WarnerMedia Access
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WarnerMedia Access Announces International Expansion of "WarnerMedia Access Festivals"

The International Portion of the Program for Mid-Level Filmmakers Launches at Sundance Film Festival

January 18, 2022

WarnerMedia Equity + Inclusion announces the international expansion of WarnerMedia Access Festivals, a film festival program for emerging filmmakers across the globe, which will launch at Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2022. Created for filmmakers by filmmakers, this initiative seeks to provide creatives from underrepresented communities the tools needed to ensure a more robust understanding of film festivals and insights into getting the most out of their experience. The program originally launched in Canada at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, expanded with other festivals across Canada, and will now expand to the U.S. and eventually to other territories.

Three filmmakers have been selected to attend Sundance, and additional filmmakers will be selected through open calls in local and national markets for festivals in the future. In addition to festival passes, attendees will be given The Access Festivals How-To-Guide, a curated guidebook of valuable resources and information on how to strategize and network while in attendance. Participants will also attend two exclusive group sessions with a festival programmer and a fellow filmmaker who has attended the festival before and can offer in-depth guidance.

“In speaking with filmmakers, we’ve learned that many times there is a lack of access to tools and knowledge that are necessary to have a successful festival experience,” said Karen Horne, SVP Equity and Inclusion, WarnerMedia. “We are excited to provide an opportunity to talented filmmakers from underrepresented communities to learn how to navigate film festivals in order to maximize the full benefits of their programming.”

Although there are a limited number of spots available per festival, WarnerMedia Access Festivals is available all year through a variety of festival partnerships to provide an array of opportunities. Calls for applications will be shared widely through the WarnerMedia Access Programs social platforms as well as each festival’s social channels and newsletters. Application requirements will be identified on the specific application form for that festival.

About WarnerMedia 

WarnerMedia is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium and popular content from a diverse array of talented storytellers and journalists to global audiences through its consumer brands, including HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, DC, New Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, and others. 

 WarnerMedia is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). 

About WarnerMedia Access

At WarnerMedia we believe in authentic, meaningful connection—to each other, to culture, and to our consumer. That’s why we empower fearless storytellers who bring our world into focus—and create cultural touchstones with the power to draw us together. Through best-in-class talent development programs, mentorship, placement opportunities and industry exposure, WarnerMedia Access serves as a powerful conduit connecting under-represented Talent to our content and brands.

For more information on WarnerMedia Access visit https://warner-access.com/.
 

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