Pop-Up Panels

The Big Short Script Table Read & The Short Path: Script, Budget & Production

12:30 – 2:00 PM · Folklore Napa · 1226 3rd St, Napa, CA 94559

Space is limited

Join us at Folklore during the lunch hour for a deep dive into the practical magic of filmmaking. We kick off the session with a Live Table Read of the winning script from the BIG SHORT SCRIPT Competition, bringing the words to life with a cast of festival talent.

Following the table read, we transition into a panel discussion, “The Short Path: Script, Budget, and Production.” Our expert panel will pull back the curtain on how to actually get a short film made—from perfecting the screenplay to managing a line item budget and navigating physical production.

The intimate conversation includes Tawnya Bhattacharya (Script Anatomy), Ali Afshar (ESX Entertainment), Christine Moore (Producer/Actress), and Kelli A White (With-An-i Productions). Grab a coffee or a bite from Folklore’s menu and enjoy this casual conversation.

Beyond The Table: How Culture And Community Feed Us

1:00 – 2:30 PM · Oenotri · 1425 1st St, Napa, CA 94559

Space is limited

This Spotlight Conversation celebrates Latinx voices redefining storytelling, identity, and impact across creative industries. From film and digital content to culinary arts and social advocacy, each panelist brings a unique lens to what it means to represent—and reimagine—our communities on screen and beyond. Beyond the Table explores how art, culture, and lived experience come together to create change, inspire belonging, and honor the hands and hearts behind every story.

• Genesis Monnet — Filmmaker + Board Member, Puertas Abiertas
• Chef Nelson German — Restaurants include SobreMesa, AlaMar Kitchen, and Meski SF with Golden State Warrior Draymond Green
• Evelyn Gonzalez — Content Creator (almost 4M across TikTok, Instagram & YouTube)
• Flor Martinez — Activist + Celebration Nation + Content Creator (585k followers)
• Eileen Alvarez — Screenwriter (Netflix, HBO Max, AppleTV, ABC, Sony, CBS)
• Jesse Garcia — Actor, StreamFest Breakthrough Artist Honoree