ENME’s Indie Directors and Creators Spotlight Returns to Park City

Ericka Nicole Malone Entertainment (ENME) is returning to Park City with the popular Indie Directors and Creators Spotlight from January 20-21, 2024. The two-day activation will celebrate diverse voices in filmmaking as well as highlight new and upcoming talent.

Held at The Cabin on Main Street, the programming schedule, including select panels and moderated discussions is as follows:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20

PANELS

“The Breakthrough: Betting on Yourself and Winning as an Independent Filmmaker” | A conversation led byEricka Nicole Malone

“Designing the Black Experience: A Conversation with Ruth E. Carter” | Featuring Academy Award-winning Costume Designer, Ruth E. Carter

An intimate conversation with two-time Academy Award winning film costume designer, Ruth E. Carter, renowned for her historical Oscar costume design wins for Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. In this candid conversation, Ruth E. Carter will speak about her expansive career as a “storyteller” through costume design, her personal journey navigating Hollywood, and the extraordinary strides made by black women in the entertainment industry.

“Women of Color Breaking Down Barriers Behind-the-Scenes” | Moderated by NAACP Image Award-winning actress, Wendy Raquel Robinson

The powerful panel of Black female executives has broken down barriers in Hollywood and made extraordinary strides in changing the landscape of film and television. In this discussion, they will explore and celebrate the contributions of women of color — the writers, directors, show runners, costume designers, camera operators and producers — who are often overlooked, shining a light on the diverse presence of women of color shaping the stories behind-the-scenes in Hollywood. These women are creating opportunities for women of color to tell complex and rich stories with characters that reflect a diverse world.

“Spotlighting Black Excellence in Hollywood: A Conversation with Television Director, Ken Whittingham” | Moderated by NAACP Image Award-winning actress, Wendy Raquel Robinson

An intimate conversation that takes us into the world of Ken Whittingham, one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed television directors. He will speak candidly about his experience as a Black man in Hollywood and how he successfully broke the stereotype of Black creatives only capable of telling Black stories. Ken’s credits highlight a career of storytelling with characters that reflect the rich diverse culture of America from the perspective of a visionary director and producer.

“Creative Latinos In Hollywood: Representation On-screen and Behind the Scenes” | Moderated by Latino Cinematographer, Eduardo Ramirez

Latino Filmmakers Manny Ruiz, Chief Content Officer and Co-Founder of Nuestro Stories; and Angela Sustaita-Ruiz, Co-Founder and Chairwoman of Nuestro Stories, will discuss with Ramirez navigating Hollywood and creating impactful representation on-screen. Panelists will share their experiences and the continued challenges faced by Latino creatives telling authentic stories that honor the culture and truthfully reflect the Latino experience.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

SWV
DJ Spinderella
Alfred Jackson
DJ Q Nice

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21

PANELS

“Six Imperatives for Rendering Black Lives in Media” – Hosted by NAACP | Moderated by Kyle Bowser, Senior Vice President of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau

The relationship between mass media and the Black community demonstrates the tremendous power of storytelling and how it conveys images and messages that conjure perceptions and beliefs that either help or harm. Intentional choices in the depiction of Black life in media have produced psycho-social dynamics that require attention and redress. In this session with NAACP Image Award-winner, David Alan Grier, NAACP Image Award-nominee, Daniel Ezra, actor, Justice Smith, Oscar nomindated director, Yance Ford, and NAACP SVP of Communiucations, Trovon Williams, the NAACP Hollywood Bureau will explore six imperatives for rendering Black lives in the media. The panel will discuss various ways mass media storytelling can illuminate a path toward a healthy, discerning and authentically rendered society, wherein the Black experience is understood, appreciated and celebrated with equitable deference.

“Black Women Lead” – Hosted by NAACP | Moderated by Vanessa Mbonu, VP of Digital Marketing and Communications, NAACP

“Black Women Lead” is a compelling panel discussion that shines a spotlight on the significant contributions of Black women in the television and film industry. This engaging program brings together esteemed industry professionals, accomplished filmmakers, actors, producers, and advocates to explore the varied and vital roles that Black women have played in shaping the landscape of entertainment. Through meaningful dialogue, personal insights, and thought-provoking discussions, the panel delves into the challenges, triumphs, and evolving opportunities for Black women in the industry, while celebrating their remarkable impact and influence on storytelling, representation, and creative leadership. Join writer and producer, Nkechi Okor Carroll, Amazon Studios Head of Global DE&I, Latasha Gillespie, media maven, April Reign and director and producer, Ericka Nicole Malone for an inspiring and enlightening conversation that highlights the power, resilience, and innovation of Black women leading the way in television and film.

LIVE PERFORMANCES