Reel Film Biz
All things about the television entertainment biz.
On Sunday, July 20th, the African American Film Critics Association and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation hosted the 5th Annual Next Gen Panel at the Meryl Streep Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. The panel of young stars on the rise is DaVinchi, Taylor, Ernest Kingsley Jr., Myles Truitt, who all have a bright future ahead.
Los Angeles (May 29, 2025) — The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is proud to announce its winners of this year’s AAFCA TV HONORS, its annual TV TOP TEN LIST and its 2025 class of Special Achievement Honorees. The 7th Annual AAFCA TV Honors will take place on August 23, 2025, at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
This year’s WINNERS, as voted on by the AAFCA membership, are as follows:
AAFCA’s selection for the 2025 TOP TEN TELEVISION PROGRAMS is as follows:
“Do not miss the winning programs and performances and AAFCA’s Top 10 TV shows of the year,” said AAFCA president and co-founder Gil Robertson. “We look forward to celebrating a banner year for television, with our winners and Top 10 list reflecting incredible creativity, compelling narratives, and the powerful resonance of diverse storytelling across all platforms."
In addition to this year’s winners of the AAFCA TV HONORS and the announcement of the Top 10 television programs of the year, AAFCA is thrilled to announce this year’s class of special honoreees. Selected by the AAFCA TV HONORS awards committee, these individuals represent a dynamic cross-section of leaders and visionaries making an indelible impact across television and streaming platforms.
“Our honorees are the heartbeat of the television industry,” said Gil Robertson, AAFCA Co-Founder and President. “As the entertainment world finds its footing again post-COVID, post-strikes, and amid a shifting political and cultural landscape, this year’s class of honorees exemplifies the solid, innovative leadership that is essential to moving the industry forward.”
Now in its seventh year, the AAFCA TV Honors has become a bellwether event within the entertainment industry—serving as both a celebration and a reflection of the groundbreaking work happening in television and streaming.
This year’s special honorees include:
Le Goy is chairman of Sony Pictures Television (SPT), one of the television industry’s leading content providers. He is responsible for all television production operations, of one of the TV industry’s leading content providers, producing, distributing and carrying programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform.
As president of Disney Branded Television, Davis is responsible for producing premium original content for kids and families across Disney+ and Disney Junior. Under her leadership, the network has launched favorites like “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” hit animated series “Bluey,” Disney Jr.’s “Ariel” starring Amber Riley and Taye Diggs, and “Descendants: The Rise of Red” starring Brandy and Rita Ora. Having spent over two decades at Disney—starting in casting before moving into content—Davis has made her mark.
Perry has served as President of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network since 2019, overseeing all creative and operational aspects of the network, reporting directly to OWN Chairwoman and CEO Oprah Winfrey and Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks Chairwoman and CEO Channing Dungey. Under her leadership, OWN has solidified its role as a leading destination for Black audiences. The network continues to dominate Friday and Saturday nights among African American viewers with hit series such as Love & Marriage: Huntsville, Family or Fiance, and Ready to Love. Over the past year, OWN’s average premiere ratings among Black women aged 25-54 have increased by 6%.
A groundbreaking television writer and producer, Akil’s work has shaped modern Black storytelling on TV. Her work includes writing for “South Central,” and becoming the youngest African-American showrunner at 30 with her hit series “Girlfriends.” Additional projects include “The Game,” “Being Mary Jane,” and “Black Lightning.” Brock Akil’s most current series, “Forever,” just debuted on Netflix.
Comedian, actress, producer, and podcast host, Buteau is known for her bold humor. She began stand-up in 2001 after working as a TV news producer in New York. Her big break came five years later on Comedy Central. Named one of Esquire’s "comedians to watch" in 2017, she went on to host the “Late Night Whenever!” podcast and Netflix’s “The Circle.” Her comedy special, “Welcome to Buteaupia,” earned a 2021 Critics' Choice Award. In 2020, she published “Survival of the Thickest,” later adapted into a Netflix series. She starred in the 2024 film “Babes.”
Onuorah is an Emmy-winning film director and producer known for bold, socially resonant storytelling. The winner of a Primetime Emmy for directing “Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” her most recent Prime Video project, “Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Own Words” spotlights the superstar rapper's rise to fame.
Denise Nicholas is a renowned actress and author, best known for her roles in films like “Let’s Do it Again” (1975) and “Capricorn One” (1977) as well as her TV roles on “In the Heat of the Night” and “Room 222.” She is also the author of the novel “Freshwater Road” and has received several accolades for her writing, including the Best First Novel Award from the American Library Association’s Black Caucus. She got her start on stage touring with the Free Southern Theater through the rural South during the Civil Rights Movement.
###
About AAFCA
The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is the largest collective of Black film critics in the world, dedicated to celebrating excellence in film and television. Founded in 2003, AAFCA presents a range of annual awards celebrations and special events that honor outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry. Since its inception, the organization has remained committed to amplifying Black voices in film criticism and arts and entertainment journalism across the African Diaspora. AAFCA’s mission has always been clear: to elevate diverse perspectives and create space for underrepresented voices in media.
