WYNN THOMAS
MAIN EVENT : Join Oscar Honoree and legendary production designer Wynn Thomas as he takes us behind the scenes of a groundbreaking career that helped shape some of cinema’s most iconic films.
DATE: AUGUST 22 | DOORS OPEN 11AM
CYLLA SENII
Learn how to transform a grassroots digital series into a viral success with smart IP ownership, savvy pitches, and creative control. Cylla maps out the path to building a movement from your idea.
DATE: AUGUST 21 | DOORS OPEN 4PM
SAKINAH IMAN
A raw, powerful call to storytellers to lean into their truth, pain, and joy to create films that don’t just entertain — they heal, disrupt, and uplift. Includes tools to create with integrity and impact.
DATE: AUGUST 23 | DOORS OPEN 4PM
JERMAINE WILLIAMS
Jermaine shares how resilience, rejection, and radical authenticity shaped his journey — and how filmmakers can unlock their greatest stories by being their truest selves.
DATE: AUGUST 21 | DOORS OPEN 4PM
BOBBY YAN
MAIN EVENT : A behind-the-scenes dive into the script-to-screen process from the multiple EMMY award winning and acclaimed director.
DATE: AUGUST 21 | DOORS OPEN 4PM
ARIYAN JOHNSON
Infuse your creativity with spiritual alignment and intention. Ariyan explores artistic evolution, creative community, and self-reflection as part of the journey.
DATE: AUGUST 21 | DOORS OPEN 4PM
JOSH SANTIAGO
We’re more than crime tales. JJ reminds us of the wide range of stories waiting to be told in our communities — the joyful, the honest, the real.
DATE: AUGUST 22 | DOORS OPEN 11 AM
JAMAL HODGE
The importance of imagining a future for humanity in the genre film art form and how to use the trauma of your past to be courageous.
DATE: AUGUST 23 | DOORS OPEN 4PM
ARTIE BRENNAN
Learn how to make a film with no budget — or literally zero dollars. Artie explains tools, techniques, and philosophies for no-budget storytelling.
DATE: AUGUST 21 | DOORS OPEN 4PM
DANIEL OSORIO
Explore the cinematic evolution of music videos. Daniel offers tools and insights into using character, genre, and visual storytelling to elevate sound and narrative.
DATE: AUGUST 23 | DOORS OPEN 4PM
JOSIAH DONMARTIN
Explore how to connect to your audience with truth-driven, emotional storytelling in film and marketing. The Human-Based approach unlocks real connection.
DATE: AUGUST 23 | DOORS OPEN 4PM
JONATHAN GREEN
A personal and political look at mental health, policing, and what it means to be Black and resilient in America. Jonathan Green uses lived experience and creative expression to spark conversation and healing.
DATE: AUGUST 22 | DOORS OPEN 11 AM
STEFON BRISTOL
Stefon Bristol walked through the Hip Hop Film Festival doors with See You Yesterday — a film that won the festival, then went on to get funded and acquired by Netflix.
DATE: AUGUST 21 | DOORS OPEN 4PM
TAQUAN PUGH
Independent filmmaking isn’t just possible — it’s powerful. Learn how digital platforms help creators tell stories and earn revenue without studio backing.
DATE: AUGUST 23 | DOORS OPEN 4PM
HEIR JORDAN
Learn what it took to produce a powerful Black independent film and build an audience around it. Real tactics from real experience.
DATE: AUGUST 21 | DOORS OPEN 4PM
THE DANIELSON'S
A first-time director’s take on navigating casting, IMDb metrics, and how to play the Hollywood game from the indie lane. Real insights for breaking through.
DATE: AUGUST 22 | DOORS OPEN 11AM
AA GAJADHAR
Break down your script scene by scene, create strong budgets, and pitch deck for investors. Learn the structure that sets you apart.
DATE: AUGUST 21 | DOORS OPEN 4PM