The 2025 FILM INDEPENDENT FORUM took over the DGA Theater Complex in Los Angeles from September 26-27, and SAGindie returned as a premier sponsor.
We also once again presented The New Wave alongside Film Independent and Easterseals; this year expanding the showcase to two groups of emerging talents: Actors and Filmmakers. The New Wave Actors 2025 included Marissa Bode, Michael Cimino, Isabel Deroy-Olson, Aubrey Joseph, and Jessy Yates, with their panel moderated by SAGindie’s Darrien Michele Gipson. The New Wave Filmmakers 2025 included Andrew Corkin, Sam Mirpoorian, and Shoshannah Stern, who spoke with moderator Rosalina Jowers.
Additional topics of conversation at the Forum included independent TV production, pitching, distribution, social change, AI, and more. Find video highlights from the event’s panels below!
Film Independent Forum 2025 was sponsored by Premier Sponsors SAGindie, Directors Guild of America, and IMDbPro; Supporting Sponsors Film Mississippi, Plot Shift Media, Shotdeck, and Easterseals Disability Services; and Official Provider Tech Rentals.
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Film Independent Forum 2025 – The New Wave Actors: Changing the Narrative
- Marissa Bode (Wicked)
- Michael Cimino (Motorheads)
- Isabel Deroy-Olson (Fancy Dance)
- Aubrey Joseph (Highest 2 Lowest)
- Jessy Yates (Pulse)
- Moderated by Darrien Michele Gipson (Executive Director, SAGindie)
Film Independent Forum 2025 – The New Wave Filmmakers: Making Movies for Change
- Andrew Corkin (producer, Rosemead)
- Sam Mirpoorian (director, Greener Pastures)
- Shoshannah Stern (director, Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore)
- Moderated by Rosalina Jowers (VP of Strategic Communications, Inside Projects)
Film Independent Forum 2025 – Opening Night Screening Q&A: Train Dreams
- Clint Bentley (co-writer/director, Train Dreams)
- Kerry Condon (actor, Train Dreams)
- Parker Laramie (editor, Train Dreams)
- Moderated by Antonia Blyth (Senior Awards Editor, Deadline)
Film Independent Forum 2025 – Producers at the Table: Independent Producing in Uncertain Times
- Aaron T. Edmonds (VP of Film, Heartbeat)
- Lauren Mann (producer, Joyland)
- Sev Ohanian (producer, Sinners)
- Lila Yacoub (producer, East of Wall)
- Ryan Zacarias (producer, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You)
- Moderated by Gita Pullapilly (writer/director, Queenpins)
Film Independent Forum 2025 – Shopping Your Project: A Pitching Clinic
- Nicole Arbusto (casting director, His Three Daughters)
- Julia Nelson (executive, 2AM)
- Nina Parikh (Director, Film Mississippi)
- Chris Quintos Cathcart (Co-Founder/Co-CEO, Unapologetic Projects)
- Brenda Robinson (executive producer, United Skates)
- Moderated by Angela Lee (Director of Artist Development, Film Independent)
Film Independent Forum 2025 – The Money Puzzle: Financing Piece by Piece
- Jen Blake (partner, Diversity Hire Ltd.)
- Izzy Shill (writer/director, Going Nowhere)
- Sarah Strunin (producer, Jaripeo)
- Moderated by Daniel Cardone (Senior Manager Nonfiction Programs and Fiscal Sponsorship, Film Independent)
Film Independent Forum 2025 – Screen Refresh: Independent Voices on TV
- Katie French (writer, Paradise)
- Zoe Lister-Jones (writer/director/producer/actor, Slip)
- Billy Luther (writer/director/producer, Dark Winds)
- Kit Williamson (writer/director/actor, Unconventional)
- Moderated by Wendy Calhoun (writer/producer, Empire)
Film Independent Forum 2025 – Home Grown: Spotlight on L.A.
- Pamela Buzick Kim (founder, mavenverse)
- Missy Mansour (producer, Loot)
- Josh Mingo (Location and Permit Consultant, Legend Locations LLC)
- Alex Orlovsky (producer, Lurker)
- Moderated by Shari Pagae (Program Director, Half Initiative)
Film Independent Forum 2025 – Documentary Case Studies: Exploring the Form with Lauren Greenfield
- Lauren Greenfield (director, Social Studies)
- Moderated by Ryan White (director, Come See Me in the Good Light)
Film Independent Forum 2025 – Closing Night Screening Q&A: Roofman
- Derek Cianfrance (writer/director, Roofman)
- Jamie Patricof (producer, Roofman)
- Lynette Howell Taylor (producer, Roofman)
- Alex Orlovsky (producer, Roofman)
- Moderated by Jenelle Riley (Deputy Awards and Features Editor, Variety)
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO MADE IT OUT FOR THE FORUM!
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