The 2026 Film Independent Forum is the place for film professionals to gather for two days to connect, learn about what’s next for the industry, and, of course, be entertained. Returning for its 21st year, the Forum will take place at the Directors Guild of America on September 25–26.
The Forum includes screenings, case studies of hit indie films with the filmmakers, panels on the biggest issues of the day with leading experts, and opportunities to network and connect—both in structured ways through Industry Connect, and on the ground with fellow filmmakers and decision-makers. This year is extra special, as we will have two Keynotes, one from the director of Rental Family, Brendan Frasier’s Oscar follow-up, and one from the filmmaking team behind By Any Means, one of the biggest films of the fall. There’s a lot of ground to cover, so we’re here to break it all down for you—so that when you arrive on September 25th, you’ll have your game plan. First step: get those tickets now.
Double the Keynote Conversations, Double the Insight: HIKARI and Producing-Team Elegance Bratton & Chester Algernal Gordon
This year we are bringing two filmmaking powerhouses to the Forum for two unique Keynotes.
“It is an honor to welcome our Fellows, HIKARI, Elegance Bratton and Chester Algernal Gordon, for our Keynote Conversations and celebrate their remarkable journeys from independent film to studio films like Rental Family and By Any Means,” said Senior Director of Education and International Programs, María Raquel Bozzi.
On Friday we will kick off the Forum in the afternoon, with Film Independent Fellow and filmmaker HIKARI (37 Seconds, Rental Family) who will join us to explore her acclaimed filmmaking career across continents.
On Saturday, the centerpiece of the program will be a Keynote Conversation with another pair of Film Independent Fellows, director-producer duo Elegance Bratton and Chester Algernal Gordon, the team behind the recently released studio film By Any Means.
“At a moment when forces are conspiring to demonize, consume, or defund independent voices in media, Film Independent remains a light in the darkness: a place that insists those voices matter and gives them the resources to be heard. We can’t wait to share a bit of our journey, what we’ve learned along the way, and what we believe is worth fighting for next” said Elegance and Chester.
Big Issues & Big Stars
This year’s Forum is tackling some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing independent filmmakers right now, including:
- The future of Los Angeles’ independent film ecosystem and its place in the city’s creative economy
- The rise of vertical storytelling and creators making the jump from YouTube to the big screen
- Artificial intelligence in the creative workplace
- Opportunities for filmmakers working across international borders
Fan-favorite Forum staples are also returning, including filmmaker case studies on recent standout projects like documentaries Cookie Queens and Mistress Dispeller, narrative features Didi and Lurker, and series Hal & Harper, and The Screener, plus The New Wave Actors, spotlighting emerging performers across film and TV.
Industry Connect & The Pitching Clinic Return
One of the Forum’s most valuable offerings, Industry Connect, is back across both days. It’s your chance to sit down one-on-one with agents, casting directors, distributors, festival programmers, funders, and production companies. These real conversations are designed to give you practical guidance and relationships that outlast the weekend.
The Pitching Clinic gives Film Independent Fellows a shot at presenting their work directly to producers, financiers, and industry experts while giving the audience practical strategies to apply to their own projects.
Closing Out with a Blast from the Past
Saturday night wraps with a screening of Doc Meets World, followed by a Q&A with actor Rider Strong, producer Alexandra Barreto, and directors Chris Levitus and Zane Rubin.
Who You’ll See There
The speaker roster spans producers, directors, actors, economists, and executives from across the industry. Full details on all confirmed speakers are available on the Forum’s official page. Head there for full details, to grab a pass, or to become a Member.
Elegance and Chester: Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
HIKARI: Photo by Corey Nickoles
Film Independent promotes unique independent voices by helping filmmakers create and advance new work. To become a Member of Film Independent, just click here. To support us with a donation, click here.
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Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures / Photo by Corey Nickoles
