Daytime Programming
We’re excited to welcome you to exclusive panels and conversations at our House.
All programming will take place at Pine Cone Ridge at 577 Main Street.
Registration is required for entry, and you will only need to register once for all daytime programming.
Seating is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration does not guarantee entry.
House Opening Hours (All times in MST):
Friday, January 24, 2025: 9:00 AM - 5 PM
Saturday, January 25, 2025: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Friday, January 24
9:45 - 10:00 AM MST
From Sound to Screen and Beyond | Presented by Audible
As visionary creators harness innovative formats to captivate audiences with rich, interconnected storytelling, there’s never been a better time for audiences to discover and experience original stories across various entertainment mediums. Join us as we hear from multi-channel creators and industry veterans on how they push boundaries to create work that resonates with audiences around the world – from film and television to audio and beyond. Featuring John Cheng (Head of Development, 3AD), Kiran Doel (Comedian, Actor, and Co-Host of Hysteria podcast), Joseph Patel (Producer, SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)), and Pat Shah (Global Head of Content Acquisition, Strategy, and Partnerships, Audible). Moderated by Dominic Patten (Executive Editor, Deadline).
10:00 - 11:00 AM MST
NHPI Stories and Storytellers | Presented by P&G Studios and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
This panel explores the critical importance of supporting and amplifying authentic NHPI narratives told by and for the community. Featuring filmmakers and talent from and throughout Pasifika, it focuses not only on the importance of preserving and sharing yet untold stories in an authentic way, but also how the community can empower itself to prepare for the everchanging future of the entertainment landscape. Together, we will reflect on the power of NHPI storytelling as a tool for cultural preservation, social change, and community empowerment, while also celebrating the resilience, innovation, and beauty of its many cultures. Featuring Kimberly Doebereiner (Group VP Future of Advertising, Head of P&G Studios), Annelise Hickey (Writer and Director), Brian Keaulana (Director, Stunt Coordinator, Master Waterman), and Angela (Angie) Laprete (Producer). Moderated by Daniel Dae Kim (Actor, Producer, Founder of 3AD).
1:00 - 2:00 PM MST
21st Century Love On Screen
In 21st Century Love On Screen, filmmaker Smriti Mundhra (Academy Award-nominated Director, Producer) and Jim Sarbh (Actor, Producer, and Founder of Wonderful Entertainment) discuss their work in film and TV and how their characters on screen challenge or reinforce stereotypes, and how one creates meaningful ways for healthy representation and discussions. Moderated by Shruti Ganguly (Filmmaker and Writer).
2:00 - 3:00 PM MST
Can Music Save the World?
Music has always had a way of uniting people to rally for a shared cause or just to celebrate. These filmmakers have brought their boundary-breaking music documentaries to Sundance and to huge international audiences. In this conversation, they delve into the ways, both clear and hidden, that music transcends the forces that keep people separate. Featuring Drew Dixon (Producer, Activist, Artist), Bao Nguyen (Director, The Stringer and The Greatest Night in Pop), Joseph Patel (Producer, SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)), and Roger Ross Williams (Academy Award-winning Director, Producer, and Writer). Moderated by Tanya Selvaratnam (Senior Advisor, Pop Culture Collaborative).
3:00 - 4:00 PM MST
Filmmaking Against the Odds
Getting a movie made is no small feat; getting it seen is an even bigger challenge. Identity, background, circumstance, and other factors can compound the odds against a filmmaker. How do these filmmakers get their films made and seen despite the odds? Featuring Cherien Dabis (Filmmaker and Actress, All That’s Left of You (اللي باقي منك)), Amber Fares (Documentary Filmmaker, Coexistence My Ass!), Rohan Kanawade (Writer and Director, Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears)), Bird Runningwater (President and Executive Producer, Cloud Woman Media). Moderated by Arij Mikati (Vice President of Programs, Pillars Fund).
4:00 - 5:00 PM MST
Welcome to Sunrise Collective
Saturday, January 25
Fireside: Justin Lin, Sky Yang, and Daniel Dae Kim
Join us for a special conversation with Justin Lin (Director) and Sky Yang (Actor) to celebrate the upcoming premiere of the new film Last Days. Moderated by Daniel Dae Kim (Actor, Producer, Founder of 3AD).
