An online discussion about the ins and outs of Film Festival Programming with head programmers Celeste Wong (Mill Valley Film Festival), Faridah Gbadamosi (Tribeca Film Festival), and Lily Yasuda (Slamdance). Moderated by Kareema Bee (Cinematters Film Festival).
Get the inside scoop as prolific festival programmers talk about the latest trends on the festival circuit. They will discuss how their film festivals curate their lineups, how each decision maker approaches their selection process, recommendations for filmmakers submitting to competitions, and how the programming landscape continues to evolve. With support from community partners CherryPicks, Film Festival Alliance, Film Independent, Free the Work, Ghetto Film School, Seed & Spark, and WIF.
Celeste Wong has worked in the arts for eight years and is a lifelong film and performing arts enthusiast. Based in Oakland, California, she has worked at various film festivals nationwide, including as the US Indies Programmer for the Mill Valley Film Festival, Shorts Programmer for the Chicago International Film Festival, Programmer for the Atlanta Film Festival, and Associate Programmer for the Tribeca Film Festival.
Faridah Gbadamosi is a pop culture-obsessed lover of film working towards making the space more inclusive. Her interests are in changing the space of tastemakers and rethinking the models for curation and exhibition. She has worked in a variety of roles at different film festivals and other film organizations, including the California Film Institute, Athena Film Festival, Outfest, Frameline, True/False Film Fest, Tribeca, SIFF, and many more. In addition to her programming roles, she is Director of Distribution at Open Your Eyes and Think MF, the distribution wing of David Magdael & Associates, a consultant on different film projects, and a freelance culture critic.
Lily Yasuda is a Japanese American writer, actor, and filmmaker from Boise, ID. She earned her B.A. in Screenwriting from Chapman University and has spent the last five years working in nonprofit arts administration. She serves as the Festival Manager for Slamdance Film Festival and heads Boise Contemporary Theater’s BIPOC Playwrights Festival.
Kareema Bee is a content creator from New York City. Her professional background as a producer spans major TV and film productions (scripted and unscripted) to creative development, representation, social impact events, and digital video. As a writer and actress, she has lent her talents to numerous residencies and placed as a semi-finalist in notable network writing fellowships. Her writing can also be seen in children’s animation, award shows, and high-profile speeches. Through her production company MC Gran, she writes and produces content to elevate underrepresented voices as the Associate Director of the Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival; she curates impactful films that engage the community toward a more democratic, inclusive, and just society.
CherryPicks is your trusted source for movie and TV recommendations, reads, and reviews exclusively from female and non-binary critics.
Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, build an audience for their projects and work to diversify the film industry. With over 250 annual screenings and events, we provide access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry.
Film Festival Alliance creates a collaborative global community for mission-driven film festivals. FFA advocates for a sustainable and inclusive environment for our industry within the cinema exhibition ecosystem and creates a powerful collective voice for film festivals and the people who run them.
Free The Work is a global nonprofit leveling the playing field for creators behind the lens everywhere.
Ghetto Film School (GFS) is an award-winning nonprofit founded in 2000 to educate, develop and celebrate the next generation of great storytellers.
Seed&Spark is where creators and audiences work together to tell stories that celebrate diverse voices and foster vibrant conversation. Find your next spark of curiosity, inspiration and community!
Founded in 1973 as Women In Film Los Angeles, WIF advocates for and advances the careers of women working in the screen industries—in front of and behind the camera, across all levels of experience—to achieve parity and transform culture.
