The American Pavilion is proud to announce a dynamic lineup of guest speakers, panels, and parties for the second week of its programming at Cannes 2025. Among the headliners are actor LaKeith Stanfield, and filmmakers Kevin Smith, Eugene Jarecki, Charlie Polinger, and Lucy McKendrick. This is in addition to already-announced special guests such as Spike Lee, Vicky Krieps, as well as many others in the days ahead — AmPav will have hosted more than 30 events before the festival wraps.
These events take place at the Roger Ebert Conference Center and are available to American Pavilion members.
“We’re honored so many talented filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders choose to share their stories at The American Pavilion,” said Julie Sisk, American Pavilion’s Founder and President.
See the full lineup of events below.
SATURDAY, MAY 17
11:00 AM
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: BUILD YOUR AUDIENCE, OWN YOUR FUTURE
As the independent film landscape evolves, more filmmakers are finding that taking charge of their audience engagement, and often their distribution, is key to long-term success. This conversation explores real-world strategies for connecting with viewers and building a sustainable career in today’s industry.
- Ted Hope / Producer / Double Hope Films
- Lela Meadow-Conner / CEO, mamafilm / Co-Founder, The Popcorn List / President, Art House Convergence
- Richa Rudola / Filmmaker, Cow Heavy And Floral / Co-Founder, Meals About Motherhood
- Moderated by Sylvia Desrochers / EVP / MPRM Communications
12:30 PM
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: DOCUMENTARIES
This annual conversation brings together acclaimed filmmakers and industry leaders to examine the current state of documentary storytelling—how these vital films are being developed, financed, and distributed, and how audiences are engaging with them in an increasingly uncertain landscape.
- Vanessa Hope / Director, Producer / Double Hope Films
- Catherine Quantschnigg / Producer, Sales / Noah Media Group
- Joe Tufano / VP of Distribution / Submarine Entertainment
- Moderated by Matt Carey / Documentary Editor / Deadline, Doc Talk Podcast
1:30 PM
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: DEVELOPMENT TO PRODUCTION
From first pitch to festival premiere, the path from development to production is anything but linear. In this candid conversation, seasoned producers and executives share how they build a slate, choose the right projects, and navigate the creative and strategic challenges of getting films made—and made well.
- Steven Adams / Manager, Producer / Alta Global Media
- Kara Durrett / President & Head of Film / Pinky Promise
- Ryan Heller / EVP Film & Documentary / Topic Studios
- Lizzie Shapiro / Producer at The Space Program
- Moderated by Mia Galuppo / The Hollywood Reporter
2:30 PM
INDIEWIRE: FUTURE OF FILMMAKING
Keynote Chat: Richard Linklater
Presented by United for Business
- Moderated by Eric Kohn / Artistic Director / Southampton Playhouse
3:30 PM
HOUSE PARTY: GOLD HOUSE
Fireside Chat: Lucky Lu’s Lloyd Lee Choi & Nina Yang Bongiovi
A fireside chat about independent film, first-time feature directing, and producing projects with unique perspectives, with Cannes 2025 Directors Fortnight film Lucky Lu’s Lloyd Lee Choi and producer Nina Yang Bongiovi
- Introduction by Christine Yi / VP / Gold House
SUNDAY, MAY 18
11:00 AM
INDIEWIRE: FUTURE OF FILMMAKING
How to Survive and Thrive in the Age of AI
Presented by United for Business
The acceleration of artificial intelligence in recent years has led to rampant fears across the entertainment industry, some more founded than others. However, AI isn’t going away – and its progress relates to broader changes to the future of storytelling as a whole. On this panel, we’ll hear from creatives and executives about how to make the most of a new era defined by dramatic technological change.
- Edward Saatchi / Founder and CEO / Fable Studios
- Kiira Benzing / Founder / Double Eye Studios
- Seth Piezas / Executive Director / Colabi Foundation
- Liz Rosenthal / Venice Immersive
- Luc Jacquet / Filmmaker/CannesXR Jury President
- Moderated by Eric Kohn / Indiewire
12:30 PM
HOUSE PARTY: ARAB FILM & MEDIA INSTITUTE
AFMI Presents Women Leading Change Through Storytelling
Celebrate the contributions of trailblazing women filmmakers who boldly champion global voices through their dynamic work. Our panelists will share the barriers they have overcome, how they challenged industry norms, and what it takes to open doors for future generations of storytellers.