For media inquiries or more information, please visit www.aafca.com.
Media Contact:
PERCEPTION PR
Lea Yardum | lea@perceptionpr.com | +1 323 606 2080
Natasha Barrett | natasha@perceptionpr.com | +1 323 606 3239
Maggie Bie-Grace | maggie@perceptionpr.com | +1 508 505 8152
On Friday, May 23rd, Netflix hosted a special event for for the widely acclaimed comedy series, THE RESIDENCE, at American Legion Post 43 in Los Angeles. The event began with a screening and was followed by a conversation with Creator, Showrunner, Writer, and Executive Producer Paul William Davies, stars Uzo Aduba, Randall Park, Susan Kelechi Watson, Giancarlo Esposito, and Ken Marino, Production Designer François Audouy, Costume Designer Lyn Paolo, and Composer Mark Mothersbaugh. The event concluded with a reception. Please see below for photos from the event!
Paul William Davies / Creator, Showrunner, Writer, Executive Producer
Uzo Aduba / “Cordelia Cupp”
Randall Park / “Edwin Park”
Susan Kelechi Watson / “Jasmine Haney”
Giancarlo Esposito / “A.B. Wynter”
Ken Marino / “Harry Hollinger”
François Audouy / Production Designer
Lyn Paolo / Costume Designer
Mark Mothersbaugh / Composer
Moderated by Jenelle Riley / Variety
ABOUT THE RESIDENCE
132 rooms. 157 suspects. One dead body. One wildly eccentric detective. One disastrous State Dinner. The Residence is a screwball whodunnit set in the upstairs, downstairs, and backstairs of the White House, among the eclectic staff of the world's most famous mansion.
The 51st Annual American Music Awards will take place on May 26, 2025, at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Hosted by Jennifer Lopez and will air for the firs time on CBS, and live streaming on Paramount +. Kendrick Lamar leads every with 10 nominations. Janet Jackson will perform and receive the Icon Award and legend Rod Steward will also perform and receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
SeriesFest hosted their annual Soirée in Denver, Colorado, where they honored Jason Ritter ("Matlock”, "Gravity Falls") with the "Distinguished Artist Award," Rhea Seehorn ("Better Call Saul”, "Cooper's Bar") with the “Excellence in Acting” Award, and Carnival Films with the "Impact in Television Award."
The star-studded event included Denver Governor Jared Polis, Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, as well as talent from across several of SeriesFest's panels and events. Mayan Lopez (Actor, “Lopez vs. Lopez”), Audrey Morrissey (Showrunner and Executive Producer, "The Voice"), Jocko Sims ( Actor, "Grosse Pointe Garden Society"), Kit Williamson (Creator, Writer and Actor, “Unconventional”), Eric Ledgin (Showrunner and Executive Producer, "St. Denis Medical"), and more gathered to celebrate the honorees and SeriesFest 11!
Honors Awarded in Categories Including ‘Independent Drama Pilot,’ ‘Independent Comedy Pilot,’ ‘Independent Unscripted Pilot,’ ‘Colorado Pilots In-Progress,’ ‘Digital Short Series,’ ‘Late Night,’ ‘Pitch-A-Thon,’ and More
May 5, 2025 (DENVER, CO) – SeriesFest announced the winners of their Independent Pilot Competition at an awards presentation on Sunday, May 4th in Denver, Colorado. Juries of industry executives, journalists, creators and experts selected winners from over 50 pilots in categories including “Independent Pilot,” which receives $25K in-kind post production support from Company 3, “Digital Short Series,” “Late Night” and “Pitch-A-Thon.”
SeriesFest and Shondaland also partnered on the sixth cycle of the Women Directing Mentorship, a competition designed to discover aspiring female directors with a unique voice and provide a launchpad for their careers. This year’s winner, Christina YR Lim, will have the opportunity to shadow a director on an episode of a Shondaland original series.
Category winners include:
Independent Pilot – Drama: Lake Boga
Independent Pilot – Comedy: Settle Down
Independent Pilot – Unscripted: Vs. Goliath
Digital Short Series: F*ckUps Anonymous
Late Night: Stars Diner
Pitch-A-Thon: ZHIZHA
The full list of winners can be found below and at SeriesFest.com.
“We can think of no better way to close out another successful edition of the festival than to celebrate and give back to the independent storytellers who continue to push the boundaries of the medium,” said SeriesFest Co-Founders Randi Kleiner and Kaily Smith. “SeriesFest has a long history of being a discovery platform for the independent television community, and we are thrilled to be able to further this year’s creatives’ work through the opportunities these awards and resources provide.”
