SCREEN KŌRERO: SPOTLIGHT ON SUNDANCE

Script to Screen presents the first installment of our new Screen Kōrero series: talks and networking events set to explore craft, culture and relevant issues in the screen industry.

Following the Sundance Film Festival screenings of Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant, producer Alix Whittaker and directors THUNDERLIPS bring an insider’s perspective on navigating one of cinema’s most artistically influential festivals. Together, they unpack the realities of strategic preparation, selection, and on-the-ground participation at Sundance. Umbrella Entertainment joins the conversation from a distributor’s viewpoint, offering insight into how films are positioned, discovered, and sustained beyond their premiere. Collectively, the panel examines the evolving role of festivals in an era shaped by streaming platforms, fragmented audiences, algorithmic discovery, and emerging storytelling forms. 

Garnering a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes thus far, Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant marks an astonishing debut from a New Zealand team with clear global talent. This session offers a rare, candid look at how bold creative work cuts through internationally, making it essential for filmmakers, producers, and screen practitioners seeking to understand how festivals can still launch careers, shape conversations, and open doors in a rapidly changing screen landscape.