FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Seanna Hore, Ginsberg/Libby
seanna.hore@ginsberglibby.com

Gladys Santos, Ginsberg/Libby
gladys.santos@ginsberglibby.com
 

LOS ANGELES (September 27, 2022) — Today Film Independent announced the 2022 Film Independent Forum, the preeminent conference for independent filmmakers and content creators. This year’s edition returns in a hybrid format, beginning Monday, October 24, 2022 at the Directors Guild of America Theatre in Los Angeles. The Forum will kick-off with a Filmmaker Keynote by Writer/Director duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, aka Daniels (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Swiss Army Man) and a screening of A24’s The Inspection followed by a Q&A with director Elegance Bratton, Gamechanger’s CEO/producer Effie T. Brown and producer Chester Algernal Gordon. The conference will continue with virtual sessions and panels to be enjoyed by global audiences October 25 – 27. The full program will take place over the course of four days, October 24 – 27, 2022.

“We are thrilled to spotlight The Inspection at the Forum. Elegance Bratton’s vision conjures all that Film Independent celebrates: deeply personal, bold and provocative filmmaking,” said Maria Raquel Bozzi, Senior Director of Education and International Initiatives, “This is a full circle moment for us, as the film was supported through our Artist Development programs, and Elegance and the producing team of veteran producer Effie T. Brown and rising talent Chester Algernal Gordon are all Film Independent Fellows, as alums of our Artist Development programs.”

“We’re thrilled to be partnering again with CNN Original Series to provide opportunities to filmmakers telling compelling true stories.” said Daniel Cardone, Manager of Nonfiction Programs for Film Independent. “This year’s Fellows are creating episodic documentary content that encompasses a huge range of topics and styles, exploring physical, emotional and political landscapes. We’re excited to be able to elevate both the projects and the people who are making them.”

“We’re so proud to kick off an incredible week of programming with the dazzling and unclassifiable Daniels. Much like their ingenious approach to filmmaking, audiences will be in for a keynote experience like no other.” added Rachel Bleemer, Director of Events and Programming.”

Designed to inspire and empower filmmakers with tools and connections they need to get their projects made and seen, the Forum offers a robust program comprised of screenings, panels, workshops, one-on-one meetings, a welcome reception and networking opportunities. Conversations and panels at this year’s Forum will delve into the best practices for financing, production and distribution of films and digital content across different platforms, exploring the diverse channels storytellers have today to create and connect with audiences. The mixed format will allow attendees in the LA area to reconnect and celebrate in person, while providing easy remote access to serve a global community of filmmakers and film enthusiasts. The Film Independent Forum is sponsored by the Directors Guild of America, SAGindie and Mississippi Film Office.

The kickoff event at the DGA will also feature a welcome happy hour reception, Social Impact Campaign Master Class with Brian Walker of Picture Motion and Industry Connect meetings throughout the day. Additional speakers for the virtual sessions include Pachinko creator Soo Hugh, Shari Page (Half Initiative), Sarah Calderón (The Film Agency), Diego Najera (Participant), Paula Manzanedo (Film Finances), and filmmakers Miranda Bailey (God’s Country), Elizabeth Lo and Shane Boris (Stray), KD Davila, Carey Williams and John Fischer (Emergency), Linda Yvette Chavez (Gentefied), Billy Luther (Frybread Face and Me), Angel Kristi Williams (Really Love), Aitch Alberto and Valerie Stadler (Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe)—many of whom have participated in Film Independent Artist Development programs—with additional panelists to be announced.

The virtual sessions available via the Forum’s platform will include feature film, documentary and episodic case studies, a financing and pitching clinic, producers roundtable, sessions devoted to exploring the global marketplace for independent film, social impact, inclusion and sustainability issues, as well as building a career path in the current landscape, with a panel of esteemed Film Independent Fellows, as Film Independent prepares to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Artist Development programs next year.

CONFIRMED FORUM SPEAKERS
Aitch Alberto, Director, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Miranda Bailey, Producer, God’s Country
Shane Boris, Producer, Stray
Elegance Bratton, Writer/Director, The Inspection
Effie T. Brown, Producer, The Inspection
Miguel Angel Caballero, Writer/Director, Angel in Retrograde
Sarah Calderón, Founder/CEO, The Film Agency
Linda Yvette Chavez, Creator, Gentefied
KD Davila, Writer Emergency
Stephanie Dawson, Producer
John Fisher, Producer, Emergency
Chester Algernal Gordon, Producer, The Inspection
Soo Hugh, Creator, Pachinko
Ornella Jaramillo, Producer, Angel in Retrograde
Daniel Kwan, Writer/Director, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Elizabeth Lo, Director, Stray
Billy Luther, Writer/Director, Frybread Face and Me
Paula Manzanedo, Film Finances
Joseph Marconi, Writer/Director, Wild Animal
Jhane Myers, Producer, Prey
Diego Najera, Director of Narrative Films, Participant
Shari Page, Program Director, Half Initiative
Myriam Sassine, Producer Costa Brava
Lizzie Shapiro, Producer, Shiva Baby
Daniel Scheinert, Writer/Director, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Valerie Stadler, Producer, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Lysette Urus, Producer, Wild Animal
Brian Walker, CEO, Picture Motion
Angel Kristi Williams, Director, Really Love
Carey Williams, Director, Emergency

For a full schedule of events and to register, visit filmindependent.org/forum.
 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT FORUM

Now in its 16th year, the Film Independent Forum is the preeminent conference for independent filmmakers and content creators in Los Angeles. Off-the-record conversations with working filmmakers make this the must-attend spring event for filmmakers and industry professionals. If you are anywhere near production or close to entering the festival circuit, join your peers for a weekend of solution-driven strategies, success stories, and opportunities to connect one-on-one with working artists and industry pros.

The 2022 Film Independent Forum takes place October 24 – 27. Hybrid conference passes are $149 for Film Independent Members, and $189 for the general public. Virtual-only passes are $79 for Film Independent Members, and $99 for the general public. Arts Circle Members can attend for free; Filmmaker Pro and Arts Circle Members receive priority at Industry Connect sessions. For more information about this year’s Film Independent Forum, to purchase a pass or become a Member, please visit filmindependent.org.
 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

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 and support a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision.

In addition to producing the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the organization supports creative professionals with Artist Development programs, grants and labs. Signature mentorship program Project Involve fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from underrepresented communities. Weekly Education events and workshops equip filmmakers of all ages and experience levels with tools and resources. Global Media Makers, a cultural exchange program produced in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, provides career-building opportunities for international film professionals. And year-round screening series Film Independent Presents delivers monthly, unique cinematic experiences to Members in Los Angeles and beyond.

For more information or to become a Member, visit filmindependent.org.