MIC Panel: Austin-Based Film Festivals

Media Industry Conversations Podcast

This week's podast features a panel of film festival leaders based right here in Austin. Neha Aziz, Alka Bhanot, David Finkel, Todd Hogan, and Gabriel Ornelas visited UT Austin on March 21st, 2024 to discuss the community-based film festivals that they lead. Neha is Artistic Director for the Austin Asian American Film Festival, as well an independent filmmaker and podcaster. Alka Bhanot is Co-Founder of the Indie Meme film festival showcasing Iranian & South Asian Films, and worked previously in the Indian Television industry and as an independent filmmaker. David Finkel is Director of the Austin Jewish Film Festival, and previously worked in international business management and tech. Todd Hogan is president of the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival, and works as a media and marketing executive. Gabriel Ornelas is Executive Director at Cine Las Americas and has a long career managing cultural arts programs and events, handling venue coordination, and supporting the performing arts. This week's conversation was hosted by Hannah Wold, and the discussion centered on the panelists' path into the film festival world, the nature of community partnership, and advice for media makers interested in submitting their work to festivals.