers with the tools necessary to maximize their incentive returns.

Presenters: Kristy Clabaugh and John Thomas

The Screenwriting Speed Run: Exploring Iterative Storytelling

Screenwriting is typically a solitary, years-long process, but this panel flips that tradition on its head. In this fast-paced session, writers must collaborate—or compete—to piece together a coherent film plot in under an hour using random elements selected by the audience. It is a high-energy exploration of spontaneity, teamwork, and the limits of narrative structure.

Moderator: John Pruner

Panelists: Adesola Thomas, Raymond Carr, Jenna Kanell, and Dan Bush 

Creating Indie Sci-Fi on a Micro-Budget

Telling expansive science fiction stories requires more than just a big budget; it requires strategic planning and niche expertise. A team of seasoned filmmakers discusses their journey of developing and distributing micro-budget sci-fi features, from post-apocalyptic dramas to kaiju epics. The panel covers the entire lifecycle of a project, including courting investors, assembling crew, and executing indie-specific distribution plans.

Moderator: Nathan Cabaniss

Panelists: Hudson Phillips, Jordan Noel, and Katelyn Campbell

A Conversation Between THE PENGUIN’S Craig Zobel and WONDER MAN’S James Ponsoldt

Two acclaimed directors return to their roots to discuss the transition from independent features to high-profile television series within the DC and Marvel universes. After getting their starts with award-winning indie films, Craig Zobel and James Ponsoldt share insights into their recent work on The Penguin and Wonder Man. This conversation explores how their early experiences shaped their approach to directing some of the biggest shows in modern streaming.

Panelists: Craig Zobel and James Ponsoldt 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026

Beyond the Silver Screen: Film Exhibition in Unconventional Spaces

Alternative exhibition venues offer filmmakers a unique way to reach new audiences outside of traditional theaters. This discussion features organizers who curate screenings in non-traditional spaces, focusing on the community impact and accessibility of these events. Panelists share strategies for venue selection and programming missions, offering inspiration for those looking to expand the possibilities of where and how film can be presented.

Moderator: ATLFF Education Coordinator Taylor Montalto

Panelists: Rocco Shapiro, Bianca Cato, LUNA, Andromeda, Carrie Miller, and Leyla Scott 

Get the Most Out of Audio Post to Elevate Your Storytelling

Professional sound design is often the invisible element that elevates a film from amateur to cinematic. Georgia’s leading audio post mixers pull back the curtain on the technical and creative process of finishing a high-end audio package for movies and series. The session explores the timelines, tools, and collaborative efforts required to ensure a project’s soundscape matches its visual ambition.

Moderator: ​​Elise Riley

Panelists: Michael Cardillo, Chris Basta, DeLaVanta Tabor, and Greg Crawford 

A Conversation with 3 Arts Entertainment's Jermaine Johnson

This session traces Jermaine Johnson’s career path from the Geddes Agency and AVO Talent to opening the Atlanta office for 3 Arts Entertainment. The discussion clarifies the distinct roles of literary talent managers versus agents, explaining when an artist needs each and the best practices for securing representation. Beyond the mechanics of the industry, Johnson shares what he looks for in emerging talent—both as creative professionals and as individuals—offering a roadmap for those looking to build and sustain a career in entertainment.

Moderator: Creative Conference Director Linda Burns

Panelist: Jermaine Johnson 

Creating a Narrative Podcast Series: The Emerging Hollywood IP

Leading podcast creators provide a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship required to produce a hit narrative series. The panel explores the evolution of the audio landscape, focusing on how compelling stories are developed and packaged into premium content that often serves as a springboard for film and television. Attendees will learn how to navigate the technical and creative demands of producing standout, audience-driven audio series in an increasingly competitive market.

Moderator: Jeff Keating

Panelists: Jason Hoch, Noel Brown, Jim Roberts, Lane Crouse, and Chris Ragazzo

Cinematography on an Indie Budget

Cinematographers featured in this year’s festival share the technical secrets behind their films’ visual identities, from lens selection and lighting setups to the use of specialty equipment. The conversation focuses on the creative benefits of working within financial constraints and offers practical tips for achieving high-end looks on a micro-budget. By exploring the unique challenges of both narrative and documentary shorts, the panel provides a toolkit for filmmakers looking to elevate their visual storytelling.