- Cherien Dabis / Director, Actress, and Screenwriter
- Nia DaCosta / Director and Screenwriter
- Iman Zawahry / Director / Film Programs Director at ISF
- Moderated by Hanna Flint / Film critic, Writer, and Author
2:00 PM
HOUSE PARTY: THE IMPACT LOUNGE
Reaching the Right Eyes: Finding and Growing Audiences for Impact Films
How do you connect a meaningful film to the right audience? This panel explores innovative strategies—social media campaigns, membership guilds, direct-to-theater tech, and global platforms—that are reshaping impact film distribution. Learn from industry leaders how to build buzz and reach the people who want to see your film most.
- Jared Geesey / Chief Distribution Officer / Angel Studios
- Justine Barda / Founder and Director / Telescope Film
- Selina Ringel / Filmmaker and Actor / Two Hands Productions
- Owen Williams / Producer and Founder / Harpoon Media
- Moderated by Heather Mason / Founder / The Impact Lounge
3:00 PM
IN CONVERSATION: MICHAEL ANGELO COVINO
Acclaimed filmmaker Michael Angelo Covino joins us for an intimate conversation about his journey from indie shorts to Cannes success with 2019’s “The Climb” and this year’s “Splitsville.” From directing and acting to producing, we’ll discuss his collaborative creative process and the bold, emotionally honest storytelling that defines his work.
- Moderated by Eric Kohn / Indiewire
4:00 PM
HOUSE PARTY: EASTERSEALS
Reimagining Hollywood: A New Lens on Disability
A deep dive into the state of disability inclusion in entertainment—progress, wins, and the path ahead—focused on advancing authentic representation on and off screen. A collaborative effort between industry and community driving inclusive change.
- Nic Novicki / Actor, writer, producer / Founder of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
- Nancy Weintraub / Chief Advancement Officer / Easterseals Southern California
- Moderated by Keith Simanton / Managing Editor / IMDbPro
5:00 PM
IN CONVERSATION: LAKEITH STANFIELD
Academy Award nominee LaKeith Stanfield joins us for an intimate conversation on the heels of the Cannes world premiere of “Die, My Love.” Known for his riveting performances in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Get Out,” “Sorry to Bother You,” and “Atlanta,” Stanfield has carved out a singular space in film and television as one of the most dynamic and versatile talents of his generation.
- Moderated by David Canfield / Vanity Fair
MONDAY, MAY 19
11:00 AM
HOUSE PARTY: GLOBAL STORYTELLING
Stories grounded in cultural and geographic specificity often have the widest reach. This conversation explores how filmmakers create work that resonates globally by embracing their roots, along with the creative potential and challenges of telling culturally nuanced stories across borders.
- Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù / Actor / My Father’s Shadow, Cannes Film Festival, Official Selection
- Richard Lorber / Chairman / Kino Lorber
- Fawzia Mirza / Writer, Director / The Queen of My Dreams
- Frida Torresblanco / Producer / Hangtime Pictures
- Moderated by Nancy Tartaglione / Deadline
12:30 PM
HOUSE PARTY: WHY THESE STORIES MATTER – REPRESENTATION IN HOLLYWOOD
Authentic, inclusive storytelling remains essential. This conversation looks at why representation in Hollywood still matters, the progress made, the challenges ahead, and how industry leaders can help shape a more equitable narrative landscape.
- Andria Wilson Mirza / Senior Consultant, Entertainment / GLAAD
- Heather Rae / Producer / Mountain Daughter Media
- Daphne Schmon / Founder & Executive Director / Breaking Through the Lens
- Moderated by Angelique Jackson / Senior Entertainment Writer / Variety
2:00 PM
IN CONVERSATION: VICKY KRIEPS
Acclaimed actress Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread, Corsage) joins us to discuss her latest role in “Love Me Tender,” premiering at Cannes 2025. Known for her nuanced performances and fearless role choices, Krieps will share insights into her artistic journey, the challenges of portraying complex characters, and her approach to storytelling across diverse cinematic landscapes.
- Moderated by Keith Simanton / IMDB
3:30 PM
IN CONVERSATION: CHARLIE POLINGER & LUCY McKENDRICK
Director and writer Charlie Polinger and producer Lucy McKendrick join us to discuss their impressive new Cannes-premiering feature “The Plague.” Together, they’ll unpack the creative process behind the film, the urgent themes that drove its making, and how their collaboration signals the arrival of two distinct new voices in independent cinema.
