Video: See Everything You Missed at the 2025 Sloan Summit
Last month, in association with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, we held the 2025 Sloan Film Summit, three days where we brought together the worlds of science and filmmaking. Leading scientists, film organizations, film schools and creators with projects about the worlds of the sciences met in person in Los Angeles to share knowledge, get inspired, plan on new projects, and of course, watch some movies.
The topics covered in the programing was diverse. There were panels on AI & VR, new media, and using science consultants on film projects. The films screened, Magma, and Love Me, brought emotion and humanity to the topics of communicating safety concerns to the public and AI grappling with emotion respectively. And Amy Mazer brought down the house with her keynote on finding and stopping asteroids from hitting Earth. You know, saving the world, no big deal.
Of course we couldn’t let the invitees have all the fun, so today we’re bringing you, the science lover everything you missed on that action packed, 95-degree weekend in North Hollywood.
PANEL: The Consultants’ Cut: Scientific Accuracy in Storytelling
From quantum physics to medical breakthroughs, science continues to revolutionize our world—yet accurately translating complex scientific concepts to compelling entertainment remains a formidable challenge. This panel brings together renowned science consultants and storytellers to explore the delicate balance between scientific accuracy and narrative engagement. Drawing from their experiences across television, film and other media, these experts will discuss the creative process behind translating technical concepts for general audiences, share success stories and pitfalls in science communication and examine how authentic scientific representation can enhance rather than hinder storytelling. The conversation will provide unique insights into the collaborative relationship between scientists and creators that brings credibility to entertainment while inspiring audiences about the wonders of science.
- David Saltzberg(The Big Bang Theory)
•David Goetsch(The Big Bang Theory)
•Erin Macdonald (Star Trek)
•Roshan Sethi (The Resident)
•Jacob F. Lentz (The Pitt)
•Moderated by Ritesh Mehta (Writer & Critic, IndieWire)
Love Me Screening Q&A
A conversation with USC computer science & psychology researcher and professor, Jonathan Gratch on Love Me by Andy & Sam Zuchero which won the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Moderated by film critic and writer Manuel Betancourt.
In Love Me, a story that spans billions of years, a buoy and a satellite meet online long after humanity’s extinction. As they learn what life was like on Earth, they discover themselves and what it means to be alive and in love.
Keynote Address: Professor Amy Mainzer
Amy Mainzer, UCLA planetary science professor and Principal Investigator of NASA’s NEO Surveyor mission, will explore the science of asteroids, the nuanced challenges of communicating potential cosmic hazards, and the complex intersection with media coverage. Drawing from her leadership of the successful NEOWISE mission that tracked near-Earth objects for over a decade, Mainzer brings unparalleled expertise in planetary defense and science communication. She was the science advisor for the 2021 film Don’t Look Up.
PANEL: Beyond Screens: How Podcasts and Social Media Are Democratizing Science Storytelling
The digital revolution has transformed how scientific knowledge is shared, moving beyond traditional academic journals and documentaries to reach audiences through podcasts, TikTok, Instagram, and other social platforms. This democratization is reshaping who gets to tell science stories and how they’re told. Join innovative science communicators as they discuss the opportunities and challenges of digital-first science storytelling. From viral explainers to deep-dive audio series, these expert creators will share their approaches to making complex scientific concepts accessible, building engaged communities around science content, and navigating the tension between entertainment value and factual accuracy. The panel will explore how these emerging platforms are not just changing content distribution but fundamentally transforming the relationship between scientists, storytellers, and audiences.
•Lindsay Nikole (Zoology Science Communicator)
•Emily Graslie (The Brain Scoop)
•Dr. Kiki Sanford (This Week in Science)
•Isaias Hernandez (Queer Brown Vegan)
•Latif Nasser (Radiolab)
•Moderated by Ali Vanderkruyk (Filmmaker & Educator)
Spotlight Screening: Magma Q&A
A Q&A with USC seismology professor & researcher, John Vidale and Occidental College professor of geology, Margaret Rusmore on Magma by Cyprien Vial which won the Sloan Science on Screen Award at the 2025 San Francisco International Film Festival, Moderated by climate storyteller and writer Carmiel Banasky.
In Magma, the struggles between scientists, community members, and local politicians spill over like the titular substance that threatens the Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe.
PANEL: Reality Augmented: AI, Machine Learning and the Future of Cinematic Expression
As technology rapidly evolves, filmmakers and artists are discovering groundbreaking ways to blend artificial intelligence and machine learning with traditional storytelling. This revolutionary intersection is reshaping how stories are told, experienced and distributed across media platforms. Join innovative creators and thought leaders as they explore how emerging technologies are expanding creative possibilities, challenging conventional narrative structures and democratizing access to immersive storytelling tools. The discussion will examine both the artistic potential and ethical considerations of these powerful new mediums that are redefining the boundaries between reality and imagination.
- Jessica Brillhart(Vrai Pictures),
•Aranya Sahay(Humans in the Loop)
•Anisia Uzeyman (Neptune Frost)
•Nancy Baker Cahill (4th Wall)
•Nonny de la Peña (Hunger in Los Angeles)
•Moderated by Anisa Hosseinnezhad (Filmmaker, IDA)
The Sloan Film Summit, launched in 1999, is part of Sloan’s greater efforts through its Public Understanding of Science and Technology initiative. Celebrating eight iterations, this year’s Summit (the fourth consecutive one produced by Film Independent) is a celebration of the program’s wide-ranging success supporting emerging filmmakers, while also bringing together a new group of artists and scientists to highlight how art and science interact and collaborate.
We’re thrilled to celebrate the arts and sciences with inspiring minds in both fields.
For over 40 years, Film Independent has helped filmmakers get their projects made and seen. The nonprofit organization’s core mission is to champion creative independence in visual storytelling in all its forms, and to foster a culture of inclusion. We support a global community of artists and audiences who embody diversity, innovation, curiosity and uniqueness of vision. To support our mission with a donation, click here.
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