Moderator: Scott Ippolito

Panelists: Kyle Miller, Charlene Fisk, James Persinger, Mark Peterson, and Trevor May 

From Premiere to Next Year: Color Book, Withdrawal, and Meta Take One

Following their successful 2024 premieres, the teams behind three Atlanta-based features return to discuss the reality of life after the festival circuit. This session moves beyond the production phase to examine the hurdles of hunting for distribution, navigating contract negotiations, and managing team dynamics long after the cameras have stopped rolling. It is a candid look at the "what now?" phase of independent filmmaking and the persistence required to find a permanent home for a project.

Moderator: Michael Mau

Panelists: David Fortune, Kiah Clingman, John Dierre, Ryan Dutter, and Aaron Strand 

Vertical Stories: Visual Journalism in the Social Media Era

As TikTok and Instagram Reels redefine audience engagement, journalists and filmmakers must adapt to a mobile-first world. This panel explores how vertical video and fast-paced visual storytelling are transforming the way information is consumed and news is reported. Featuring experts from newsrooms and digital media, the discussion examines the blurring lines between journalism and documentary filmmaking and how short-form content has become an essential tool for reaching modern audiences.

Moderator: Marlon Hyde

Panelists: HoodAnchorYe, King Williams, Matthew Pearson, and Nyesha Stone

Casting in the Southeast: Post-Pandemic, Post-Strikes, and Current Climate

Four veteran casting directors address the creative and economic realities currently shaping the Southeast market. The discussion offers an inside look at how global industry shifts and local societal changes affect the casting process for film, television, and commercials. Actors will gain specific advice on auditioning in today’s environment, followed by a Q&A designed to help local talent navigate the evolving expectations of the Casting Society.

Moderator: Clifton Guterman

Panelists: Erica Arvold, Chase Paris, and George Pierre 

Developing and Selling Your Screenplay - Sponsored by FORMATION Talent Agency

Drawing on a decade of experience at A&E Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer TV, Michael Greenwald breaks down what buyers are currently seeking in a crowded marketplace. This session explores the development process from both the studio executive and screenwriter perspectives, offering strategies for packaging and positioning projects effectively. Attendees will learn how to align their scripts with current market demands while maintaining the integrity of their creative vision.

Moderator: Creative Conference Director Linda Burns

Panelist: Michael Greenwald

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026

Take the Stage - The Actor Director Challenge

Using the same 2 page scene for every performance, 3 directors get 2 chances to work with their assigned actors to develop unique backstories and script interpretations for the actors to perform live. Each performance provides a different point of view. For their 3rd take, we pull a “studio note” from a hat, and give them another chance to show their quick thinking and adaptability in the moment. This challenge highlights how the same script can be executed in multiple ways, and we’ll discover the backstories, motivations, and writing prompts that got them to each point of view after every take.

Moderator: Creative Conference Director Linda Burns

Writer: Nick Tecosky

Directors: Chris Greene, Janlatae' Mullins, James Taylor

Performers: Carrie Anne Hunt, Rose Bianco, Matt Cornwell, Aaron Goodson, Angel Rivera, and Brooke Taylor

Latinas In Media Atlanta: The Production Process Paso A Paso (Step By Step)

You’ve got the vision, but is your production plan ready? Ponte las pilas - get your act together - and make sure that your production process is intact! Join us as we walk through a mock project step by step with industry professionals who will show you how to seal the gaps you didn't know you had as you go from script to screen. Are your funds protected? Who owns your script? Will distributors buy your project? We’ll show you the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a project moving so you're not just winging it.

