2025 FILMMAKER PANEL TOPICS
Attending these exciting and informative talks is FREE, but you will still need to obtain a ticket and select your reserved seat.
Tickets for Weekend 1 Panels will be available in person at our ticketing center starting Friday, March 28th.
Tickets for Weekend 2 Panels will be available in person at our ticketing center starting Friday, April 4th.
**Filmmaker Panel tickets will not be available for reservation online or prior to the above listed dates.
saturday, MARCH 29
Auditorium 5 at 11:00 AM
Self Tape Success
Auditorium 5 at 3:00 PM
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Sunday, MARCH 30
Auditorium 5 at 11:00 AM
Stretching Your Shoestring Budget
Auditorium 5 at 3:00 PM
Unsung Heroes
Saturday, APRIL 5
Auditorium 5 at 11:30 AM
In it for the Long Haul
Auditorium 5 at 3:30 PM
Working with Actors
SUNDAY, APRIL 6
Auditorium 5 at 11:30 AM
Crowdfunding Can Still Work
Auditorium 5 at 3:35 PM
Level Up Your Screenwriting
Filmmaker panels offer an exciting opportunity to hear from the voices of experience across all areas of filmmaking. It’s a great way to spend your time at the festival between screenings and get even more insight into the exciting world of filmmaking from our amazing festival filmmakers!
Be a part of the conversation! There is something for everyone to learn as filmmakers from across the country join us for discussions about pressing issues in the world of film and filmmaking. We invite filmmakers, aspiring filmmakers, and film lovers alike to join the conversation!
Although these panels are FREE to attend, you will need to pick up a voucher from our ticketing center in order attend and to reserve your seat in the Harkins auditorium. Tickets for Filmmaker Panels will not be available online.
Saturday, MARCH 29
Auditorium 5 at 11:00 AM - Self Tape Success
Moderated By: TBA
Recording self tape auditions can be frustrating. We aim to make it easier by talking to some actors and experts on the subject to help prepare you to nail your next audition.
Auditorium 5 at 3:00 PM - Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Moderated By: TBA
Working as a director is all about making choices. How can you get to know your film from every angle, that way you can make the choices that make the most sense for your story?
Sunday, MARCH 30
Auditorium 5 at 11:00 AM - Stretching Your Shoestring Budget
Moderated By: TBA
Indie filmmaking is fueled by creatives who can make little to no money work. Let's chat about ways to save money, stretch what little you have further, and ultimately make a great film.
Auditorium 5 at 3:00 PM -
Arizona Production Association Presents: Unsung Heroes
Moderated By: TBA
We talk with the real MVPs of a set. Script supervisors, PAs, ADs, and grips. Brought to you by the APA, a champion of all crew members in Arizona.
Presented by: Arizona Production Association
Saturday, April 5
Auditorium 5 at 11:30 AM -
GenXX Presents: In it for the Long Haul
Moderated By: Jil D'Agnenica
This special panel is brought to you through a partnership with GenXX. Gen X women filmmakers discuss strategies for artistic longevity. We'll cover perseverance, financing films (and lives!), finding your audience, legacy, and more!
Presented by: GenXX
Auditorium 5 at 3:30 PM - Working with Actors
Moderated By: TBA
Directors share their approach to working with actors. What do they do to support their actors? How do they help give them space to be creative while getting what they need?
SUNDAY, April 6
Auditorium 5 at 11:30 AM - Crowdfunding Can Still Work
Moderated By: TBA
There is no silver bullet when it comes to funding your films. But crowdfunding still has a place and works for lots of filmmakers. Let's discuss some success stories.
Auditorium 5 at 3:30 PM - Level Up Your Screenwriting
Moderated By: TBA
For those who've written things they're happy with but know it's time to level up. We'll chat about getting there through finding your own voice, crafting stories that resonate, and adding depth to your words.