#Ontheblog we have Part ✌️ of Money Matters: Talking Financing at #FiForum25.
Read and watch tips on how to get your project financed from the Producers Roundtable, Indie TV talk & LA specific advice from the Home Grown panel: www.filmindependent.org/blog/money-m...
✍️: John Squire
Pandemic, strikes, fires, raids and more have created challenging, uncertain conditions for industry professionals in Los Angeles. Hear STAYinLA co-lead Pamala Buzick Kim’s words of encouragement for creators navigating uncertain times. 🎬
Full #FiForum25 panel here: youtu.be/16n0xlHwg4g?...
The Film Independent energy is alive and well with Lauren Greenfield! ✨ #FiForum25 explored the documentary format in its different forms with the acclaimed documentary filmmaker of The Queen of Versailles’ and ‘Social Studies'.
Watch the full convo here: youtu.be/9znNfPv30jQ?...
Last month's #FiForum25 covered a wide range of topics. But given the interesting times our industry is going through, one that kept coming up was how to get financing for your film.
Read and watch advice from Producers, financers, executives and more!
Funding indie films isn’t easy, but at #FiForum25 Izzy Shill, Jen Blake, and Sarah Strunin shared ways they made it happen, including through Film Independent’s Fiscal Sponsorship program. 💸🎬
Watch the full panel moderated by Film Independent’s Daniel Cardone: youtu.be/s6IX5pcKOPQ?...
If there's one thing #Roofman director Derek Cianfrance knows, it’s great actors. 🎭
Get the full story behind Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst’s performances from our #FiForum25 Q&A, also featuring producers Jamie Patricof, Lynette Howell Taylor & Alex Orlovsky: youtu.be/V9fOSUO_LaQ?...
Kit Williamson creator of ‘Unconventional’ and ‘Eastsiders’ shares his fight for representation in the industry at #FiForum25. 💪🎬 Hear more insights from Katie French, Zoe Lister-Jones, Billy Luther & Kit Williamson on YouTube: youtu.be/Nx2S6rkCYEs?...
Actor Michael Cimino is here to do it all! 🎭 The #FiForum25 New Wave Actors panel spotlighted talented voices pushing boundaries: Marissa Bode, Michael Cimino, Isabel Deroy-Olson, Aubrey Joseph, Jessy Yates & moderator Darrien Michele Gipson (SAGindie).
Watch now youtu.be/RYnW6_S9cFI?...
Director of ‘Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore’, Shoshannah Stern says: Take risks!
At the #FiForum25 New Wave Filmmakers: Making Movies for Change panel, we heard from powerful voices making movies that entertain and transform. ✨
🔗 Full panel on YouTube: youtu.be/4cOhQbHjh3g
The industry is evolving and producers must evolve with it. At the #FiForum25 Producers at the Table panel, Sev Ohanian (Producer, ‘Sinners’, ‘Searching’) shared key insights into #indie producing in uncertain times.
✨ Watch the full panel on YouTube: youtu.be/g1ZI-f9vkJs?...
The industry is evolving and producers must evolve with it. At the #FiForum25 Producers at the Table panel, Sev Ohanian (Producer, ‘Sinners’, ‘Searching’) shared key insights into #indie producing in uncertain times.
✨ Watch the full panel youtu.be/g1ZI-f9vkJs?...
Missed #FiForum25? Check out all the top takeaways from Ritesh Mehta!
Read more: filmmakermagazine.com/132153-knowi...
Actor Kerry Condon on the attention to detail in her newest film ‘Train Dreams’. 🚞💭From our #FiForum25 Opening Night screening, also featuring co-writer/director Clint Bentley & editor Parker Laramie, & moderator Antonia Blyth (Deadline).
Watch the full Q&A: bit.ly/4nNE4qp
At #FiForum25, Film Independent Acting President Brenda Robinson helped us master the art of the pitch. 🎬
#FiFellows Betty Hu, Tracy Jarrett & Rui M. Xu pitched their projects to industry experts who shared real-world strategies. Watch the full session here: bit.ly/4o2y11H
When one trailblazer inspires another. Filmmaker Lena Waithe shared heartfelt words for her mentor Gina Prince-Bythewood during the #FiForum25 Keynote. ❤️✨
Catch highlights from the weekend on our YouTube: bit.ly/FiYTSubscribe
“Stand up and fight for your vision.” 💪 At #FiForum25, Keynote Speaker Gina Prince-Bythewood reflected on her inspiring creative journey with moderator Lena Waithe.
✨ Join as a #FiMember to access empowering events all year long: bit.ly/joinFi
Day 2 of last weekend’s #FiForum25 was packed! Our panels covered everything from refining your pitch and navigating AI & legal challenges, to diving deep into doc ethics, indie funding and fresh takes on TV. 🎬
Join as a #FiMember for more education and networking events like these: bit.ly/joinFi
Day 1of #FiForum25 was a masterclass in indie filmmaking!
From navigating distribution with Annalisa Shoemaker, hearing from the New Wave filmmakers and actors & discovering creative tools like ShotDeck and IMDbPro, the day was packed with insights.
(L-R) Jenelle Riley, Derek Cianfrance, Jamie Patricof, Lynette Howell Taylor, and Alex Orlovsky speak onstage during the Closing Night Screening of 'Roofman' at the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
(L-R) Lynette Howell Taylor and Alex Orlovsky speak onstage during the Closing Night Screening of 'Roofman' at the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
(L-R) Jamie Patricof, Lynette Howell Taylor, Derek Cianfrance, Alex Orlovsky and Jenelle Riley attend the Closing Night Screening of 'Roofman' at the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Derek Cianfrance speaks onstage during the Closing Night Screening of 'Roofman' at the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
At #FiForum25, ‘Roofman’ brought the house down with a screening + Q&A, featuring writer/director Derek Cianfrance, producers Jamie Patricof, Lynette Howell Taylor and Alex Orlovsky, and moderator Jenelle Riley (Variety). In theaters Oct 10!