Moderators: Denise Santos and Viviana “Vivi” Chavez 

Panelists: Frances Acevedo, Lou Simón, Marco Medina, and Veronica A. Hodge-Hampton 

Lights, Camera, Marketing: Building Buzz and Momentum for Your Indie Film  

What separates films that get seen from those that get overlooked? It’s not just the story—it’s how you position it from the very beginning. This dynamic conversation will cover how to market your film from script to screen—and build real momentum along the way. They'll break down how indie filmmakers can create visibility at every stage of the process, from early development through premiere and beyond, and explore how to build your brand as a filmmaker, develop compelling marketing assets from day one, and use social media strategically to grow an engaged audience. They'll dive into how to start marketing your film before it’s even shot, the role of behind-the-scenes content in shaping your story, what festivals, press, and audiences respond to most, and how to build a following that shows up when it matters. Whether you’re developing your first script or preparing for your premiere, this session will give you the tools and insight to make sure your film doesn’t just get made—it gets attention.

Moderator: Elise Riley

Panelists: Rocco Shapiro, Lisa Deelainer Ferrell, Christie Osterhus, Cam King, and Ciara Franklin

Built to Last: The Sustainability of a Working Actor

Felix Solis is a veteran New York–born actor best known for his role as Omar Navarro on Ozark. He recently appeared in Netflix’s Sirens alongside Julianne Moore and Kevin Bacon, and can be seen in films including The Friend and Unfrosted. Felix's extensive television credits include The Rookie, The Recruit, and The Rookie: Feds, reflecting a career spanning over two decades across film, television, and theater.

This conversation will focus on building and maintaining a decades-long career in film and television, navigating relationships with agents, casting directors, and producers, longevity vs. visibility in the industry, adapting to changes in the business over time, and practical insights for actors looking to sustain consistent work.

Moderator: Adetinpo Thomas

Panelist: Felix Solis

The Short Film: The Medium vs The Calling Card

What is the purpose of a short film? Does it exist to serve the portfolio, or to tell a story on its own? Is it a proof of concept for something greater, or can greatness exist in 15 minutes? Some of us have heard the same thing since film school: The short film is your “calling card.” If you want to direct a feature, then you must first direct a short. But what about short films as a standalone medium? With exhibition spaces and streaming platforms ever evolving, can filmmakers exist as artists by focusing on short films? In this panel, we explore the Directors’ journey making their short films, their processes, and the purposes behind delivering works short and sweet. We’ll discuss the matter of career, expectations, and what it means to create on your own terms.

Moderator: ATLFF Shorts Programmer Astin Rocks

Panelists: Lindsey Susor (What are Grandchildren Made Of ), Anthony Leslie (By A Hair), Tyquan Morton (High Water), and Ivan Rome (Oh Happy Day!)

Debunk the Funk Sponsored by SAG-AFTRA 

Development and pre-production got your head spinning? Overwhelmed by the thought of signing contracts and learning union rules? Heard horror stories you’re not sure are true? Bring your questions! We’ll debunk the urban legends of projects past, break down the actual process, and share how easy it can be to have union actors as part of your student project, short film or indie feature no matter the budget level. Our panel of battle-worn, knowledgeable indie producers working under various micro and low budget contracts, along with Atlanta-based SAG-AFTRA staff, will help you fully realize your creative vision without limitations.

Moderator: Carrie Anne Hunt

Panelists: Khallida Kidd, Alexander Parkinson (Third), Jared Sprouse (Party USA), and Wesley Tunison (Reptilia) 

Hot Takes & Unpopular Opinions 

Get ready for a fiery and fast-paced panel where bold ideas take center stage! In "Hot Takes & Unpopular Opinions," panelists will have just 5 minutes each to present their most controversial, unconventional, or downright unpopular opinions—and try to convince the audience that they’re absolutely right. From defending the most hated characters to arguing against widely beloved films or tropes, nothing is off-limits in this fast-paced challenge. Once the panelists have made their cases, the audience gets to weigh in—agree or disagree. Whether you leave convinced or clutching your original stance even tighter, this panel is guaranteed to spark laughter, gasps, and plenty of spirited discussion. Come ready to hear some spicy takes and a whole lot of passion!

