2022 Schedule
Monday, July 11th
Virtual Screenings begin on Sparqfest from July 11th – July 17th

Every Lens Tells a Story presented by Panavision
Join Panavision’s Dan Sasaki for a behind-the-scenes analysis of the optical attributes that contributed to the storytelling of famous films. Dan will shine a light on the lenses filmmakers used to bring their visions to life while providing an overview of Panavision’s vast inventory and a firsthand account of the artistry, science, and technology involved in the field of motion-picture optics.
Panelists:
Dan Sasaki
Senior Vice President of Optical Engineering and Lens Strategy
Aaron Saffa
Manager, New Filmmaker Program, Panavision
The Academy 365 with The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences
This panel conversation will provide insight into membership eligibility, the voting process, and the inner workings and operations of the most prolific organization in modern cinema.
Panelists:
Jeanell English
VP, Impact and Operations
Shawn Finnie
EVP, Member Relations and Awards
Moderated by:
Lawrence Foldes, Academy Member
Panel focuses:
- Eligibility requirements
- How to become a member of The Academy
- Perks of membership
- How the voting process works
- Increasing BIPOC representation within The Academy
- Ensuring films are reflective of the world we live in
- Academy Gold programs


Distribution: The Single Most Important Element of Filmmaking
This panel will provide insight from distribution and acquisitions executives who can detail: best practices when seeking distribution, why securing distribution is the most important move a filmmaker can make, and what factors distributors take most into account.
Panelists:
Yulissa Morales
VP of US Distribution, Epic Pictures
Moderated by:
Daniel de Boulay
Manager of Worldwide Acquisitions, SONY Pictures Entertainment
Panel focuses:
- Five things every filmmaker should know when seeking distribution
- Common mistakes filmmakers make when seeking/securing distribution
- The most important factors distributors take into account when considering projects