The Inaugural Indigenous Filmmakers Lounge at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT.

Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, is the most prestigious event for independent film, hosting film premieres, events, artist talks and cutting-edge XR exhibitions. In 2020, the Cherokee Nation Film Office proudly helped create and host the first-ever Indigenous Filmmakers Lounge, a Sundance-sanctioned event, hosting two days of speakers and panels that fostered an environment for rich conversations and learning opportunities, adding to the Indigenous representation at Sundance Film Festival.

This year we’re making a major pivot! With everyone’s health and safety a priority due to the global pandemic, Sundance Film Festival is coming to YOU via Satellite Screens. Tulsa, Oklahoma, is an official Satellite Screen location for the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, presented by CNFO. Tulsa is one of a small number of select cities across the country. The best new films from around the world will screen from Jan. 28 – Feb. 2 at Admiral Twin Drive-In, where you can enjoy films from the comfort of your vehicle, and Circle Cinema, with CDC guidelines in place. You can read about COVID-19 safety here.

Alongside watching awesome new films, you can get the inside scoop from film industry professionals through “Beyond Film” local programming. CNFO is proud to be curating three virtual panels as a part of the official programming that deep-dive into conversations with professionals in the industry at all levels, from big name Native American actors and Native filmmakers to stakeholders and supporters of the Oklahoma film industry.

With the Sundance Film Festival going digital, you have the opportunity to join thought-provoking discussions and participate for FREE! All “beyond film” events are available to stream and attend. Events will stream online at scheduled dates and times through youtube.com/circlecinema and facebook.com/circlecinema and will be shown in theater at Circle Cinema. Following the panel premieres, each event will remain free to watch on-demand for the duration of the festival.

We’re excited for you to tune in and learn how you can get your start in the industry. Everything is at your fingertips!

Check out what CNFO has scheduled and is presenting for “Beyond Film” events:

Representation Matters: Indigenous Actors and the Importance of Having a Seat at the Table 6 p.m. – panel discussion Friday, Jan. 29

Native and Indigenous actors come together to discuss the extremely important subject of accurate portrayal of Indigenous characters in film and TV. This genuine and honest conversation highlights the significance of representation in the industry and the work to shatter stereotypes.

Panelists: Michael Greyeyes, Jenna Clause, Zahn McClarnon, Kimberly Guerrero, Morningstar Angeline

Moderator: Angelique Midthunder

Representation Matters: Indigenous Filmmakers and the Importance of Authentic Voices 4 p.m. – panel discussion Saturday, Jan. 30

In this thought-provoking and inspiring discussion, Indigenous filmmakers discuss the importance of inclusion and representation in the industry, along with the immense responsibility to their community of ensuring Indigenous stories are told with authenticity.

Panelists: Billy Luther, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Jeremy Charles, Kyle Bell

Moderator: William Garroutte

Oklahoma: The Film Industry’s New “It State” 4 p.m. – panel discussion Tuesday, Feb. 2

Oklahoma is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places for film and TV production. In this conversation, industry leaders from across the state come together to highlight what makes Oklahoma so attractive and the surge of productions coming to shoot here.

Panelists: Tava Sofsky (Director Oklahoma Film + Music Office), Deputy Chief Bryan Warner (Deputy Chief of the Cherokee Nation), Abby Kurin (Executive Director, Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture), Richard Janes (Oklahoma Film and Television Academy), Cassidy Lunnen (Producer), Dylan Brodie (Producer/Production Manager), Comedian and Filmmaker Blake Pickens (Chickasaw), Co-Producer of Wild Indian, an Oklahoma-made film premiering at Sundance 2021.

Moderator: Jennifer Loren, Director of the Cherokee Nation Film Office & Original Content

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Click here to see more beyond film events.

For a full schedule of festival films, COVID-19 safety protocols, tickets and more, visit circlecinema.org/sundance.Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Circle Cinema box office, 10 S. Lewis Ave.

Have you entered our giveaway yet? We are giving away ONE Sundance Film Festival ticket to the Admiral Twin Drive-In! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch Sundance festival programming in your backyard. Visit our Facebook page to learn how to enter.

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