9:00 - 9:30 AM MST
Fireside: Reinaldo Marcus Green + Sean Wang
Join Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Sean Wang (Academy Award-nominated Director, Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó, DÌDI (弟弟)) and director Reinaldo Marcus Green (Academy Award-nominated Director, Producer, and Writer, King Richard, Joe Bell) for an engaging conversation about their shared themes of family, identity, and the human experience. Both known for crafting deeply personal, culturally resonant stories, they’ll explore how their backgrounds shape their work, the power of diverse perspectives in cinema, and the importance of authentic storytelling in today’s industry.
9:30 - 10:15 AM MST
It Takes a Village: Stories that Create Impact
Asian American directors explore moments of support and inspiration that helped them along the way. Featuring Geeta Gandbhir (Director and Producer, Co-Founder of Message Pictures), Glenn Kaino (Artist and Filmmaker), Meera Menon (Director, Didn’t Die), Tadashi Nakamura (Emmy Award-winning Filmmaker and Director,Third Act; TAAF fellow), and Alex Russell (Director, Lurker). Moderated by Michelle Sugihara (Executive Director, CAPE).
10:20 - 11:30 AM MST
Inspiring Impact: A New Era of Storytelling | Presented by The Elevate Prize Foundation
This dynamic conversation will feature leaders from the entertainment and impact sectors exploring how collaboration can drive a more inclusive, purpose-driven, and multicultural future in storytelling. Featuring Mpindi Abaas (Co-Founder & CEO, Media Challenge Initiative), Dave Liu (Producer, DiDi (弟弟)), Sonya Passi (Co-Founder & CEO, FreeFrom), and Abdullah Saeed (Executive Producer, Deli Boys). Moderated by Kamala Avila-Salmon (Founder, Kas Kas Productions).
12:15 - 1:00 PM MST
Fireside: Tan France + Himesh Patel
In this fireside chat, Tan France, known for his pioneering work in fashion and as a host of “Queer Eye,” and Himesh Patel, celebrated for his breakout roles in Yesterday and Station Eleven, explore the impact of AANHPI identity on their unique journeys in entertainment. With wit and vulnerability, they reflect on how their respective careers in fashion and film have reshaped narratives of self-expression, while pushing the boundaries of what it means to represent Asian voices in mainstream media.
1:00 - 2:00 PM MST
Amplifying New Narratives: How Press, Studios, and Talent Elevate the Industry | Presented by Rotten Tomatoes
Entertainment journalism and publicity efforts are more than just tools for promoting a project—they are essential for amplifying new and diverse voices across the industry. This panel will examine how press, talent, studios, and publicity collaborate to draw audiences to films and series that may otherwise be overlooked. Experts will share their strategies for building relationships that enable new films and series to break through the noise, attract diverse audiences, and create lasting cultural conversations. Featuring Siddhant Adlakha (Film Critic), Nicole Balgemino (VP, Comms, Slate Publicity & Special Events, Disney Entertainment Television), Therese Lacson (Features Editor, Collider), and Rishi Rajani (CEO, Hillman Grad). Moderated by Zachary Lee (Film Critic and Journalist).
2:00 - 3:00 PM MST
NBCU LAUNCH Talks: Inside the Writers’ Room | Presented by NBCUniversal
Join NBCU LAUNCH for a behind-the-scenes discussion with showrunners and writers from Peacock's "LAID" and NBC’s “The Irrational.” Hear from Emmy-nominated writer Nahnatchka Khan (Showrunner/Director, "LAID"), Humanitas Prize-winner Arika Lisanne Mittman (Showrunner, "The Irrational"), Ria Sardana (Executive Story Editor, “LAID”), and Tommar Wilson (Staff Writer, "The Irrational") about their career journey, how they craft authentic and inclusive stories for broad audiences, and tips for being successful in the writers’ room. Moderated by Jeanne Mau (EVP, TV Programming DEI, NBCUniversal).