How to Find Collaborators at Film Festivals, from Sundance '26
“In filmmaking, they often say you better give 10 years of your life… I exceeded that."
'Bedford Park'
This episode of the No Film School Podcast was recorded live from the final Sundance Film Festival in Park City, 2026. GG Hawkins and Ryan Koo are joined by No Film School writer Jo Light and special guest Teddy Kim to share insights and lessons from Sundance.
Together, they reflect on what it takes to find true creative collaborators at festivals, how the indie landscape continues to shift, and why human connection still matters more than ever in a rapidly changing industry. The episode includes a game of "Red Flag, Green Flag" and wraps with an interview between Koo and writer-director Stephanie Ahn, whose feature Bedford Park premiered at Sundance and took home the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Debut Feature.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How to make the most of Sundance even if you're not actively pitching a project
- Why networking at film festivals is more about vibe than résumé
- The evolving role of indie production companies, balancing studio and independent films
- Which films are getting buzz at Sundance 2026, and what the acquisition market looks like
- How filmmakers are using episodic pilots and private screenings to get attention
- The pros and cons of “networking dinners” and late-night parties like Tao
- A playful, practical game of "Red Flag, Green Flag" to decode festival behavior
- GG’s and Jo’s favorite short and episodic pilots—and what makes them feel fresh
- A deep-dive interview with Bedford Park director Stephanie Ahn about perseverance, editing your own movie, and telling emotionally resonant stories
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