INDUSTRYINSIGHTS
Award-Winning Voices. Unfiltered Conversations.
LightReel’s IndustryInsights series brings together acclaimed artists, creators, and media leaders for a curated slate of conversations exploring craft, culture, and the future of storytelling.
From The Catalyst series to one-on-one discussions, craft sessions, and live experiences, IndustryInsights extends the festival beyond the screen—connecting audiences directly with the artists behind the work.
The Catalyst @ The Balcón
A signature series pairing two artists in conversation where experience, perspective, and craft collide.
Catalyst Conversation
Russell Williams II & Willie D. Burton
(The Sound of Legacy)
A rare conversation between two of only five Black artists to win two Academy Awards, reflecting on legacy, innovation, and the evolution of sound in cinema. (Presented by The Black Reel Awards)
Saturday, June 6, 3:00pm
Catalyst Conversation
Terilyn A. Shropshire, ACE & Stephanie Filo, ACE
(Black Women Editors Shaping the Frame)
Two acclaimed editors in conversation on shaping rhythm, performance, emotion, and story across film and television.
(Presented by the Black Reel Awards)
Saturday, June 6, 1:00pm
In Conversation
One-on-one discussions with artists shaping film, media, and culture.
Kirk Fraser
Award-winning filmmaker, writer, and director known for culturally resonant documentaries including Mayor for Life, Without Bias, and The Life of Raymond Edmonds.
Buy TicketsAngel Livas
Award-winning media entrepreneur and producer dedicated to amplifying diverse voices through audio storytelling, production, and creator development.
Buy TicketsKindra Parker, Stephanie Adusei-Boateng & Kobina de Graft Johnson
A conversation exploring African cinema, global storytelling, cultural entrepreneurship, and building pathways for filmmakers across the continent and diaspora.
Buy TicketsRussell Williams II
The first African American to win back-to-back Academy Awards for sound, recognized for his groundbreaking work on Glory and Dances with Wolves.
Buy TicketsWillie D. Burton
Legendary sound mixer whose Oscar-winning work on Bird and Dreamgirls helped redefine the role of sound in cinematic storytelling.
Buy TicketsPodcast-in-Residence: The Culture Garden
The Culture Garden joins LightReel as the festival’s Podcast-in-Residence, delivering live conversations, filmmaker interviews, sponsor spotlights, and on-site coverage throughout the festival.
Featuring Kieron Richardson, Rachel Proctor, and Isaiah Jackson, The Culture Garden will amplify the stories, guests, and cultural moments shaping LightReel 2026.
