DOC TALKS

PHOTO: MATT KROLL

Mountainfilm’s newly designed DocTalks will focus on themes of authentic support for what creatives are seeking in our hyperconnected world. Our panels, workshops and peer-to-peer discussions are designed to understand the forces at play, connection and the intersection between what we want and how to get there. Sessions will be hosted by Caitlin Mae Burke and Merrill Sterritt from IF/THEN Shorts, a fund and mentorship program for short documentaries that supports storytellers in breaking barriers to access, exposure and sustainability in the media landscape.

DocTalk workshops are intended for filmmakers and special guests.

STORIES FOR A BETTER FUTURE: FILMMAKER WORKSHOP WITH JEFF ORLOWSKI-YANG AND EXPOSURE LABS IMPACT TEAM

FRIDAY, 5 PM TRANSFER WAREHOUSE Using film for impact is part of Mountainfilm’s most foundational ethos. Join Guest Director Jeff Orlowski-Yang and the Exposure Labs Impact Team to discuss best practices for creating impactful films that operate at the intersection of storytelling and movements, support a holistic, inclusive production process, and how to work in collaboration and reciprocity with organizers, movements and more.

IF/THEN SHORTS PRESENTS: MASTERING THE ART OF THE PITCH AND RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

SATURDAY, 10 AM AH HAA SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS Pitching your documentary is no easy feat, yet it’s a fundamental skill all filmmakers should master. Join pitch mentors Caitlin Mae Burke and Merrill Sterritt to learn the ropes on nailing your elevator pitch. They will also offer additional filmmaker advocacy tips, such as general etiquette when navigating festivals and meetings, and building relationships with collaborators and decision makers in the industry.

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE IN FESTIVAL STRATEGY AND DISTRIBUTION

SATURDAY, 5 PM TRANSFER WAREHOUSE The landscape of how decisionmakers discover films online and outside of the festival setting has shifted hugely with COVID. With access being as simple as the click of a link, where and how films premiere is beginning to matter less. Join our panelists to discuss what festival strategies look like now and how final distribution is being impacted.

Panelists: Kathryn Everett (XTR), Eric d’Arbeloff (Roadside Attractions), Zana Lawrence (Netflix) and Evan Hayes (Ace Content)

ALL THINGS SHORTS: HOW TO GET FUNDED, FIND YOUR AUDIENCE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

SUNDAY, 10 AM AH HAA SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS Hear from experts, from filmmakers and tastemakers to the folks behind the scenes at Vimeo, Nia Tero and Kickstarter as they discuss the evolution, innovation and necessity of short films in the overall film landscape.

Panelists: Skye Fitzgerald (Academy Award-nominated filmmaker), Tracy Rector (Nia Tero), Elise McCave (Kickstarter), Blair Barnes (Vimeo), Merrill Sterritt and Caitlin Mae Burke (IF/THEN SHORTS)

HOW TO MAKE A (REAL) LIVING AS A FILMMAKER

SUNDAY, 5 PM TRANSFER WAREHOUSE With lower production costs and post-production technology at nearly everyone’s fingertips, filmmakers and content creators are popping up everywhere. Breaking into the filmmaking industry is easier than ever, yet building a viable career and making a living at it is the real challenge.

Panelist Filmmakers: Diane Quon, Stacy Peralta, Renan Ozturk, Lindsey Hagen and Rachel Lears

PHOTO: SARAH SCHWAB