The Mind the Gap Summit is a half-day intensive session featuring presentations, discussions, and master classes led by an extraordinary line-up of creatives and thought leaders. Following the summit, attendees are invited to a networking luncheon on site providing an opportunity to connect with each other, share insights, and celebrate the power of community. The Summit & Networking Lunch are a highlight of Mind the Gap Day.
Keynote Conversation with Rachel Morrison. Director, cinematographer and Mind the Gap honoree Rachel Morrison will open this year's Summit in a special keynote address. Rachel Morrison has long been a source of inspiration as one of the rare women to make and maintain a distinguished career as a cinematographer. With iconic films like Fruitvale Station, Mudbound (MVFF40), and Black Panther, she has made a significant contribution to recent cinema. This year, she adds to an already notable career as she makes her directorial debut with The Fire Inside, to be released in December.
Familiar Touch: The Creative Process. Sarah Friedland’s debut feature film, Familiar Touch, is a beautiful, poignant story about a woman who “comes of old age” as she adjusts to her new life in a retirement home. This conversation will explore the film’s creation, Sarah’s artistic process, and filmmaking as a space for community and connection.
Sarah Friedland: Familiar Touch Moderator: Osinachi Ibe, Programmer + Mind the Gap Manager
Mind the Gap Directors Forum.Creative collaboration can drive the art of filmmaking: but who are key collaborators and allies, especially for a first-time narrative filmmaker? Unpacking this and more, a panel of up and coming filmmakers will share insights, experiences and inspirations from working on their debut features.
INVITED GUESTS: Liz Cairns: Inedia Biliana Grozdanova: Eastern Western Marina Grozdanova: Eastern Western Alex Hedison: Alok
Moderator: Zoë Elton, MVFF + Mind the Gap Director of Programming
Images Onscreen.The images we see onscreen can influence our attitudes about each other, can inspire identification and recognition of who we are, can provide role models. A group of creatives look at the way women and non-binary characters are represented on screen, and the importance of those images in our lives.
INVITED GUESTS: Natalie Morales: My Dead Friend Zoe Sonequa Martin-Green: My Dead Friend Zoe (additional Panelists TBA)
Mind the Gap Award Presentation to Rachel Morrison.A celebration of the work of cinematographer and director Rachel Morrison, recipient of the Mind the Gap Award.
Mind the Gap Creation Prize Recipient Announcement. Zoë Elton and Osinachi Ibe will announce the recipient of the 2024 Mind the Gap Creation Prize.
Following the summit, attendees are invited to a networking luncheon providing an opportunity to connect with each other, share insights, and celebrate the power of community.
Join us for an afternoon of connection and conversation with filmmakers and film lovers from across the Bay Area! Whether you’re here to reconnect or make new contacts, this is the place to be. Enjoy a laid-back happy hour, network with fellow creatives, and catch exciting updates from local film organizations. If you’re a filmmaker, part of a film company, or simply passionate about film, don’t miss this chance to be part of the Bay Area’s vibrant film scene!
An intimate brunch and conversation between 5 established female & nonbinary film professionals, and 5 emerging, Bay Area based, female & nonbinary filmmakers at a critical stage in their career. The brunch will be followed by two 30-minute one-on-one mentorship sessions between mentors and emerging filmmakers, where filmmakers will get advice about how to move their projects and careers forward. This is a safe space for participants to make authentic connections, share experiences and advice, and build community.
Celebrating the next wave of exceptional female and nonbinary filmmakers! This exciting roundtable discussion will feature up and coming Mind the Gap filmmakers in conversation about their careers, what it takes to make an independent film, and their experiences navigating the current state of the film industry.
PANELISTS: Zoe Eisenberg, Chaperone Biliana Grozdanova, Eastern Western Marina Grozdanova, Eastern Western Kelsey Taylor, To Kill A Wolf
Moderator | Osinachi Ibe, Programmer & Mind the Gap Manager
An inspired gathering of filmmakers and film lovers across the Bay Area, and those attending the festival. This event aims to strengthen the existing connections in the local film community and establish new ones. The mixer will include an informal happy hour, networking, and announcements by local film organizations. All Bay Area filmmakers, film companies, organizations, and community members are encouraged to attend.
