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2021 ShortFest Archive
Forum
Our Forum, classes and panels featuring industry representatives, filmmakers and additional guests, remained dedicated to providing a space to facilitate connections between creators, industry, and our audience. The 2021 edition was held virtually and covered a wide range of topics.
You've completed your film and started to screen at festivals - but how do you know which ones are the right fit? What is the best way to build momentum for your film through your festival run? Hear from the experts on the best way to get the most out of your festival experience, whether in person or virtual!
Industry Participants
Are you ready to make the leap to feature filmmaking? Learn from filmmakers who have gone through it all before and hear their perspectives on what worked, what didn't, and how best to prepare yourself as you move into the next phase of your career.
Industry Participants
The popularity of documentary films has only continued to blossom. Hear from industry leaders in the field about the opportunities that exist and the best way to position yourself to grow and nurture a career in the ever-changing world of documentary filmmaking.
Industry Participants
Screening at festivals is just the beginning! What opportunities exist for short films in the distribution space? How can you find the avenues that are right for you and partner with the right platforms to share your film with a wider audience? These panelists will take us through what shorts distribution really entails in the current marketplace.
How can we push the boundaries of inclusion and diversity to build and maintain sets where everyone feels safe and, as importantly, welcomed? Hear from our distinguished guests on the work it takes to dismantle inequalities and expand opportunities for your next project.
Industry Participants
Our signature roundtable returns - hear directly from organizations involved in artist development, labs, and granting to learn about the opportunities that may be right for your next project. Bring your questions - we'll rotate speakers periodically.
Industry Participants
Whether it's in short, feature, episodic, or interactive form - polishing pitches takes time! Join us for an open and candid conversation with trailblazing executives who will share what they look for in a winning pitch and how to put your best foot forward. Submit your pitch ahead of time for the chance to receive feedback live!
Industry Participants
Mix and mingle with the Reps! Agents and managers discuss the current and future state of the business of filmmaking: from buying and selling, packaging a project, finding representation that works for you. Be ready to listen and ask your burning questions - we'll rotate speakers periodically.
Industry Participants
Jumping from short form to episodic seems only natural - but what's the best way to go about it? How can you take advantage of the episodic golden age we are living through? Hear from experts in the field on the state of the landscape and ways to stand out creatively.
Industry Participants
The world has never felt more connected, and the possibilities of collaborating across borders and timezones mean that co-productions offer a wealth of opportunities and exciting avenues for those willing to explore. This esteemed panel takes us through the best way of expanding your next project beyond your home turf.
Industry Participants
Join our panel of programmers and curators from top festivals as they discuss what they look for during the programming and selection process, dos and don'ts of submissions, and the changing nature of the festival landscape.
Industry Participants
Collaborating with actors can take many forms - hear from all sides as we bring together a very special group of actors, directors, and casting professionals to discuss the best ways to find your cast and bring your creative vision to life with their help.
Industry Participants
What does it take to get an independent feature seen in today's content-saturated world? Join our panel of industry experts who will unpack the current distribution landscape and different models emerging under the new normal, from streaming platforms to theatrical and everything in between.
Industry Participants
Making a film is just the tip of the iceberg. How can you use your work to catalyze change? Our panel of industry experts will guide you through the ins and outs of filmmaking that builds momentum, maximizes social impact, and brings vital, underrepresented stories to the forefront.
Industry Participants
It's true that financing has never been easy (even less so in the middle of a pandemic!), but our panel of distinguished industry experts and veteran filmmakers is here to break down the realities of feature financing and offer guidance on how to creatively find the resources and support you need to get your project off the ground.
Industry Participants
