The VAFF hosts a series of panel discussions on Saturday of the Festival. All panels are free, unticketed events. Please arrive fifteen to thirty minutes before the listed start time to find a seat.
Link to Panel Lineup: https://virginiafilmfestival.org/panels/

Saturday, October 28, 2023
10:00 AM
Irving Theater in the CODE Building

VAFF Board Member Janet Graham Borba—EVP of Production at HBO and MAX—leads a Master Class in physical production, using the first season of The Last of Us as a case study. The conversation touches on preparing, shooting, and finishing the hit show, with clips and behind the scenes information adding critical context and insider insights. The Last of Us, featuring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, broke new ground in beautifully adapting a video game into a fully realized drama that garnered 3 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Actor, and Lead Actress.

Saturday, October 28, 2023
Noon
Irving Theater in the CODE Building

Interested in getting a deeper understanding of the Writer’s Guild of America? Learn about the WGA’s origins, its central role in Hollywood film production, and the core issues that motivated the strike. WGA and VAFF Board members and writer-directors Jai Jamison (Superman & Lois) and Steven J. Kung (Fresh off the Boat, A Leading Man) will discuss the world of professional film and TV writing, and the critical role the WGA has played in their careers. Moderated by Ted Johnson (Deadline).

Saturday, October 28, 2023
2:00 PM
Irving Theater in the CODE Building

Three early to mid-career filmmakers with very different paths to success in the film industry share their personal journeys, along the way giving insight into what a modern career in the entertainment business looks like. Writer Nayna Agrawal (Disney’s Encanto) shares the stage with producer Julia Pontecorvo (Going Varsity in Mariachi) and script and production development specialist Rebe Malaret (Boardwalk Pictures, previously ARRAY). Moderated by Scot Safon (VAFF Board).