7PM - Meditation & Sound Bath
Led by Marley Ralph and Ivy Coco
Introduction from Franklin Latt

Ease into the festival with a restorative meditation and sound bath led by Namaste Marley Rae and Ivy Maurice. Set the tone for a weekend of creativity, connection, and calm. Introduced by Franklin Latt (WME), this immersive experience invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and prepare to receive inspiration.

7:30PM - Short Film Spotlight: “Hoops, Hopes, & Dreams”
Directed by artist and filmmaker Glenn Kaino and produced by the late Michael Latt (Lead with Love), Hoops, Hopes & Dreams tells the inspiring story of how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a team of civil rights activists used basketball to engage young voters and build community through sport and purpose. A moving look at how activism, art, and athleticism intersect to shape history and the future.

8PM - Opening Night Film: Love & Basketball 25 Years Later + Q&A
Co-presented by AAFCA

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Love & Basketball, the beloved classic that redefined Black love and ambition on screen. Revisit the timeless story of Monica and Quincy—and explore how its legacy continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and dreamers. The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) actively reviews and spotlights cinema at-large, with a particular emphasis on film and TV highlighting the Black experience, especially that produced, written and/or directed by persons from the African Diaspora.

6PM-8PM - Official Selection Documentary Shorts Block + Filmmaker Q&A

A curated selection of thought-provoking documentaries exploring truth and the human spirit. Each short offers a window into real stories that move, challenge, and inspire. Followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.

8PM - “The Link” Community Gathering

Take a breather and make connections during The Link, our community gathering and refresh break between screenings. Enjoy light refreshments, meaningful conversation, and a space to link creativity with community.

8:30PM-10:30PM - Official Selection Episodic Block + Filmmaker Q&A

Discover a wave of visionary storytellers shaping television and digital series at the grassroots level. This block highlights dynamic, diverse voices that are shifting the narrative, literally and figuratively. Stay for an engaging Q&A with creators.

9:30AM - TV Writers Interactive Fireside Chat
with Raamla Mohamed, moderated by Charles Hamilton

Join acclaimed TV creator, showrunner, and writer, Raamla Mohamed (Reasonable Doubt) in an interactive conversation and fireside chat about the craft of storytelling, practical writing, pitching, and building sustainable creative careers. This session also features a visual text-to-screen inside look Moderated by Charles Ray Hamilton.

11:30AM-12:30PM - Producer’s Workshop
with Deniese Davis

Hear the ABC’s of producing from Deniese Davis—co-founder of ColorCreative and Producer of INSECURE and ONE OF THEM DAYS. This session unpacks the fundamentals of producing, from grassroots beginnings to studio success, offering real-world insights for emerging producers and the tools to help produce any project from development to execution.

1PM-2PM - The Re:start - A Wellness Workshop for Creatives 
Facilitated by Chester Gregory

Life rarely follows a straight line—and sometimes the most powerful move forward begins with a pause. In this interactive keynote session, actor and wellness guide Chester Gregory shares a story of growth and pivot for creatives. With grounded moments of breathwork and reflection integrated throughout the session, creatives are able to realign with purpose and begin again.

2:30PM-4:30PM - Director’s Masterclass
With Morgan Stevenson Cooper (Creator, Bel-Air), presented by Blasé

Step behind the lens with visionary filmmaker Morgan Stevenson Cooper (Bel-Air). In this in-depth workshop, Cooper breaks down his creative process using case studies from his acclaimed body of work, focusing on the fundamentals of scene construction, prep and execution. Drawing from his journey across television and short films, he offers a practical roadmap for filmmakers looking to refine their voice and bring their stories to life with clarity and confidence.

6:00PM - Official Selection Narrative Shorts Block + Filmmaker Q&A

Experience a showcase of bold, fresh stories from emerging and established filmmakers. Stay afterward for an engaging Q&A with the filmmakers as they share insights on their process, inspiration, and how they challenge convention.

8:00PM - Closing Night Ceremony & Awards Presentation

Celebrate the best of the festival with our closing night ceremony and awards presentation–the 2025 Jury Awards per category and the 2025 Audience Award.

8:30PM - Filmmaker Afterparty at Re/Creation Cafe

Open Mic Pitch with Scene & Heard

Wrap the day with our signature filmmaker afterparty—an evening of music, connection, and creativity. Co-presented with Scene & Heard, this party will also feature an informal open mic pitch session, inviting filmmakers to share new ideas in a vibrant, supportive space.

10AM-2PM - ActGood workshop with Myles Bullock Be & Industry Guests

Actor Myles Bullock Be leads this immersive performance workshop alongside industry guests, featuring performed scenes from Fish and Scripts community members. Participants will explore acting technique, collaboration, and the art of bringing words to life with presence and purpose.

Pass Options:

1. Observer Seat. Observers will get a front row seat to the process.

2. Participant Seat. We are accepting self-tapes through 10.24 if you would like to participate. Submit your self-tape here. 

7:00PM - Candlelight Yoga with The Don Brown Collective. $30 for any pass holder.

Wind down the festival with a candlelit yoga experience led by Namaste Marley Rae, featuring live jazz music from the Don Brown Collective. This restorative class blends movement, mindfulness, and music to help you reflect, release, and return to stillness after an inspiring weekend.