2026 At A Glance

Arrival + Coffee + Creator Networking

Start the day over coffee while meeting fellow filmmakers, creators and storytellers through casual conversation and creator-focused networking prompts.

Opening Grounding

A brief moment to get centered, connect and set the intention for the day ahead.

Welcome

A quick welcome to Black.Indie.Ignite. and the day ahead.

Stop Waiting for the Greenlight

Explore how filmmakers can use audience, community and their own platforms to build momentum and move their work forward without waiting for someone else to say yes.

Build Your Own Momentum

Put those ideas into practice by identifying your audience, where to reach them and how to begin building community around your work. Leave with an actionable plan for using your platforms, content and relationships to build momentum around what you’re creating.

Break

Make the Work Work for You: From Shorts to Commercials

A candid conversation about how independent film work can open doors to commercial opportunities, what helps creators get noticed and what it takes to keep getting hired.

Sharpen the Pitch

Work directly from your own pitch deck, treatment or project materials to sharpen how you present your ideas, communicate your creative vision and strengthen your pitch for commercial opportunities.

Before You Hit Submit: What Film Funders Want You to Know

Film funders see hundreds of proposals, but what makes one stand out? Get practical insight into finding the right opportunities, making a stronger case for your project, avoiding common mistakes and knowing when your film is—or isn’t—ready to apply.

Lunch, Lounge + Reset

Take an hour to reset before the afternoon. Enjoy lunch, drop into Movies & Mimosas for a rotating selection of kweliTV shorts, play a game, color, connect with fellow creators or simply unwind. No agenda—just space to recharge however you need.

Black Creativity in the AI Era: Protection, Power & Possibility

A candid conversation exploring AI, creative ownership, likeness rights, cultural protection and how independent creators can navigate emerging technology without losing authorship or creative integrity.

Creator Bootcamp: Tools + Workflows

A practical introduction to AI tools and creative workflows, grounded in creator choice, responsible use and protecting creative authorship.

The Ignition Studio: Creator Lab + Challenge

A hands-on creative lab where participants can explore how AI-assisted tools might support—not replace—their creative process. Work independently or collaboratively on a real project or creative challenge with support from creator coaches and technologists.

Break

Creator Showcase

Eight creators selected during the Ignition Studio will pitch what they explored and created for the opportunity to receive one of four cash awards. The showcase celebrates experimentation, creative thinking and a range of approaches—not just polished final projects.

Break

Building Boldly: Longevity, Visibility & Independent Storytelling

A reflective conversation about sustaining a long creative career, navigating visibility and protecting your independent voice in a changing industry.

Closing Grounding Exercise

A guided reflection helping attendees process the day, identify what they’re taking with them and consider what comes next.

Closing Reception + Celebration

Close out the day over drinks and light bites, with conversation prompts to spark new connections and potential collaborations. Reconnect with people you met throughout BII, meet someone new and celebrate as we announce the four Ignition Studio cash award winners.