BREAKTHROUGH SERIES 2024

Filmshop’s Breakthrough Series showcases a curated selection of our members' films, each in different stages of development, in an intimate setting with festival programmers, distributors, and executive producers. Facilitating discussions centered around development and distribution, Breakthrough provides a forum for filmmakers to explore the next stages of their careers. After each project is presented, there will be live feedback offered by industry advisors. Featured projects range from works-in-progress to fully-produced narrative/documentary shorts, features, and series and feature screenplays. The event also functions as a meeting point and marketplace for filmmakers and industry guests to view these projects.

Stay tuned as we unveil the lineup of showcased projects, panel discussions, and special events. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of independent filmmaking and discover the next generation of cinematic talent.

NARRATIVE

Fiction Showcase:

Saturday, May 11, 1:30 pm - 7:00 pm

The Center For Fiction - 15 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11217

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DOCUMENTARY

Documentary Showcase:

Saturday, May 18, 1:30 pm - 7:00 pm

DCTV - 87 Lafayette Street, NYC 10013

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schedule

1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Presentations by Breakthrough Fellows with live feedback offered by Industry Jury & Advisors

5 PM - 6 PM
Panel Discussion

6 PM - 7 PM
Industry Reception

breakthrough 2024 artists

TBA

documentary JURY

Caitlin Boyle is an Emmy-winning producer. Her films have screened and won awards at Sundance, Tribeca, True/False, BAMcinemafest, MoMA, The Museum of the Moving Image, and in movie theaters internationally. Caitlin's work as a producer and director has been broadcast on ABC, CNBC, Discovery Networks, ESPN, Field of Vision, OWN, TLC and YouTube Red. In 2018, she was selected for Berlinale Talents, a prestigious annual summit and networking platform.

Cecilia R. Mejia, transitioning from non-profit development to film, Cecilia brings a unique perspective to the table. As the lead producer of the award-winning film Yellow Rose and a Social Impact Producer of Call Her Ganda, Cecilia's work focuses on critical social impact issues. Her expertise extends to teaching Impact Producing and Producing at NYU-Tisch.

Roxy Hunt is the Founder of BFD Productions, and is a seasoned director and producer known for telling human stories on the fringes. Her impressive portfolio includes documentary series for HBO Max, Discovery+, and CNN, among others. Roxy's commitment to supporting independent filmmakers led her to co-found The Lower East Side Film Festival, now in its 14th year.

NARRATIVE JUry

Alece Oxendine, a seasoned speaker and strategist in the film industry, has influenced countless emerging filmmakers through her work at various institutions including Film at Lincoln Center, BAMcinema, and Athena Film Festival. With over 15 years of experience, she now guides students at Columbia University's graduate film program, advising on career pathways. Alece is a proud alumna of Columbia and Winston-Salem State University, and in her free time, she's passionate about storytelling in all its forms.

Mehgan Ross, an Austin-based writer, director, producer, and comedian, has garnered recognition from prestigious programs like Sundance Episodic Lab and NewNarratives. Her work has been featured in The New Yorker and The Webby Awards. Currently, she serves as the Head of Creator Success at Seed&Spark

Sarah Wharton, Director of Development at BFD Productions in Brooklyn, has a rich history of producing content for major networks like HBO Max and CBS. With a knack for independent filmmaking, Sarah has sold projects to Netflix and Paramount+. She champions innovative storytelling and co-founded The Stay Indie Project to support emerging filmmakers.

Filmshop's Breakthrough Series is made possible in part with public funds from the National Endowment for the arts.