📸: Emma McIntyre/@gettyimages.com
(L-R) Lena Waithe and Gina Prince-Bythewood during the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
(L-R) Lena Waithe and Gina Prince-Bythewood during the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Lena Waithe speaks onstage during the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Gina Prince-Bythewood speaks onstage during the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
🎞️ An outstanding Keynote at the 20th anniversary of the Forum!
Visionary filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood in conversation with Lena Waithe, shared insights from her incredible journey, and we are so honored to have had these two creators with us at #FiForum25. 💫
📸: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
(L-R) Sam Mirpoorian, Shoshannah Stern and Andrew Corkin speak onstag during the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
(L-R) Sam Mirpoorian, Andrew Corkin, Shoshannah Stern and Rosalina Jowers attend the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
At #FiForum25, the New Wave Filmmakers Andrew Corkin, Sam Mirpoorian, Shoshannah Stern shared insights on making movies for change. Moderated by Rosalina Jowers (Inside Projects). 🌊✨
In partnership with SAGindie, Plot Shift Media and Easterseals Disability Services.
📸: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
(L-R) Jessy Yates, Michael Cimino and Isabel Deroy-Olson speak onstage during the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
(L-R) Aubrey Joseph and Marissa Bode speak onstage during the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
(L-R) Darrien Michele Gipson, Jessy Yates, Michael Cimino, Isabel Deroy-Olson, Aubrey Joseph and Marissa Bode speak onstage during the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
(L-R) Isabel Deroy-Olson, Jessy Yates, Michael Cimino, Darrien Michele Gipson, Marissa Bode and Aubrey Joseph attend the 2025 Film Independent Forum at DGA Theater Complex on September 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Look what the New Wave brought in at this weekend’s #FiForum25! A powerful convo with actors Marissa Bode, Michael Cimino, Isabel Deroy-Olson, Aubrey Joseph, Jessy Yates & moderator Darrien Michele Gipson (SAGIndie) on breaking into the industry. 🌊✨
📸: Kevin Winter/@gettyimages.com
Fiction Case Studies on ‘The People’s Joker’ & ‘Ponyboi’ with Esteban Arango (Director, ‘Ponyboi’), Vera Drew (Writer/Director/Actor, ‘The People’s Joker’) & Trevor Wall (Producer, ‘Ponyboi’, ‘Slanted’). Moderated by Tre Wesley (Video Producer, IMDb Originals). 🎬 #FiForum25
What a way to launch #FiForum25! Day 1 opened with 'Train Dreams', featuring a Q&A with co-writer/director Clint Bentley, actor Kerry Condon, editor Parker Laramie & moderator Antonia Blyth (Deadline).
Watch the film in theaters on Nov 7 & on Netflix Nov 21.
📸: Monica Schipper/Getty Images
So honored to have Gina Prince-Bythewood (‘Love & Basketball’, ‘Woman King’) & Lena Waithe in conversation at the #FiForum25 keynote. 🙌
The schedule of panels at Day 2 of the Film Independent Forum happening September 27. Set against a rainbow watercolor background.
It's Day ✌️, the FINAL day of #FiForum25. Today we have our Keynote with filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood ('Love & Basketball', 'Woman King'), moderated by Lena Waithe. We'll wrap up the weekend with a screening + Q&A of 'Roofman'.
Learn more: bit.ly/FiForumSchedule
Day 1 of #FiForum25 was a success. ✅ See you tomorrow for our final day of panels, networking & the Closing Night Screening: ROOFMAN! 👀
Full schedule here: bit.ly/FiForumSchedule
Want to continue supporting artists and storytellers after #FiForum25? Help us reach our goal of $250K by September 30!
Donate here: bit.ly/41FtI3b
#FiForum25 Day 1 has kicked off! 🎉
Check out the schedule: bit.ly/FiForumSchedule
Headshots of filmmakers participating at the 2025 Film Independent Forum panel, The New Wave Filmmakers: Making Movies for Change. Includes: Andrew Corkin (Producer, Rosemead, Pepsi Where’s My Jet?) Sam Mirpoorian (Director, Greener Pastures, Safe Place) Shoshannah Stern (Director, Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore)
Headshots of filmmakers participating at the 2025 Film Independent Forum panel, Drawing a Line in the Sand: Documentary Ethics and Self-Care. Includes: Emma D. Miller (Director/Producer, What We Leave Behind, Mistress Dispeller) Anayansi Prado (Director, Uvalde Mom) Moderated by Steffie van Rhee (Producer, Documentary Producer’s Alliance, Battleground, Earth to Michael)
Headshots of filmmakers participating at the 2025 Film Independent Forum panel, Documentary Case Studies: Exploring the Form with Lauren Greenfield. Includes: Lauren Greenfield (Director, Social Studies, Queen of Versailles) Moderated by Ryan White (Director, Come See Me in the Good Light, Good Night Oppy)
Documentary fans, #FiForum25 is the perfect event for you! Starting TOMORROW at the DGA, the Forum is packed with resources for filmmakers across all genres, including #documentary.
Take a look at the #blog for a closer look at our lineup of doc panels & buy your Forum pass NOW: bit.ly/4myHYSU