At the awards ceremony, SeriesFest also announced the final selections for four festival initiatives: The Inclusive Creator Fund, The Outstanding Series Format Deck presented by Canva Award, the Caz Matthews Fund, and The Rural Intersectionality Fund. To learn more about these initiatives, please visit SeriesFest.com/funds-awards.
The Inclusive Creator Fund, supported by the Anna & John J. Sie Foundation and Global Down Syndrome Foundation, selected R&R as the recipient of this year’s grant funds. The fund was created to support television projects that include talent with intellectual disabilities in front of and behind the camera. R&R follows Robbie and Rachel, codependent twins trying to “make it” in LA. Rachel (a sarcastic, raunchy, gay mess) brings the chaos, and Robbie (a neurotically organized, hopeless romantic with Down syndrome) cleans up the pieces. The series is based on creator JJ Herz's relationship with her brother, Griffin, who has Down syndrome.
The Outstanding Series Format Deck presented by Canva Award was awarded to independent comedy competition pilot, Bliss Talent, which will receive a $5,000 cash prize for their best submission deck created in Canva. "From the very first slide, we were instantly hooked," said Kate Marsden, Canva Global Head of Brand Partnerships and Design School. “The setup and storyline were so engaging. They made fantastic use of a wide array of Canva features and struck that sweet spot between compelling visual storytelling and clarity.”
Caz Matthews, a Colorado-based supporter of SeriesFest and independent creators of television content, awarded two official selections from the independent pilot competitors – We Should Eat and Two Breaths – with each receiving a one-time financial grant of $5,000 from the Caz Matthews Fund. These recipients represent the independent filmmakers with projects fighting to tell stories and build teams that celebrate cultural richness and nuanced mosaic of our global society. This fund was established to help selected projects continue the positive impact they are making on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the television landscape.
New this year, SeriesFest presents The Rural Intersectionality Fund, supported by Sarah Sellman and Julie Mordecai. Sarah is a queer and neurodiverse filmmaker and artist who grew up in rural Colorado, and Julie is a Colorado-based investor and supporter of SeriesFest. This fund was created to foster and uplift the voices of neurodiverse, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and creators telling stories from their lived experience who have important stories to tell that positively impact and image the communities described above, and to further promote the role of intersectionality in the creation of meaningful stories. This year’s selected recipients, ZHIZHA and $HARE, will receive cash funds to support the development of their series.
Pitch-a-thon, presented by Canva, Royal Bank of Canada, and the Working Artists Group, will award the winning pitch – ZHIZHA – with $500 cash.
Now in its 11th season, SeriesFest was created to champion and discover innovative projects in the television industry. This year, the non-profit organization hosted a wide array of programs including scripted, unscripted and late night pilot competitions, exclusive screenings, series premieres, panels, and workshops. As previously announced, comedian Amy Schumer opened the festival with a one-night-only headline performance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
SeriesFest: Season 11 is presented with generous support from the following sponsors: Canva, Once Upon A Time Productions, Liberty Global, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Denver Film, Caz Matthews, Xfinity, and United Airlines, along with generous support from the SCFD.
WINNERS – INDEPENDENT PILOT – DRAMA
Jury: John Horn (Entertainment Correspondent, NPR 1A), Annie Laks (Senior Vice President of Creative Content, Shondaland) and Jocko Sims (Actor, “Grosse Pointe Garden Society”)
Best Drama Pilot: Lake Boga
Director: Ben Bryan
Executive Producers: Nick Farnell, Anthony Sharpe
Writers: Nick Capper, Ben Bryan
Producers: Ben Bryan, Nick Capper
Cast: Nick Capper, Alicia Jefferies, Shea Mcdonough, Mark Nicholson, Tim O'dwyer, Jamie Benbow
Synopsis: When the meth-addicted daughter of a mysterious businessman named The Baron is declared missing, presumed dead, Nathan, an experienced ex-military assassin is hired for the job of a lifetime: to find and destroy every single meth lab in the state.
Masquerading as a photographer, he stays a couple of nights at the Lake Boga Pub looking for his next target. Whilst there, he arouses the suspicions of the publican Bev and her daughter in-law Jess. Unbeknownst to Nathan, Bev is connected with the bikies and also running the local meth lab.
After Nathan finds the lab and completes the hit, unintentionally killing Jess in the process, he realises Bev’s involved and that his identity has been compromised. With Bev and the Bikies now out for revenge, the cops closing in on him and his employer on his back to complete the job, Nathan finds himself wedged between a rock and hard place.
A true artist in his field of work and never one to walk away from a job, Nathan decides to push himself to the limit and risk everything in a thrilling and explosive game of cat(s) and mouse.
Jury Statement: For establishing a specific sense of place and populating it with characters who feel both authentic and original — and giving audiences an unexpected but not unearned twist ending — the award for Best Drama goes to Lake Boga.
Best Director: Christian Nolan Jones, Red Clay
Jury Statement: For his consistently creative, deeply compassionate, and visually stunning depiction of how trying circumstances not only shape an artist, but also bind a family together, the award for Best Director goes to Christian Jones of Red Clay.
