STATE OF THE INDUSTRY: A PIVOTAL YEAR | PANEL
2020 has brought about significant, unparalleled changes to all facets of the movie industry. How do we navigate from this uncertain place we’re in now? Could there be a silver lining in this upheaval, an opportunity for reinvention and innovation? At a time when there is anxiety and fear within the industry as a whole, we’ll discuss the possibilities for the future.
Please note: This event is a recording
PANELISTS:
IRA DEUTCHMAN – founder Cinecom and Fine Line Features; director, Searching for Mr. Rugoff (MVFF43)
REBECCA GREEN – Producer, It Follows; Editor-in-Chief, Dear Producer
MARK FISHKIN – MVFF Founder/Director
AIJAH KEITH – Director of Acquisitions, IFC Films
VARIETY 10 SCREENWRITERS TO WATCH | PANEL + CHARLIE KAUFMAN | VARIETY‘S CREATIVE IMPACT IN SCREENWRITING AWARD
Variety has honored 10 SCREENWRITERS TO WATCH for over a decade, and for the second year in a row, the honorees will be showcased during the Mill Valley Film Festival. Whether reinventing big franchise action films or ensuring inclusion of fresh and diverse voices, screenwriters’ contributions are an essential part of the filmmaking process, laying the foundation for storytelling through film. With Variety spotlighting the brightest and most promising writers of the year, the chance to meet and hear their stories first-hand in a casual and intimate setting makes this a hot-button discussion for both casual fans and aspiring filmmakers.
Please note: This event is a recording
PARTICIPANTS:
TRACY DEER – BEANS | CLARE DUNNE – HERSELF | SHAKA KING and WILL BERSON – JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH | VIGGO MORTENSEN – FALLING | ANDY SIARA – PALM SPRINGS | KEMP POWERS – ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI | EMMA SELIGMAN – SHIVA BABY | KATA WEBER – PIECES OF A WOMAN | REMI WEEKES – HIS HOUSE | TRACEY SCOTT WILSON – RESPECT | MODERATOR: STEVEN GAYDOS, Executive VP of Global Content, Variety
CHARLIE KAUFMAN, one of Variety‘s screenwriters to watch in 1999 for “Being John Malkovich,” will discuss his work in a conversation with Variety deputy awards and features editor Jenelle Riley during the program. The two will focus on the award-winning screenwriter’s latest film, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things.”
Please note: This event is a recording
SPONSORED BY
DEMOCRACY ROUNDTABLE | DISCUSSION
Democracy is facing some significant challenges right now. Filmmakers are stepping into the political fray and utilizing film as a vital resource for information, a catalyst for change, and a call to action for deeper engagement in the democratic process. This roundtable discussion will feature the filmmakers and subjects of Festival films that address both the tools and the threats to democracy including voter suppression, protest movements, and the spread of misinformation. In the spirit of civic engagement, the discussion will be streamed live to allow for audience Q&A participation.
PANELISTS:
JIMMEKA ANDERSON – Founder/Executive Director, I AM not the MEdia
LISA CORTÉS – co-director, ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY
JUDITH ERLICH – director, THE BOYS WHO SAID NO!
DAVID HARRIS – journalist, activist
MICHAEL SHERMER – founding publisher, Skeptic magazine; author, Giving the Devil His Due
MIND THE GAP PANELS & WORKSHOPS
This year’s MIND THE GAP program is both a celebration and a call to action. Through films, Q&As, panels, and conversations, CFI & MVFF continue to highlight and explore the work and the impact of women in the media industry. Our mission is to open doors and provide access, education, and opportunities for women filmmakers.
MIND THE GAP PANELS:
- EVOLUTION OF BLACK WOMEN’S ROLES ONSCREEN
- RETHINKING THE CLASSICS: TOWARD A MORE DEMOCRATIC GLOBAL CANON
- CHANGING THE INDUSTRY FROM THE INSIDE
- BUILDING YOUR OWN TABLES & CHAIRS
- MIND THE GAP DIRECTORS FORUM & KEYNOTE
1 DAY/1 ROLL SUPER 8 YOUTH FILMMAKING CHALLENGE
AGES 12-18 ONLY | LIMIT 24 STUDENTS
This virtual, interactive workshop is an opportunity to step back into another age of moving image production to experience a time before smartphones, LCD screens, and instant playback. Students will learn how to adapt the style of Super 8 filmmaking to a digital platform, using a smartphone or digital camera. A pre-recorded tutorial will be followed by group Zoom discussions exploring the wonderful world of shooting and processing analog film. Participants will need a device to record video, streaming capability, and access to Zoom in order to take part.
INSTRUCTORS:
JASON ASBELL –Filmmaker/Programming Director, The Civic Theatre, British Columbia
THOMAS NOWACZYNSKI – Photographer; Owner, LighterCyde Film Lab
LIVE EVENT
SATURDAY, OCT. 10 • 11:00AM PDT
$12 CFI Members | $15 General | Scholarships available, Email CFI Education to apply
MVFF TEEN CINECLUB
AGES 14-18 ONLY | BY APPLICATION ONLY
Distance learning has opened up new and creative ways for CFI Education to collaborate with educators and students across the country. The Mill Valley Film Festival invites youth cinephiles from every corner of the US to join this new national teen film club, where members will get to:
- Stream exclusive Mill Valley Film Festival films
- Engage in a live discussion and critical analysis of the films with other young film enthusiasts nationwide
- Learn more about the California Film Institute, The Belcourt Theater, Milwaukee Film, FilmScene, Seattle International Film Festival, and other exhibition venues around the country who are partnering on this event
Participants will need streaming capability and access to Zoom to take part.
Selected film: LAPSIS
LIVE EVENT
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14 • 4:00PM PDT