HBFF Infotainment Conference

​Panels & Workshops | Thursday, October 16 - Sunday, October 19 | Times - TBA | Location - W Hollywood Hotel

The Infotainment Conference at the Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) is where creativity meets opportunity, offering a transformative experience for filmmakers and creatives eager to elevate their craft and careers. Featuring an exciting lineup of panels, workshops, and exclusive one-on-one conversations, this dynamic conference provides unparalleled access to the insights and expertise of leading industry executives, acclaimed creatives, and influential voices shaping the entertainment landscape. 

​

The Infotainment Conference features dozens of panels, seminars, and workshops that offer a diverse range of sessions covering traditional and non-traditional approaches to filmmaking, alongside discussions on emerging technologies reshaping the creative process. 

From film financing, production, and distribution to marketing, pitching, and writing for television and film, attendees gain valuable insights into every facet of the industry. Special panels explore the impact of AI, virtual production, streaming platforms, and other innovations, providing practical tools and strategies to help creatives navigate the evolving entertainment landscape. Engaging talk-show-style panels, roundtable discussions, and hands-on workshops feature nearly 100 industry professionals, including studio executives, producers, directors, agents, attorneys, and guild representatives, equipping attendees with the knowledge and connections to advance their careers. ​

​

HBFF Pitchathon | Saturday, October 18 | Time - TBA | Location - W Hollywood Hotel

This groundbreaking platform is designed to amplify diverse voices in film and television by providing screenwriters, producers, and directors the rare opportunity to pitch their projects directly to high-level industry executives. With real-time feedback, networking opportunities, and potential funding or production deals on the line, the Pitchathon is a launching pad for fresh and dynamic storytelling.

HBFF Monologue Slam | Saturday, October 18 | Time - TBA | Location - W Hollywood Hotel

An electrifying competition that gives actors a platform to perform in front of casting directors, agents, and industry insiders. Participants deliver compelling monologues in a high-energy, live showcase where they are judged on creativity, delivery, and audience connection. More than just a competition, the Monologue Slam serves as a talent discovery hub for the next generation of performers. With a diverse slate of programming, the Infotainment Conference at HBFF 2025 is more than an educational experience—it’s a transformative event that equips creatives with the tools, knowledge, and connections to thrive in the entertainment industry.

​

A Conversation With... | Thursday, October 16 - Sunday, October 19 | Times - TBA | Location - W Hollywood Hotel

A series of candid conversations with some of the industry’s hottest movers and shakers. HBFF has been honored to have industry tastemakers such as studio executive and filmmaker, Devon Franklin (“Flamin’ Hot”), directors John Singleton (“Hustle and Flow,” “2 Fast 2 Furious,” “Shaft”, and “Boyz N The Hood”), George Tillman Jr. (“Soul Food” and “Barbershop”) and St. Clair Bourne
(“The Life and Works of Gordon Parks” and “John Henrick Clarke: A Great and Mighty Walk”) and scribe Tina Andrews (“ATL” and “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?”) participate in these enlightening and informative discussions.​​​​