Moderator: Education Director Melissa Simpson

Performers: Adetinpo Thomas, Madison Hatfield, Mark Kendall, Molly Coffee, Jon Kieran, and AJ Murray

Small Budgets, Big Roles: SAG-AFTRA Performers in Indie Film - Sponsored by SAG-AFTRA

From big screen to small screen, big budget to micro budget. Come hear SAG-AFTRA performers share why they choose indie productions, how these roles differ from studio and streaming, and why they support emerging Georgia filmmakers. From assisting in crowdfunding campaigns to the opportunity to develop and collaborate with indie writers and directors, this panel also explores how SAG-AFTRA talent are creating their own content to foster new opportunities for themselves.

Moderator: Michael Mau

Panelists: Israel Vaughan, Ainsley Seiger, Kurt Yue, Katerina Eichenberger, and Delaney Keith

Crowd Investing - A New Alternative to Traditional Film Finance

Crowd Investing, not to be confused with crowd-funding, is when an individual contributor becomes an investor in a film, rather than simply donating without a financial stake like with Kickstarter, Seed&Spark, and Indiegogo, among others. The Atlanta-based production We're So Dead, a horror comedy made for the service industry by the service industry, raised $125,000 from more than 300 individual investors through a WeFunder campaign. The production team will discuss their relationship with influencer The Bitchy Waiter, who has 1 million food service worker followers on Facebook and whose audience served as the core of their financiers. They’ll discuss the different stages of their fundraising efforts, starting with their partnership with The Bitchy Waiter on food service worker sketch comedy to build an audience. They’ll share the legal nuances of a WeFunder campaign, how their self-distribution model since its release 7 months ago is working, and what they've learned along the way.

Moderator: Alexander Parkinson 

Panelists: Ken MacLaughlin and Michael Sokol

FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026

From Song to Score: Crafting the Sound of a Story

Music does more than accompany a film; it defines character and shapes the audience's emotional journey. This panel deconstructs the creative collaboration between filmmakers and composers, covering everything from original scores and sonic world-building to the nuances of song licensing and "needle drops." Using real-world examples, the discussion explores how music serves as a vital storytelling tool that reflects culture and elevates the narrative on screen.

Co-Moderators: Tracy McKnight and Catherine Brewton

Panelists: Kurt Farquhar, Joel C. High, EmmoLei Sankofa, and Serayah

Verticals: Love 'em or Hate 'em—They’re a $1 Billion Business

The rise of micro-short dramas, designed specifically for mobile viewing, has transformed into a billion-dollar industry. This panel explores the unique business model behind these addictive, serialized stories and how Hollywood is looking to capitalize on this unregulated, fast-growing segment. Panelists discuss the practicalities of working on "verticals"—from tight production schedules to the pros and cons for actors and crew—and offer insight into the future of this mainstream storytelling device.

Moderator: Creative Conference Director Linda Burns

Panelists: Audrey Deitz, Michelle Rubinstein, Matt Brohammer, Drew Ater, Sophia Snyder and Bisola Salimone

Creating Festival-Worthy Features on a Micro-Budget

Georgia-based filmmakers share the strategies they used to craft high-quality feature films with minimal financial resources. By examining a variety of filmmaking styles, the panel highlights how creative constraints can actually foster inspiration and independence. The discussion focuses on the realities of directing and producing without traditional funding, illustrating how letting go of "asking for permission" allows filmmakers to take full control of their projects and careers.

Moderator: Nina Marinov

Panelists: Timothy Hall, Walker Forshee, Adam Pinney, Megan Dahl, Costa Karalis, and Evan Barber

What Happens to Documentary Subjects After the Shoot?

The relationship between a documentarian and their subject often extends far beyond the final edit. This panel examines the ethical responsibilities filmmakers have toward the communities and individuals they profile, particularly concerning the impact of sudden fame or political backlash. Experts discuss how to maintain healthy boundaries, work with affinity organizations, and ensure that distribution deals contribute to the long-term betterment of the subjects' lives.

Moderator: ATLFF Documentary Programmer Jennica Carmona

Documentarians: Roy Cohen, Mariah Norman, and Jason Goldman

Atlanta is the Story

Beyond its reputation as a major production hub, Atlanta often serves as a character in its own right. This panel brings together the cast and crew of local productions to discuss how the city’s unique identity is translated to the screen. In celebration of the festival’s 50th anniversary, the conversation moves past the logistics of tax credits to explore the creative soul of the city and what it takes to make Atlanta a true co-star in modern storytelling.

