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

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

LOS ANGELES (September 9, 2024) – Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards, announced the 2024 Film Independent Forum, the preeminent event for independent filmmakers and content creators. Kicking off Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, the conference will begin with a screening of Netflix’s Will & Harper with filmmaker Josh Greenbaum. The program will take place over the course of two days, September 27-28, 2024, offering candid, of-the-moment conversations with a global twist, welcoming over 40 filmmakers participating across our diverse slate of international programs, presenting unique networking opportunities for all of our attendees.

“This year’s Forum will explore our evolving industry through a wider perspective, where the definitions of fiction and nonfiction, big screen and small screen, and domestic and international are being redefined,” said Maria Raquel Bozzi, Senior Director of Education and International Initiatives. “We are thrilled to see such a large number of our international filmmakers converge and mingle with the many local filmmakers we have served through the life of the Forum, bringing to fruition our vision for a true global filmmaking community.”

Following the Forum, as part of the Global Media Makers (GMM) Residency, nine Fellows from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe will also benefit from personalized mentorship for their careers and film and television projects; and will join the Global Media Makers’ second Summit, where 25 GMM Fellows from 16 countries will gather to continue fostering international collaboration and build a community of filmmakers from around the world. GMM is a cultural diplomacy initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and implemented by Film Independent.

Created to empower and inspire filmmakers, the Forum offers a communal experience comprised of screenings, panels, workshops, one-on-one meetings and networking receptions. Conversations and panels will delve into best practices for financing, pitching, creative producing, fiction and documentary case studies, as well as international film and television best practices, and more. Industry Connect, popular one-on-one general meetings with executives and experts from the industry, will take place on both days, with a Keynote from director Hiro Murai (The Bear, Atlanta).

On the opening day of the Forum, The New Wave actors roundtable will showcase a diverse group of talented voices who have broken into the industry and continue to deliver standout performances, including Tati Gabrielle (You, The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat), James Ian (The Allnighter, Pugsley), Mayan Lopez (Lopez vs. Lopez, Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie), Richa Moorjani (Fargo, Never Have I Ever) and Lisa Yamada (Little Fires Everywhere, Cruel Summer). Moderated by SAGindie Executive Director Darrien Michele Gipson, these actors, selected by Film Independent, SAGindie and Easterseals Disability Services, will discuss how they continue pushing boundaries and fighting for more authentic and inclusive representation onscreen. A happy hour reception to celebrate their accomplishments will follow, featuring wines from Château Malartic Lagravière.

Also launching at the Forum, with the panel Shifting the Narrative on Climate, is The Climate Entertainment Initiative. This new partnership between Film Independent and Plot Shift Media offers grants and educational opportunities for independent artists seeking to explore a just and equitable climate future – and the pathways to get there – through innovative storytelling.

The event’s closing night will feature a special screening of IFC Films’ The Babadook, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, with director Jennifer Kent.

Forum passes are on sale now; $149 for Film Independent Members, $189 for non-Members and free for Arts Circle Members. Arts Circle Members, Filmmaker Pro and Secret Members also receive priority registration for Industry Connect sessions. For more information about this year’s Film Independent Forum, to purchase a pass, and/or become a Member, please visit filmindependent.org/forum.

The 2024 Film Independent Forum is supported by Premier Partners Directors Guild of America, IMDbPro and SAGindie and Supporting Sponsors Mississippi Film Office and Plot Shift Media. Easterseals Disability Services is the Accessibility Partner. Getty Images is the Official Photographer. eTech Rentals is the Official Technology Rental Provider.
 
Please note: For a full listing of Global Media Makers Fellows participating in the Global Media Makers (GMM) Residency and their projects, click the ‘Download’ button below to view a PDF of this release.
 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

For 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.

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. 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 offers a robust program of unique cinematic experiences, including screenings, conversations, Live Reads and Bring the Noise musical events.

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