Best Writer: Desean K. Terry and John E. Phillips, Taming, or Life in a Not-So Modern Age
Jury Statement: For taking what can be inaccessible language spoken by characters who may not be instantly relatable and giving a classically patriarchal take a modern and potentially feminist twist, the award for Best Writer goes to Desean K. Terry and John E. Phillips of Taming, or Life in a Not-So Modern Age.
Best Performance: Red Clay with Rutina Wesley, Christopher A’mmanuel, Vanna Pilgrim, Leslie Sawyer, Candice Singleton, Kool Ace, Heaven Epps, Marcus Tabb
Jury Statement: For this year’s performance award, the jury decided to honor the entire ensemble of one pilot. From its most fleeting minor characters to its central leads, all of whom infuse their work with honesty and love, the award for Best Performance goes to the entire cast of Red Clay.
Honorable Mention: $HARE
Jury Statement: For its beautiful imagery, intricate family dynamics, and propulsive cliffhangers, an honorable mention goes to $HARE.
WINNERS – INDEPENDENT PILOT – COMEDY
Jury: Elaine Low (Journalist, The Ankler), Eric C. Smith (Sr Talent Agent, TCA MGMT), and Mayan Lopez (Actor, “Lopez vs. Lopez”)
Best Comedy Pilot: Settle Down
Director: Sam Coyle
Executive Producers: Philip Webb, Brad Danks, Katherine Frost, Lauren Whitelaw
Writer: Alexander Nunez, Izad Etemadi (Story Editor)
Producer: Charles Lubiniecki
Cast: Alexander Nunez, Leighton Williams, Izad Etemadi, Tymika Tafari, Nadine Bhabha
Synopsis: Mason is a matchmaker and the creator and host of “Settle Down,” a wildly popular podcast for which listeners can get answers to questions on all things “love.” At his matchmaking business, Mason helps special cases from all walks of life connect with their perfect partner. Business is booming… But his personal life is a disaster. His marriage to his husband Jarod is a ticking time bomb – if Mason doesn’t figure out a proper work-life balance, he can kiss his relationship goodbye. Can Mason stop getting in his own way and save his relationship? Can he balance work and life before he taints his budding love empire past the point of no return?
Along for the ride are Mason’s friends: there’s Ben, a hopeless romantic hung up on his incompatible boyfriend; the bold and brash Georgia, who’s NSA to a fault; and his work-obsessed assistant Devon. Each episode also introduces us to Mason’s client of the day and their unique search for love.
Jury Statement: Settle Down won us over with its clever writing, tightly woven structure and authentic and relatable story that was still unique to anything we’ve seen on television today. We felt fully invested in its world and honest exploration of modern relationships. This highly produced pilot feels ready to air, with the potential for fleshed-out story arcs for its entire cast of characters.
Best Director: Jasmine J. Johnson, Cuming Out
Jury Statement: Jasmine J. Johnson’s visual storytelling was compelling and playful, and the framing of her subject matter allowed the story to resonate deeply with the viewer even when the pilot’s characters weren’t saying a word.
Best Writer: Alexander Nunez, Settle Down
Jury Statement: Alexander Nunez had us invested in each and every one of his cast of characters, both leading and supporting — no small feat in a 20-minute pilot. Settle Down has a well-thought out structure with plenty of room for more storylines to grow.
Best Performance: Joanna Leeds, BULLDOZER
Jury Statement: Joanna Leeds is a unique voice whose performance was honest and raw — and terribly funny. Her ability to channel heartache and mental health struggles into a character we feel for and delight in is a real feat, and in BULLDOZER she has created a protagonist who makes us both feel and laugh.
Honorable Mention: The Incredible Fiancées of Sèyí Àjàyí
Jury Statement: Abbesi Akhamie brought to life a retro-futuristic world that we found captivating and whimsical. We were drawn into her world and would love to see more of it.
WINNERS – INDEPENDENT PILOT – UNSCRIPTED
Jury: Kristen Baldwin (TV Critic, Entertainment Weekly), Olivia LaRoche (Head of Alternative, Roku Originals) and McKenna Stephens (Senior Director of Development, MFF&CO)
Best Unscripted Pilot: Vs. Goliath
Directors: Sam Eilertsen, Nate Birnbaum
Executive Producers: Jamie Henn, Marielle Olentine
Writers: Sam Eilertsen, Nate Birnbaum
Producers: Pulkit Datta, Maggie Lemere, Nate Birnbaum
Cast: Sharon Lavigne, Shamyra Lavigne-Davey, Darryl Malek-Wiley
Synopsis: A retired schoolteacher, a former oil refinery worker, an Army veteran, and a group of Indigenous activists come together to fight the fossil fuel industry and protect their homelands while imagining a more just and prosperous future for their communities. Together, rooted in their faith, deep commitment, and service to their communities, they stand firm in the shadow of Goliath, refusing to back down.
