RNIFF THE MARKET: The Native & Indigenous Film & Entertainment Marketplace
Coming Soon....
Keynote Speaker | The State of Distribution
Chris Lane
VP of Distribution @ Participant | Worldwide Distribution & Marketing Campaign Management
I have a track record for delivering cross-functional, data-driven, and revenue-tied business operations improvement strategies. I work across all distribution windows and build opportunities for teams to iterate based on data. My holistic approach is trusted by filmmakers, global partners, and executive leadership.
Speaker | The Impact of Social Justice in Films
Bonnie Abaunza
Bonnie Abaunza has dedicated her life to humanitarian work, human rights, and social justice advocacy.
Through her own company, the Abaunza Group and GSD, the social impact agency she co-founded, she works closely with filmmakers, artists, production companies, distributors, and non-governmental organizations to develop and execute social impact campaigns for films and documentaries. Bonnie’s work has addressed myriad human rights and civil rights issues as she has brought hard-hitting campaigns and major celebrity engagement to issues as diverse as child slavery, campus sexual assault, human trafficking, genocide, racial and environmental justice, girls’ education, food safety and animal rights.
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Sheila Ryan
Bio
Sheila Ryan (Hollywood Teamster Local 399, LMGI, ATAS) is a nominated and award winning Location Manager and Scout born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She started her career working on independent films later joining the Hollywood Teamsters 399 Location Managers Union and Location Managers Guild International and has worked on projects such as Westworld, Ambulance, Joker: Folie à Deux, Maxxxine, and the highly anticipated Freaky Friday 2.
Speaker | Streaming Goes Native: The Future is Indigenous
Joanelle Romero
Joanelle is founder and CEO of Red Nation Television Network.
Red Nation Television Network holds the distinction of being the world’s first streaming company, predating not only Netflix but all others, and stands as the longest-running Native Indigenous television network. The station delivers distinctive content encompassing Native Indigenous culture, heritage, education, entertainment, and lifestyle.
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David McKinney
Before becoming a Location Manager, David was a scholar-athlete at UCLA, winning the first ever Pacific-10 Division Rowing Championship for the university, then went on to become a world class sailor, competing in the Olympic Trials in the International Star Class. David gained facility in the Spanish language through advanced studies in Spanish and experience as a work exchange student in Spain while earning a degree with a double major in English Literature and Political Science with field emphasis in International Relations and Public Administration from the University of California Los Angeles.
Since 1989 David has worked on location internationally for every type of production including print, music videos, tv commercials, television and Academy Award winning features and has won numerous awards for outstanding work as a Location Professional.
David has been known to spend summers sailing private yachts around Baja California, the Florida Keys, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza, as well as an occasional foray into international dual sport off road motorcycle adventures in California, Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.
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Ernest Belding
I am a career Location Scout/Manager. Born and raised in Southern California, I’ve had a lifelong love of filmmaking and teamwork and people and photography, and consider myself quite lucky to have a found a good union job that lets me enjoy all of those things. I began working in Production in 1995, and have had the pleasure of filming many other states and 2 other countries, as well as all over California. I love finding the hidden corners of the world, seeing behind the curtain, and find the most perfect example of the simplest places.
NIFM Speaking Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in speaking opportunities at the Native Indigenous Film Market. This year’s program will take place for the first time at the AMC Theatre The Grove.
Our industry is constantly evolving, particularly for Native Indigenous filmmakers. In the last four years, the Native narrative has gained serious traction, with more films being produced, directed, and crewed by Native talent. The NIFM Sessions will feature prominent speakers who will share their insights on independent film and every aspect of filmmaking, including financing, production, distribution, and perfecting your pitch.
Submission Process:
To submit a speaker for consideration, please email Liz Kramer at media@rednation.com. Our team will contact you if a session we are planning appears to be a good match or if we have any questions. Please note that NIFM does not provide fees or travel support to our speakers.
Host or Sponsor a Session:
Companies and organizations also have the opportunity to program their own session during the NIFM or sponsor one of ours. For more information, contact Liz Kramer at media@rednation.com or +1.818.665.5753
Sponsors
