BREAKTHROUGH PITCHFEST 2026

Breakthrough Pitchfest is an offshoot of our Breakthrough Series, one of Filmshop’s signature events. It provides a forum for members to pitch their work and engage in discussions centered around development and distribution, as well as an opportunity to receive feedback from a panel of industry experts.

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, series, and feature screenplays. The event also functions as a meeting point and marketplace for filmmakers and industry guests to view these projects. The pitches will be followed by a reception in our main event space from 4:15–5:00 pm. There will also be space for holding one-on-one conversations in a private conference room.

MEET THE Panelists

BREAKTHROUGH PITCHFEST FILMAKERS

Aaron Schillinger (One Nation Under Sod, Doc Feature)

Alex Yakacki (Intermediacy: The Life of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, Doc Feature)

Alexander Etseyatse (Restoration, Narrative Short)

Mike Spara (Guy Scouts, Narrative Series)

Jennifer Patterson (My Flesh and Blood, Narrative Series)

Sara Newton (Red Dog, Narrative Feature)

Starling Thomas (Black Butterflies, Doc Feature)

Tom Hansell (The Heart of the Christmas Tree / El Corazón del Árbol de Navidad, Doc Feature)

Varvara Degtiarenko (A Complete Human, Doc Feature)

Virginia Leise (aka Virginia Root) (#vanlife, Narrative Feature)

Filmshop wishes to thank BAVC and IMAG for their grant support of Breakthrough 2026.