Jury Statement: The jury is proud to award Best Unscripted to Vs. Goliath. The pilot tells an important and complex story through the lens of an unlikely — and extremely likable — hero. The filmmakers' commitment to activism and authentic storytelling shines through in the submitted episode, and we believe Vs. Goliath has the potential to bring a truly impactful message about environmental justice and community building to a larger audience as a series.
Best Director: Tedra Wilson, DENIM
Jury Statement: The jury is pleased to award Best Director to DENIM. This episode delivers a unique and boundary-pushing vision through three distinct and stunning styles. DENIM's director captured and celebrated the singular spirit of the episode's subjects by blending dazzling visuals with an intimate storytelling style.
WINNERS – DIGITAL SHORT SERIES
Jury: Mark Johnson (Journalist, The Contending), Oz Rodriguez (Author & Director, Saturday Night Live) and Laura Waters (Founder, Princess Pictures)
Best of Digital Short Series: F*ckUps Anonymous
Director: Kat Whalen
Executive Producer: Tyson Bidner, James Price
Writer: Joe Tierney
Producer: Joe Tierney, Nicole Kay Payson
Cast: Sarah Jeffery, Andrew Michael Fama, Lexi Simonsen, Debbie Campbell, Bob Gallagher, Marvin St-Jean, Stephen Grey, Timothy Allen
Synopsis: Having pushed his mother to the point of last resort, rebellious teenager Joe is abducted from his bed and delivered to a therapeutic boarding school with controversial methods. Now in the unenviable position of being the new kid on his first day, he witnesses a vicious public dressing down of a fellow student at the hands of both staff and students. Joe is forced to come to an understanding of both why he's here and what he can expect from the new set of rules that are thrust upon him. Based on writer/producer Joe Tierney's own personal experience.
Jury Statement: F*ckUps Anonymous successfully creates a world that evokes a powerful visceral reaction, drawing the audience in on both an emotional and intellectual level. It delivers an important social message with nuance, supported by well-balanced characters whose backstories are clearly understood. The creators made smart, deliberate choices in character development and maintained a tight, effective script. The narrative paints a vivid and compelling picture, with the potential for deeper complexity and evolution in future developments.
Best Director: Dustie Carter, Heck to Death
Jury Statement: The jury is pleased to award Best Director to Dustie Carter of Heck To Death. We were impressed by the confident direction of Carter, whose bold and deliberate choices immersed us in a world we rarely see. The raw and immediate direction pulled the audience straight into the heart of the experience, without relying on exposition. Every decision brought us into the sweaty mosh pit, making us feel exactly what the story demanded.
Best Writer: Sarah Adelman, BUSTED!
Jury Statement: Comedy is often an underappreciated writing craft, which makes it all the more exciting to award Sarah Adelman of BUSTED! for Best Writer. Crafting a world that is consistently funny is no small feat, and this pilot delivers with sharp, raunchy humor that surprises and engages. It builds genuine empathy around its lead character and left us wanting more.
Best Performance: We Should Eat
Jury Statement: We are proud to award We Should Eat with Best Performance as an Ensemble. The cast delivered solid emotional truth, portraying complex relationships with depth and authenticity. Every character had meaningful moments—no loose ends, no weak links. Their dynamic was rich and compelling, and despite their differences, they felt unmistakably like a real family. We believed them completely—and enjoyed the laughs along the way.
Honorable Mention: Awol
Jury Statement: Due to its bold subject matter and fresh perspective, we are proud to give an Honorable Mention for Best Digital Short Series to Awol. The creative team transports us into a world rarely seen on screen, offering a high school narrative that feels both groundbreaking and necessary. With a fluid camera, a standout lead, and clear potential for growth, this series left a strong impression.
WINNERS – LATE NIGHT
Jury: Mark Johnson (Journalist, The Contending), Oz Rodriguez (Author & Director, Saturday Night Live) and Laura Waters (Founder, Princess Pictures)
Best Late Night Pilot: Stars Diner
Directors: Fidel Ruiz-Healy, Tyler Walker
Executive Producer: The American Standard Film Co.
Writers: Fidel Ruiz-Healy, Mary Neely, Tyler Walker
Producers: Fidel Ruiz-Healy, Mary Neely, Tyler Walker
Cast: Mary Neely, DeMorge Brown, Henri Cash, Cole Hersch, Chris Thayer, Natalie Palamides
Synopsis: Wendy and Milius must continuously save Stars Diner from catastrophe using Wendy's heart of gold and Milius' military bravura. And Willard's.... well, he dies and comes back to life without explanation. Every episode they're faced with bandits, floods, zombies, aliens and worse (health inspectors, unpaid bills). It's an episodic series, similar to early seasons of RICK AND MORTY, where the three main characters are always meeting new people and creatures. Wendy's old party girlfriends might visit or Millius' ex wives crop up to give him hell. But in the end, they use love and friendship to keep their beloved greasy spoon afloat, never forgetting Wendy's catchphrase, "By golly the diner's saved!"
