Film Festival Strategy & Distribution Panel

Monday, July 22nd from 6:00pm - 7:00pm via Zoom

• Gain insight into the ever-changing distribution landscape

• Learn about promotional partners (publicists, digital marketing managers)

• Identify contract points that could be red flags for an unsuccessful distribution deals

• Examine pathways for a film when deciding between several offers

• Vetting festivals and navigating deadlines

6:00pm - 6:45pm Panel for the public

6:45pm - 7:00pm Open for Q&A

7:00pm - 7:30pm Private session for Educate/Incubate Cohorts

About the panelists:

Mia Bruno is a distribution strategist, sales rep, and impact producer. Combining an expansive knowledge of film distribution with a unique skill for innovative marketing strategies, Mia thinks comprehensively about distribution and creates campaigns designed to elevate films in the marketplace and connect with audiences meaningfully. Mia provides transparency, education, and analysis on what is working so that filmmakers are equipped to make the best decisions for their films in pursuit of goals both financial and impact-based. Some of her recent clients include NAVALNY (CNN/HBO Max), BEBA (NEON), AILEY (NEON), CODED BIAS (Netflix), and THE GAME CHANGERS (Netflix).

Liz Manashil is an independent feature filmmaker who works in artist support. She managed Sundance's Creative Distribution Initiative during its entire tenure and now consults with her fellow filmmakers (independently and through The Film Collaborative) on how best to navigate the labyrinthine-like world of distribution. She is incredibly proud to have contributed to both the Distributor Fact Sheet and the Distributor Report Card and is in the process of making and documenting the making of her third feature - a horror comedy called BEST FRIENDS FOREVER- and has just produced her second child. She lives in Los Angeles with her partner, son, daughter and dog, Laura Palmer. www.lizmanashil.com

Bojana Sandic is a film festival programmer with an enthusiasm for authentic voices. She is currently Programming Director of NewFilmmakers Los Angeles, where she is focused on connecting emerging filmmakers with new audiences and opportunities. Formerly the Director of Short Film Programming at the Newport Beach Film Festival, she maintains a love of shorts as a medium for storytelling. She has worked in short film development at Lexus Short Films and served on film festival juries including those of Slamdance, Outfest and Palm Springs Shortfest.