Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Often the first to say “yes” to fresh ideas and new talent, independent producers are fearless and committed to bringing stories to the screen that truly resonate. The Forum concludes with a group of esteemed producers exploring how they balance creative risk with commercial viability, navigate multiple development timelines, and prioritize projects for financing and partnerships – all while maintaining a cohesive body of work reflective of their voice and values.
We’ll try to make sense of the most pressing issues that producers are tackling today, as we continue to navigate difficult times in our industry, including a shifting cultural climate, volatile economic conditions and looming (or not?) tariffs for films.
Aaron T. Edmonds (VP of Film, Hartbeat)
Lauren Mann (Producer, Swiss Army Man, Joyland)
Sev Ohanian (Producer, Sinners, Searching)
Lila Yacoub (Producer, East of Wall, Ladybird)
Ryan Zacarias (Producer, War Pony, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You)
Moderated by Gita Pullapilly (Writer/Director, Queenpins, Beneath the Harvest Sky)
Often the first to say “yes” to fresh ideas and new talent, independent producers are fearless and committed to bringing stories to the screen that truly resonate. The Forum concludes with a group of esteemed producers exploring how they balance creative risk with commercial viability, navigate multiple development timelines, and prioritize projects for financing and partnerships – all while maintaining a cohesive body of work reflective of their voice and values.
We’ll try to make sense of the most pressing issues that producers are tackling today, as we continue to navigate difficult times in our industry, including a shifting cultural climate, volatile economic conditions and looming (or not?) tariffs for films.
Aaron T. Edmonds (VP of Film, Hartbeat)
Lauren Mann (Producer, Swiss Army Man, Joyland)
Sev Ohanian (Producer, Sinners, Searching)
Lila Yacoub (Producer, East of Wall, Ladybird)
Ryan Zacarias (Producer, War Pony, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You)
Moderated by Gita Pullapilly (Writer/Director, Queenpins, Beneath the Harvest Sky)