Moderator: Monique Younger

Panelists: Tom Luse, Andi Behring, Jen Farris, and Tariq Simmons

From Vision to Action: The Catapult Method for Georgia Creatives

Designed for storytellers tired of waiting for opportunities, this interactive workshop introduces a strategic approach to creative career growth. The "Catapult Method" challenges the traditional industry mindset by focusing on collaboration and quality over external validation. Participants will define specific creative goals and leave with a concrete 10-step action plan, while also joining a new community of local creatives dedicated to long-term accountability and mutual support.

Presenters: Erik Lingvall, Olivia Healey, and Mia Isaac

ATLFF Presents Page to Stage: 2026 Screenplay Competition Winners

This staged reading brings winning excerpts from the 2026 screenplay competition to life, featuring performances by professional SAG-AFTRA actors. Spanning shorts, pilots, and features, the event showcases the next wave of narrative talent across a diverse range of genres. It is a celebration of sharp dialogue and groundbreaking ideas, offering a first look at the voices that will shape the future of film and television.

Moderator: Education Director Melissa Simpson

Screenplay Winners: Susan Polk, James Taing, Brian Kazmarck, Jack Padgett, Kalos Chu, and Lisa Marie Tedesco

From Screen to Stream: Navigating Content Distribution in 2026

As the streaming landscape continues to shift, content creators must find new ways to monetize and protect their brands. This session breaks down recent industry mergers and acquisitions, explaining how these high-level deals impact independent creators. By analyzing real-world success stories, the presenters provide the tools necessary to craft a distribution plan that accounts for the evolving demands of both traditional television and digital streaming platforms.

Presenters: LJ Simpson and Marco Medina

Kick the Ladder: How to Practice the Art of Filmmaking

"Kick the Ladder" is a constraint-based system designed to help filmmakers overcome creative blocks and maintain a consistent practice. This panel explains how the format works and showcases its results through a premiere of twelve one-minute films created from random prompts assigned just one week prior. Following the screenings, each director will participate in a brief Q&A to discuss the challenges and triumphs of making films under extreme time and creative constraints.

Moderator: Isaac Deitz

Filmmakers: Devin McKay, Renton Hinderer, Ryan Perich, Cailin Cassorla, Alia Williams, Michael Oliveros, Callie Johnson, Leigh Harmer, Nathan Sessoms, Gea Rose Henry, and Wilson Archibald

VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING

Available for viewing May 4-11

Paracinema! Alternative Genres, Art Film, Industrial & Beyond

A panel for adventurous moviegoers! Join us for a curated guide into the many corners of paracinema: visual media that challenges conventional cinema through experimentation of genres & formats. A wide & eclectic forum that includes experimental films, erotica, virtual reality, industrial films, Shot-On-Video (SOV) & more. 

Hosted and Curated by: Gregory Bishop, Creative Director of the Plaza Theatre

International Filmmakers Roundtable

Festival filmmakers from around the world discuss their short films, their processes, tales from the shoot, challenges they overcame making their shorts, what it’s like to film in their countries, where the ideas came from and what’s next for them.

Moderator: Chris Hamilton (Missing While Black)

Panelists: Pranav Bhasin (We Were Here), Ilgin G. Korugan (Everything Between Us), LiYing Chien (Inspired by Lip Balm), Timeea Mohamed Ahmed (Is it war?)

Can’t Cancel the Culture: Queer Creators on Legacy, Power, and Owning What’s Ours

Before the trends, the think pieces, the corporate pride campaigns, queer artists were already shaping the culture. We've always been the bloodline of the arts. And now that it's no longer "safe" to back us? We're still here. Studios are pulling funding. DEI commitments are disappearing. Platforms are questioning whether our stories are "too niche." But queer creators have never needed permission to create. We didn't wait for the industry on the way up, and we won't wait for it on the way out. This panel brings together those who are going after their own distribution, running their own ads, and turning legacy into leverage.

