The future of cinema is being shaped by bold new voices — and Latino/a directors are leading the way. This powerful panel brings together some of the most exciting and dynamic filmmakers of today, each carving their own path while redefining what it means to tell stories on screen. From intimate indie films to boundary-pushing features, these directors are not only building their careers but also breaking barriers for the next generation of Latino storytellers.

Join us for a candid conversation about the creative journey — from developing scripts and finding financing to navigating the industry and bringing authentic stories to life. Discover the challenges, the triumphs, and the vision that drives these directors to rise and reshape the landscape of film.

Because for these filmmakers, it’s more than just making movies — it’s about representation, opportunity, and the power of storytelling:

Our Voices. Our Time. Our Stories.

This is an exclusive directors-only workshop designed to explore the cutting edge of filmmaking. As the industry rapidly evolves, new technologies are redefining how stories are conceived, captured, and experienced. This workshop will dive into the transformative role of artificial intelligence, the artistry of motion capture, and the creative possibilities that innovation brings to the director’s chair.

Led by visionary minds and expert practitioners, this experience brings together some of the most forward-thinking leaders in the field. Speakers include Brennen Dicker, Executive Director of the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII), who will welcome attendees to CMII; James Martin, Professor of Practice at CMII, GSU, with deep expertise in motion capture; Max Thomas, Architect of AI Innovation and CTO of Actor Capture, pioneering AI-driven performance; and Alex Lugo, CEO of FilmPro.IO, driving new ways filmmakers can build, create, and thrive. Together, they’ll equip directors with the insights and tools to embrace the future of storytelling.

Acting requires more than talent—it demands emotional depth, vulnerability, and resilience. Mind Over Spotlight explores how mental health directly impacts an actor’s craft and career. From handling rejection and performance anxiety to building sustainable wellness practices, this session provides tools and insights to help performers thrive both on and off stage.

Preparing for Agents: Representation in Georgia is a must-attend panel for filmmakers, actors, and creatives navigating the next steps in their careers. Landing the right agent is more than just signing a contract—it’s about finding a partner who understands your vision, advocates for your talent, and opens the right doors at the right time. In this discussion, industry professionals will break down the essentials of representation in Georgia’s booming film and television market, offering candid insights into what agents look for and how you can stand out.

From understanding the current landscape of opportunities in Georgia to building the professional materials that catch an agent’s eye, this panel will give you practical strategies to prepare for meaningful representation. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to take your career to the next level, this conversation will help you approach the agent relationship with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Behind every great film is not only a creative vision, but also a strong business strategy that makes the project possible. This dynamic panel brings together a seasoned entertainment lawyer, a sharp marketing strategist, and an experienced film producer to share the tools and tricks every filmmaker needs to maximize their resources. From understanding how to unlock state and federal tax incentives to learning how to position your project for investors and audiences, this conversation will demystify the business side of filmmaking.

Whether you’re an independent director planning your first feature or a producer looking to stretch your budget, this session will provide actionable insights that can save you money, protect your creative work, and amplify your film’s reach. Our panelists will share real-world examples, practical strategies, and behind-the-scenes tips that every filmmaker should know before rolling camera. It’s time to not just make your film — but make your film work for you.

Success in filmmaking doesn’t happen overnight — it’s built from countless auditions, late nights, passion projects, and that first callback that changed everything. This panel shines a light on the incredible journeys of rising filmmakers who turned their dreams into careers. From their first break to the pivotal moments that put them on the map, they’ll share how resilience, creativity, and networking shaped their path forward.

Now, they are the voices leading the way, inspiring the next generation to keep pushing, keep creating, and keep showing up. These are the filmmakers who prove that talent, persistence, and vision can turn opportunities into legacies. Join us for an empowering conversation with the ones to watch and get ready to leave inspired to write your own success story.