Jury Statement: Stars Diner showcases a truly original voice with bold, distinctive choices. The creators sustained a delightfully wacky tone from start to finish in a way that was both consistent and satisfying. With strong character integrity, excellent world-building, and standout practical effects and production design, it feels tailor-made for late-night TV—entertaining and wholly its own.
WINNERS – PITCH-A-THON
Panel of Experts: Whitney Fuller (Development Executive, Monkeypaw Productions), Jason Hiro Kim (VP, Good Karma Productions), Lisa Ann Walter (Actress/Producer/Writer)
Pitch-A-Thon Winner: ZHIZHA
Creator: Desdemona Chiang
Synopsis: ZHIZHA is a half-hour long workplace comedy about a family business in the death industry trying to stay alive.
LIA and CHLOE WANG are descendants of a long line of paper artisans from China who have been crafting ZHIZHA by hand for generations. And the WANG FAMILY PAPER GOODS SHOP has been operating for nearly 50 years next to a funeral home that specializes in traditional Chinese death rituals. But modernization and growing secular beliefs among the younger generations in western culture have slowly rendered these rituals obsolete, and the Wangs are struggling to stay relevant. When Lia and Chloe’s mother unexpectedly dies of a stroke, the business is suddenly put into the hands of the two sisters, who need to decide if they want to shut it down or keep it going.
The show is a meditation on grief and its impact on family dynamics and a celebration of the artistry and talents of its characters. The show is vibrant, energetic, with surprise bursts of joy, discovery, and creation. There is delight in the mundane, where vulnerability can be found in small and delicate moments. Think THE BEAR meets KIM’S CONVENIENCE. The Asian Comedy version of SIX FEET UNDER.
Jury Statement: The winner we've picked instantly grabbed our attention with a clear, decisive and energetic pitch. Their series took us to a world that was incredibly unique yet deeply personal. A show filled with complicated characters that effortlessly balanced a controversial topic with humor and heart. Our 2025 SeriesFest Pitch-A-Thon winner is Desdemona Chiang for ZHIZHA!
AUDIENCE AWARD WINNERS
Independent Pilot – Drama: The Rebel Girls
Independent Pilot – Comedy: BULLDOZER
Independent Pilot – Unscripted: Vs. Goliath
Digital Short Series: BUSTED!
Late Night: The Roommates
ABOUT SERIESFEST
SeriesFest, a non-profit organization, champions and empowers artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling by providing year-round opportunities for creators and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and share stories, which inspire and impact global audiences. Each spring, SeriesFest culminates in a highly-curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace. Dedicated to showcasing innovative episodic content, the annual festival includes in-competition independent pilot screenings, panels, workshops, live reads, parties and network television premieres. Follow @SeriesFest on Instagram, X, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.
Publicity Contact: Ginsberg / Libby, GLSF@ginsberglibby.com
For General Inquiries: info@seriesfest.com
Black Americans are nearly twice as likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease than White Americans, and their life expectancy is about five years shorter. Black women also face some of the worst maternal health outcomes in the U.S. and are three times more likely than White women to die during pregnancy and childbirth.
Critical Condition, directed by Firelight Media Co-Founder and Lead Mentor Stanley Nelson, investigates the causes of these dramatic health disparities in the U.S., even as scientists confirm that there are no meaningful genetic differences between races. From the deep history of pseudoscientific beliefs about race that still permeate modern medicine, to the latest research on how experiencing discrimination can directly damage the body’s DNA and biology, Critical Condition reveals the factors behind the health crises facing Black Americans.
They’re here! Announcing the Official Selections for television and indie episodic series at this year’s Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX. From June 4-15, we’ll be screening some of the most exciting (and entertaining) programs on network and streaming, and we want you there.
Buy a Hudson pass or ticket package today to secure your seat at the Festival, and take advantage of our special announcement sale pricing while it lasts!
From never-before-seen series premieres to the new seasons of multiple fan-favorite shows, this year’s Festival has it all.
Settle into dynastic family dramas with the Season 3 premiere of Max’s The Gilded Age (starring Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector and Cynthia Nixon) and the series premieres of BritBox miniseries Outrageous and Prime Video’s We Were Liars. Enter the unknown with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3, and step into the 60’s with the Season 4 finale of Godfather of Harlem. Scratch your true crime itch with the World Premieres of AMC docuseries The Furry Detectives: Unmasking a Monster and Apple TV+ detective thriller Smoke.
Check out the full TV program here.
But wait—there’s more! Tribeca prides itself on celebrating independent filmmakers across every medium, including television. Our NOW category boasts some of the most daring indie episodic programs in the marketplace today.