4:45 PM
HOUSE PARTY: CRESCENT COLLECTIVE
New Wave Pakistan: Telling Global Stories, Rooted at Home
A powerful conversation with groundbreaking filmmakers who are challenging expectations, navigating censorship, and telling deeply human stories that transcend borders. From intimate indies to high-stakes thrillers, discover how Pakistan’s new wave is claiming space on the world stage—and what it takes to get there.
Sponsored by ENGLISH BISCUIT MANUFACTURERS (PVT) LTD
- Mohammed Ali Naqvi, Producer and Director The Accused; Founder, Crescent Collective
- Aleem Bukhari, Director Karmash – Official Selection 57th Directors’ Fortnight
- Irfan Noor King, Actor and Producer Karmash
- Saim Sadiq, Writer and Director Joyland – 2022 Un Certain Regard Jury Prize
- Fawzia Mirza, Writer and Director The Queen of My Dreams
- Hammad Khan, Writer and Director Longbarn
6:00 PM–8:00 PM – House Party Reception
Open to all American Pavilion members
TUESDAY, MAY 20
12:00 PM
INDIEWIRE’S “SCREEN TALK” PODCAST
IndieWire’s weekly Screen Talk podcast has delved into the biggest questions facing the film industry for years. For this special live episode, join Screen Talk hosts Anne Thompson and Ryan Lattanzio, along with special guest NEON’s CEO Tom Quinn, for a spirited discussion about festival buzz, awards season, and the future of cinema itself.
- Anne Thompson / Editor at Large / IndieWire
- Ryan Lattanzio / Executive Editor / IndieWire
- Tom Quinn / CEO / NEON
1:00 PM
IN CONVERSATION: SPIKE LEE
Join legendary filmmaker Spike Lee for a candid conversation about his storied career and “Highest 2 Lowest,” his bold new film from A24 and Apple Original Films premiering at Cannes 2025.
- Moderated by Darrien Michele Gipson / Executive Director / SAGindie
EMERGING FILMMAKER SHOWCASE
3:30-6:00 PM – LGBTQ+ Screenings
Presented by Gold House
9:00 PM–1:00 AM
Queer Night
An LGBTQ+ dance party open to all Festival and Marché badge holders
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
11:00 AM
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: SHORT FILMS
Short films play a vital role in the film ecosystem—as creative calling cards, festival breakouts, and platforms for bold ideas. This conversation looks at how shorts can launch careers, build momentum, and offer unique opportunities for experimentation and storytelling.
- Joecar Hanna / Filmmaker, Talk Me / La Cinef, Cannes FF
- Sandra Lipski / Founder and Festival Director / Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival
- Joanne Moore, J.D. / Dean of the School of Film & Television / Loyola Marymount University
- Kaitlyn Mikayla / Filmmaker, Ragamuffin / Sundance Film Festival
- Moderated by Scott Macaulay / Co-Founder, Editor-In-Chief / Filmmaker Magazine
12:00 PM
IN CONVERSATION: EUGENE JARECKI
Award-winning documentarian Eugene Jarecki (Why We Fight, The House I Live In) returns to Cannes with the world premiere of “The Six Billion Dollar Man,” a gripping exploration of the Julian Assange saga. Jarecki discusses the film’s provocative themes and his ongoing pursuit of truth through cinema.
- Moderated by Scott Roxborough / The Hollywood Reporter
1:00 PM
INDIEWIRE CRITICS’ PANEL
Join IndieWire’s Chief Film Critic David Ehrlich and a panel of leading international film critics for a no-holds-barred conversation about the best and worst of Cannes 2025, the state of the film industry at large, and the realities of writing about it for a living. The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A session.
- David Ehrlich / IndieWire
- Guilherme Jacobs / Omelete
- Robert Daniels / RogerEbert.com
- Sophie Monks Kaufman / Freelance
EMERGING FILMMAKER SHOWCASE
3:00 PM-5:30 PM – Emerging Filmmaker Student Screenings
Presented by Gold House
5:30 PM-7:30 PM Emerging Filmmaker Screenings
Presented by Gold House
THURSDAY, MAY 22
12:30 PM
IN CONVERSATION: KEVIN SMITH
Writer, director, and indie icon Kevin Smith returns to the Croisette to celebrate “Dogma: Resurrected – A 25th Anniversary Celebration!,” screening in this year’s Cannes Classics. Smith reflects on the film’s legacy, its provocative themes, and his journey from the 1999 Festival de Cannes to becoming a singular voice in modern cinema.
Programming is subject to change without notice.
All schedules, panels, and guests are subject to change.