Moderator: Jazelle Foster

Panelists: Tery Wilson, Lane Stanley, Nana Duffuor 

Writing Between Languages: A Conversation with Multilingual Screenwriters

As someone whose first language isn't English, Jillian pulls together festival filmmakers for a conversation exploring how these screenwriters who also work and exist across multiple languages decide to create. How does this help or hinder their creative path? Is there a preferred language to create in? When are subtitles appropriate or even necessary? Are there emotions that can only be expressed in one language vs the other? They’ll explore these and many other questions around language and creative practice.

Moderator: Jillian Deseree Oliveras

Panelists: Joyzel (NENA - Spanish, English) and An Nguyen (We Used to Take the Long Way Home - Vietnamese, English)

Screenwriting Roundtable - From Adaptation to Original Screenplays

Three screenwriters, from LA, NY and ATL, with backgrounds in adaptation, feature development, animation, comedy and kids shows discuss how they got their start, how they learned to craft a screenplay, where they find their ideas, how their process works, and how they get their projects out of development and into production.

Panelists: Julie Prescott, Ben Snyder, and Caroline Slaughter

Access by Design: Practices for Sets, Stories, and Screenings 

This panel examines accessibility in film through three interconnected angles: on set, in representation, and for audiences. On set, we’ll discuss practical, inclusive production practices, such as physical access, accommodations, adaptive workflows, and smart pre-production planning to remove barriers. We’ll cover authentic disability storytelling and inclusive casting, including working with disability led groups and steering clear of stereotypes. And lastly, we’ll focus on making formats and screening experiences accessible, including captions, audio description, and accessible venues. Together, these threads guide a fuller, more inclusive approach from creation to consumption.

Moderator: Melissa Simpson

Panelists: Megan Finnegan, Tyler St. Pierre, and Babacar Ndiaye

A Conversation about Documentary Funding, Production and Distribution with ITVS

Keri Archer Brown, ITVS Director of Content and Initiatives, does a deep dive into the ITVS mission - their programs, their application process, how they choose projects, and what filmmakers should expect from the opportunity. We’ll discuss common mistakes filmmakers make, best practices for filmmakers looking to work with ITVS, and what helps you stand out among applicants.

Moderator: Creative Conference Director Linda Burns

Panelist: Keri Archer Brown

Indie Filmmaking as Praxis: Black Southern Women Building Worlds by the House of June

How do we build cinematic worlds together? What does it actually take to create independent work in the South, from shared leadership across writing, directing, cinematography, and producing to the trust and imagination that shape what appears on screen? This session centers collaboration, genre, folklore, and the realities of working outside traditional industry timelines. Instead of focusing on success stories or step by step instruction, we turn toward process. We are interested in how care, labor, intention, and place influence the worlds we create and how we sustain that work beyond the moment of creation. At its core, this conversation addresses how we work, why we work that way, how world building begins long before the camera rolls, and how community and shared power work in our favor.

Presenters: Reeyana Sehgeh, Ebony Blanding, Amber L.N. Burnett

Nonfiction Hotlist Talks!

Nonfiction Hotlist seeks to champion compelling, unproduced nonfiction projects and create momentum for them, regardless of market trends. The inaugural 2025 list featured 23 curated, unproduced projects. In 2026, the project partnered with Yahoo Media Group to help distribute and fund 20 short documentary films. Hotlist co-founders Adam Neuhaus and Isis Masoud have conversations with documentary directors about the trajectory of their films, their experience on the hotlist, the impact they hope to make, and inspiration for filmmakers in the trenches right now. 

Moderators: Isis Masoud and Adam Neuhaus 

Panelists: Daniel Lombroso (Manhood) and Lev Omelchenko & Nolan Huber-Rhoades (A City in the Forest)

The Art of Cinema - Poster and DVD Art

Poster design and home media cover art are often the first impression an audience has before viewing a film. In this panel, we examine each step from rough drafts to finished products with the artists who created the work. This panel would be designed for anyone interested in poster design, graphic design, BluRay/DVD packaging, and dealing with contracts with home video labels. 

Moderator: Brian Ratigan