In the NOW Special Screenings category, find the New York Premiere of sibling dramedy Hal & Harper from writer/director/actor Cooper Raiff. Or, catch a docuseries World Premiere: see a unique side of the beauty pageant circuit with Mrs. America and discover the untold battle of the famed ‘90s ‘Got Milk’ campaign in The Price of Milk.
The NOW Showcase might just have your next favorite show. Fans of Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody will delight in the marital dramedy Seasoned, and the family fun keeps coming with mother-son kidney transplant drama Mother, May I Have a Kidney? Comedy legends lift off to new heights in Jeremy Beiler’s Earth to Percy and check in to unexpected places with Joanna Leeds’ Bulldozer.
See the full NOW program here.
Now that we’ve got you excited, it’s time to get those tickets. To secure your seat before everyone else, buy a Festival pass or package, or sign up for Tribeca Membership today. The most anticipated events will sell out before tickets go on sale to the general public on April 29.
April 3, 2025 (Denver, CO) - SeriesFest announced the programming lineup for the festival’s 11th season, taking place in Denver April 29 - May 4. SeriesFest attendees will get an inside look at the development process, producing, showrunning, and acting from executives and talent from Warner Bros. Television Group, Sony Pictures Television, Universal Studio Group, and more. Panelists include Tawny Cypress (“Yellowjackets”), Mayan Lopez (“Lopez vs Lopez”), Stephen Moyer (“Art Detectives”), Rhea Seehorn (“Cooper’s Bar”), Jocko Sims (“Gross Pointe Garden Society”), and Lisa Ann Walter (“Abbott Elementary”), and industry leaders behind hit series such as “Doc”, “The Jennifer Hudson Show”, “The Real Housewives of New York”, “St. Denis Medical” and “The Voice”. Special screenings, with select panels, include Bad Bangs LLC and Small Ideas’ “Hal & Harper” starring Mark Ruffalo, Lili Reinhart and Cooper Raif; Acorn TV’s “Art Detectives” starring Stephen Moyer; UCP and Peacock’s upcoming “Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy” starring Michael Chernus and Gabriel Luna; Emmy® Award-nominated “It’s Bruno!” starring Slick Naim; and “Cooper’s Bar” starring Rhea Seehorn.
SeriesFest will honor Carnival Films, one of the UK's leading television drama companies, with the 2025 “Impact in Television Award” at the festival’s annual Soirée on May 2, 2025. Carnival Films’ Chief Executive Officer Gareth Neame and Managing Director Nigel Marchant, both award-winning producers, will accept the award. Past honorees include Shondaland & Betsy Beers, SAG-AFTRA and Minnie Driver. There will be a special panel with Neame, Marchant and actor Michael Peña during the festival to discuss their celebrated work on “Downton Abbey”, “The Day of The Jackal”, “Belgravia: The Next Chapter”, and the forthcoming “All Her Fault”.
SeriesFest will also host television icon Maury Povich, the longest-running daytime talk show host in history, as he returns to his journalistic roots in a special live taping of his bold new podcast, On Par with Maury Povich. In a compelling, no-holds-barred conversation with award-winning political journalist Jessica Yellin, Povich dives into the power of storytelling, the evolution of media, and the cultural moments that shape our world. This must-see event brings two sharp, seasoned voices together on one stage for a conversation that’s both timely and unforgettable.
"We're thrilled to unveil this year's incredible SeriesFest lineup, packed with opportunities for attendees to dive deep into the most captivating corners of episodic content!" say SeriesFest co-Founders Randi Kleiner & Kaily Smith. “Whether you’re passionate about groundbreaking new shows, the creative process behind your favorite series, or connecting with the people shaping the future of television, this year’s program is designed to inspire, engage, and celebrate the power of storytelling.”
Please find additional details for this year’s programming, including the previously announced competition lineup, at https://seriesfest.com/festival/.
PANELS
Innovation Talk with Erin Underhill, President of Universal Television
A one-on-one conversation with the President of one of the most successful television studios in the world with series including “Law & Order,” “Hacks,” “A Man on the Inside“ “St. Denis Medical,” “Loot,” “Bel-Air” and “The Four Seasons.”
Clips and Conversation with “St. Denis Medical”
Panelists: Eric Ledgin (Co-Creator/Executive Producer/Showrunner) and Justin Spitzer (Co-Creator/Executive Producer)
A Conversation with Warner Bros. Television Unscripted Executives
Panelists: Lauren Blincoe (SVP of Current Programming, Telepictures), Lisa Lettunich (SVP of Production & Operations, Warner Bros. Unscripted Television), Dan Peirson (SVP of Programming & Development, Shed Media), and moderated by Mona Kosar Abdi, Senior Correspondent at “Extra.”
