From Sundance conversations to what’s coming next, this month’s edition is all about momentum. We’re revisiting our panel on the future of film, spotlighting ways to participate in Long Story Short, and sharing projects and resources to help filmmakers bring new work to life.
- Taylor K. Shaw-Omachonu, Senior Outreach Lead, Film
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Mystery Science Theater 3000: The RiffTrax Experiments |
BY RIFFTRAX: MIKE, BILL & KEVIN |
Four new MST3K episodes debut this year as RiffTrax returns to its roots for a colossal 20th anniversary event. |
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Reality Resort: Trouble in Paradise – Episodes 12 and 13 |
A character-driven, satirical animated series inspired by and lovingly paying homage to well-known competition shows. |
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This multi-disciplinary artist journeys the globe to capture nature’s breathtaking colors—from Iceland to Nigeria. |
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This festival is a cultural movement that combines multimedia storytelling, cultural impact, and tangible industry resources.
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Edgar Allan Poe's Murder Mystery Musical |
A comedic romp in which the famous gothic writer invites other literary greats over to a dinner party that turns deadly. |
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Part of the LIFE AFTER series, this feature documentary is a heartfelt love-letter to Scorsese's classic mafia movie. |
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Roberto Jay is an actor, writer, and producer who tells emotionally grounded, character-driven stories across stage and screen. He trained at Actors Theatre of Louisville, where he developed a strong foundation in classical and contemporary performance. As a filmmaker, his debut short film Moon Talk placed in multiple film festivals nationwide and was named a semi-finalist at the Lonely Wolf International Film Festival. Roberto went on to create a film collective called StrayJay films and has co-produced several projects, including the found-footage thriller Caiman, which is now available on Prime Video.
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"I chose to highlight RICKY because it tells a deeply relatable story about rebuilding your life when the world doesn’t make it easy. The film follows Ricky as he reenters society after years of incarceration, navigating adulthood, identity, and belonging in a system not built to catch him when he stumbles. This struggle feels universal: the desire to start over, to be seen beyond your past, and to find dignity in everyday survival. What makes this project especially meaningful to me is its empathy, which invites us into a conversation about second chances, community, and what it truly means to show up for one another. AND, I love how the filmmakers are inviting communities not only to see the film but also to expand access; giving, gifting, and creating space for conversations about re-entry, and the power of collective support."
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THE FUTURE OF FILM IS SELF-MADE |
As Sundance prepares for its next chapter in a new city, it was really special to partner with SHIFTER(S) SERIES to bring together hundreds of people from across the film community to talk honestly about where the industry is headed — and how filmmakers are navigating what comes next.
During the panel discussion (watch the full conversation here), we heard directly from filmmakers who have used Kickstarter to bring their projects to life, including: |
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Rashad Frett, whose film RICKY is currently live on Kickstarter and open for support
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Felipe Bustos Sierra, whose Kickstarter-funded documentary Everybody to Kenmure Street won an award at Sundance last week
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Max Reisinger, CEO of Creator Camp, who shared how grit and community helped bring Two Sleepy People to life — a film that has since become the top indie film in the country, with support from Kickstarter’s theatrical release program
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Untold Stories $1.2M Grant
Application Deadline: February 6 (TODAY!)
A collaboration between AT&T and Tribeca Festival dedicated to connecting creators to opportunity. Beyond funding, this program offers comprehensive mentorship and distribution support.
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2026 Sundance Institute Ignite x Adobe Fellowship
Application Deadline: February 12
The Sundance Institute and Adobe are seeking 10 rising filmmakers, ages 18–25, for their 2026 fellowship program. Submit a one- to 15-minute short that showcases your artistic vision and unique voice as a filmmaker.
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Edinburgh Short Film Festival
Application Deadline: February 20
The 16th Edinburgh Short Film Festival is open for entry and looking for great shorts! Best Film Awards, International Film Festival showcases & film industry partnerships, BIFA qualifying.
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2026 William and Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar
March 6-8 in Palo Alto, CA
Join a cohort of Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmakers for an intimate gathering at Stanford University. Attendees will explore the technical and creative aspects of media-making.
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Kickstarter, PBC • 228 Park Ave S, PMB 59430
New York, New York 10003-1502, USA |
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