The MACRO Lodge at Sundance Film Festival comes back for its seventh season Jan. 19 through 21 in Park City, UT. Actress and pop star Normani, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero director Carlos Lopez Estrada and Found showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll will be in attendance along with other directors, producers and stars.
Along with Carroll in attendance will be Debra Martin Chase, Datari Turner, Debby Wolfe, Jelani Johnson, Leah Smith, Sonja Warfield and Poppy Hanks. Other directors coming to the lodge include Dawn Porter and Kobi Libbi. Stars in attendance include Jay Ellis, David Alan Grier, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Michelle Farrah Huang, Keir Gilchrist, Jay Ellis, Demario Driver and Ji-Young Yoo, among others yet to be announced.
Here’s the released itinerary for what attendants can expect according to MACRO (all times local):
Friday, January 19, 2024
12:00 – 3:00pm
MACRO Lodge Open House
Eat-drink-vibe at the opening of the MACRO Lodge in celebration of all things Freaky Tales. Light bites and Ketel One libations inspired by the MACRO/eOnefilm.
3:00pm-3:45pm
Freaky Tales. Conversation with Directors, Screenwriters and Producers: Ryan Fleck & Anna Boden. Cast: Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorne, Ji-Young Yoo, Jack Champion, Keir Gilchrist, Michelle Farrah Huang & Demario Driver. Producers Poppy Hanks & Jelani Johnson. Moderated by Charles D. King, Founder & CEO, MACRO.
In 1987 Oakland, a mysterious force guides The Town’s underdogs in four interconnected tales: Teen punks defend their turf against Nazi skinheads, a rap duo battles for hip-hop immortality, a weary henchman gets a shot at redemption, and an NBA All-Star settles the score. Basically another day in the Bay. The incredible directors/screenwriters, cast and the producers will all be at MACRO Lodge for a lively conversation around the eOne and MACRO Film Studios film that makes its world premiere on the opening night of Sundance.
10:00pm-2:00am
Midnight MACRO Party
MACRO’s annual late night bash hosted by MACRO’s Charles D. King and Stacey Walker King.
Saturday, January 20, 2024
11:00 am – 11:45 am
Crafting the Culture with NBCU’s Creative Powerhouses—Found’s Nkechi Okoro Carroll, The Equalizer’s Debra Martin Chase, The Gilded Age’s Sonja Warfield & Lopez vs Lopez’s Debby Wolfe. Moderated by Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery 29. Presented by NBCUniversal.
A remarkable group of creators and executive producers from hit series across the NBCU portfolio dive deep into their creative processes, offering an intimate look at how they bring their unique visions to life. They’ll explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating the entertainment landscape and discuss how their body of work has shaped the culture.
12:30pm-1:45pm
The American Society of Magical Negroes. Chat with Director, Screenwriter & Producer Kobi Libii and stars David Alan Grier and Justice Smith. Moderated by Trey Mangum, Shadow & Act. Presented by Focus Features.
The filmmakers and stars stop by the lodge to discuss their Focus Features film that follows a young man, Aren, as he is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people who dedicate their lives to a cause of utmost importance: making white people’s lives easier.
2:00pm-2:45pm
Luther: Never Too Much. Conversation with Director Dawn Porter & Producers Datari Turner and Leah Smith. Moderated by Journalist Danyel Smith.
The filmmakers visit the lodge to discuss their documentary celebrating the life and work of Luther Vandross, one of the greatest musical vocalists and performers in history.
Sunday, January 21, 2024
10:30am – 11:30am
No Budget Financing: Possibility or Fantasy? Moderated by Writer/Director/Producer Carlos Lopez Estrada, Founder, Antigravity Academy.
Join four trailblazing creatives discussing a filmmaking future that is affordable and accessible to all.
2:00pm—2:45pm
Emerging Opportunities in the Africa-Caribbean Film Industries. Presented by Netflix.
The importance of discussing film opportunities in Africa and The Caribbean has never been more critical. In today’s age, where diverse voices are gaining prominence, it is imperative to explore and champion narratives from regions that have historically been underrepresented in mainstream cinema. This conversation is not just about industry trends; it’s about reshaping narratives, fostering inclusivity and amplifying voices that have long been silenced.
