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, 1:30pm
In Conversation
One-on-one discussions with artists shaping film, media, and culture.
Kirk Fraser
President and CEO of May 3rd Films
Kirk Fraser is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and director known for his compelling documentary storytelling and exploration of culture, identity, and history. His work includes the critically acclaimed documentary The Black Godfather, which examines the life and influence of music executive Clarence Avant, and A Huey P. Newton Story, a powerful portrait of the Black Panther Party co-founder.
Co-presented by The Black Reel Awards
Friday, June 5, 11:30am
Angel Livas
Founder & CEO, ALIVE Podcast Network
Angel Livas is an award-winning media entrepreneur, producer, and the Founder and CEO of the ALIVE Podcast Network, a platform dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in audio storytelling. With a background in content creation and digital media strategy, Livas has built a network that supports creators through production, distribution, and brand development.
Co-presented by ALIVE Podcast Network
Friday, June 5, 1:00pm
Two-time Academy Award winning Sound Mixer
Willie D. Burton
Willie D. Burton is a two-time Academy Award–winning sound mixer whose groundbreaking work has elevated the role of sound in cinematic storytelling. He won Oscars for Bird (1988) and Dreamgirls (2006), demonstrating a remarkable range across genres, from intimate biographical drama to large-scale musical production.
Co-presented by The Black Reel Awards
Saturday, June 6, 12:00pm
Two-time Academy Award winning Sound Mixer
Russell Williams II
Russell Williams II is a two-time Academy Award–winning production sound mixer whose work has helped define the sonic landscape of modern cinema. He made history as the first African American to win back-to-back Oscars, earning recognition for Glory (1989) and Dances with Wolves (1990).
Co-presented by The Black Reel Awards
Saturday, June 6, 10:30am
Podcast-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.
