The Light Leaks Moderates More to Talk About: Shifting the Culture for Rising Voices @ Tribeca 2024
The 23rd annual Tribeca Film Festival took over lower Manhattan this June for an unforgettable two weeks of filmmaking, connection, conversation, and more. The Light Leaks’ Kim Hoyos had the honor of moderating a panel discussion at the festival titled "More to Talk About: Shifting the Culture for Rising Voices."
Hosted by Level Forward’s Anthem award-winning social impact platform, More To Talk About (MTTA), the event brought together Constanza and Doménica Castro, the dynamic Mexican sisters behind 271 Films, for a conversation on creating accessible pathways into the industry for underrepresented voices.
The conversation was made possible in part due to the focus on Indeed’s Rising Voices program. In partnership with Emmy Award-winning writer, creator, and actor Lena Waithe and her company Hillman Grad Productions, as well as 271 Films, this program is now in its third season. This program focuses on providing new opportunities to discover, invest in, and amplify stories created by BIPOC filmmakers.
About 271 Films
271 Films is dedicated to creating stories that push boundaries, provoke thought, and entertain audiences globally. Their impressive portfolio includes award-winning films and commercials featured on HBO, Amazon, Mubi, The New Yorker Screening Room, Nylon, Vice, BET, MTV, and Adweek. Their work has also been showcased at prestigious film festivals, including Sundance, Tribeca, AFI Fest, Palm Springs, and more. Additionally, 271 Films has been nominated for two NAACP Image Awards and has collaborated with numerous high-profile clients and artists. Since founding the development and production company in 2020, they have been making waves with their emotionally charged, intelligent, and socially conscious stories across film, TV, and commercials.
About Kim Hoyos
Kim Hoyos is the founder of The Light Leaks and a freelance creative based in Los Angeles with a passion for video production, social content, and digital strategy. Her dedication to fostering inclusivity in the film industry has led her to work with brands like Rolling Stone Magazine, NBC, and MTV. Her work bridges the gap between storytelling and social impact, earning recognition from various platforms for her contributions.
The Recap
At the Light Leaks we believe in making the conversation of diversity in media accessible to all, to drive empathy and meaningful change in the industry. Our mission of educating, supporting and creating space for female and nonbinary filmmakers extends to having live conversations such as these. Andrea Ambam from Level Forward set the stage with a warm welcome and an introduction to MTTA's mission. As an award-winning multimedia social impact platform, MTTA uses storytelling as a catalyst for addressing today’s most pressing issues. Andrea highlighted MTTA's role as a live gathering space, digital experience, and podcast, all aimed at building community and fostering creative conversations ignited by iconic works on stage and screen.
The discussion highlighted underappreciated pathways for emerging storytellers and the impact of the Indeed Rising Voices Program. Constanza and Doménica shared their journey of starting 271 Films, driven by their experiences as bicultural women, and how they hope the industry can change moving forward. They shared insights on how entertainment companies and festivals can better support creatives from underrepresented backgrounds.
The sisters discussed the unique challenges they faced as Latina women in the film industry and the strategies they employed to overcome them. They provided their perspectives on maintaining integrity in their careers and offered advice on protecting oneself while remaining kind and collaborative.
Independent producers have a crucial role in creating sustainable opportunities for emerging voices. The Castros emphasized the importance of establishing an on-set culture of respect, equality, and equity to see this mission through.
The panel concluded with the Castros sharing their hopes for a future where stories and storytellers are not burdened by scarcity or lack of access to opportunities. They encouraged the audience to engage deeply with art that provokes thought and action, leaving everyone with a call to continue the conversation and take tangible steps toward fostering inclusivity and opportunity in the film industry.
This event was part of the Tribeca Film Festival, and we are grateful to Level Forward and MTTA for creating a space for such an important conversation. Stay tuned for more insights and updates from The Light Leaks as we continue to highlight and support diverse voices in the film industry.
For more information about Level Forward, visit: https://www.levelforward.co/
Book The Light Leaks for Your Next Event
The Light Leaks is an inclusive online community dedicated to empowering female and nonbinary filmmakers. Our mission is to make the conversation of diversity in media accessible to all, driving empathy and meaningful change in the industry. We provide resources, support, and platforms for underrepresented voices to share their stories and connect with a broader audience. Our initiatives include educational workshops, mentorship programs, and public speaking engagements designed to inspire and equip the next generation of filmmakers.
Contact us today to book The Light Leaks and Kim Hoyos for your next conference, workshop, or film festival. Together, we can continue to foster diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment in the film industry and beyond.
For booking inquiries and more information, please visit Book The Light Leaks for Your Next Event.