The Evolving Role of Actors in Television
Panelists: Tawny Cypress (Yellowjackets), Mayan Lopez (Lopez vs Lopez), Jocko Sims (Grosse Pointe Garden Society), Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary)
Impact In Television with Carnival Films
Panelists: Gareth Neame (Chief Executive Officer, Carnival Films), Nigel Marchant (Managing Director, Carnival Films), Michael Peña (Actor, All Her Fault)
Leading The Narrative: Inside The World of Showrunners
Panelists: Carla Kettner (Showrunner/Executive Producer, Alert: Missing Persons Unit), Barbie Kligman (Showrunner/Executive Producer, Doc), Eric Ledgin (Showrunner/Executive Producer, St. Denis Medical), Audrey Morrissey (Showrunner/Executive Producer, The Voice), and Daniel Lawrence Taylor (Showrunner/Writer/Executive Producer, Boarders)
SCREENINGS“Art Detectives” - WORLD PREMIERE
Acorn TV
Panelists: Stephen Moyer (Executive Producer and Star) and Paul Powell (Executive Producer)
“Cooper’s Bar” - SeriesFest Alumni Spotlight Screening
AMC Networks
Panelists: David Conolly (Creator/Executive Producer/Writer/Cast), Hannah Davis (Creator/Executive Producer/Writer), Nicholas Morton (Creator/Executive Producer/Writer), Louis Mustillo (Creator/Executive Producer/Cast), and Rhea Seehorn (Creator/Executive Producer/Cast)
“Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy” - WORLD PREMIERE
Peacock
Panelist: Patrick Macmanus (Showrunner/Executive Producer/Writer)
“Hal & Harper” - COLORADO PREMIERE
Bad Bangs LLC and Small Ideas
Panelist: Cooper Raiff (Creator and Star)
“It’s Bruno!” - SPECIAL SCREENING
Netflix
Panelists: Slick Naim (Creator/Executive Producer/Writer/Star) and Molly Conners (Producer and Founder, Phiphen)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Live Podcast Taping of On Par with Maury Povich
Guest: Jessica Yellin (Former White House Correspondent, Founder of News Not Noise)
SeriesFest Soirée
“Impact in Television Award” presented to Carnival Films’ Chief Executive Officer Gareth Neame and Managing Director Nigel Marchant
Pitch-A-Thon
Panelists: Whitney Fuller (Development Executive, Monkeypaw Productions), Jason Hiro Kim (VP, Good Karma Productions), Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary)
Storyteller’s Live Read Directed by Denzel Whitaker
SeriesFest's Storyteller’s Live Read is a signature event bringing an unproduced television pilot script to life through a live table read. This year's pilot, Singh and Son, written by Vishnu Akella, was chosen by Pacific Electric Picture Company to receive a development deal with the company.
As previously announced, comedian Amy Schumer will open the festival with a one-night-only headline performance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. She will be joined by comedians and collaborators Mia Jackson (“Life & Beth”) & Jaye McBride (“Inside Amy Schumer”).
Now in its 11th season, SeriesFest was created to champion and discover innovative projects in the television industry. Please visit seriesfest.com for a full schedule of events. Festival badges granting access to SeriesFest on April 29 - May 4 can be purchased at seriesfest.com. Tickets for the festival’s opening night event with Amy Schumer & Friends can also be purchased separately through AXS.com.
SeriesFest: Season 11 is presented with generous support from the following sponsors: Canva, Once Upon A Time Productions, Liberty Global, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Denver Film, Caz Matthews, Xfinity, and United Airlines, along with generous support from the SCFD.
###
ABOUT SERIESFEST
SeriesFest, a non-profit organization, champions and empowers artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling by providing year-round opportunities for creators and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and share stories, which inspire and impact global audiences. Each spring, SeriesFest culminates in a highly-curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace. Dedicated to showcasing innovative episodic content, the annual festival includes in-competition independent pilot screenings, panels, workshops, live reads, parties and network television premieres. Follow @SeriesFest on Instagram, X, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.
Publicity Contact: Ginsberg / Libby, GLSF@ginsberglibby.com
For General Inquiries: info@seriesfest.com
E-Newsletter Sign-up: HERE
LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2025 – The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has set the date for the 7th Annual AAFCA TV Honors for August 23, 2025. The prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating excellence in television, is returning to the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
The AAFCA TV Honors recognizes outstanding achievements in television, highlighting diverse storytelling and performances that resonate with audiences worldwide. The event has become a cornerstone of the television awards season, honoring both established and emerging talent.
"We are excited to once again celebrate the incredible talent and creativity that defines television today," said Gil Robertson, AAFCA president and co-founder. "The AAFCA TV Honors provides a platform to recognize the impactful narratives and performances that reflect the richness of the Black experience. We look forward to another year of honoring the best in television."
Further details regarding the location, nominees, and special honorees will be released in the coming months.
About AAFCA
The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is the premier body of Black film critics in the world, actively reviewing cinema and television from a Black cultural perspective. Founded in 2003, AAFCA’s mission is to celebrate and enhance diversity in the cinematic and television arts, to uplift the voice of the Black community within the entertainment industry, and to provide insight for both general and Black audiences. For more information on AAFCA and its programs visit http://AAFCA.com.