To launch Gateway Entertainment we organized the first-ever Indigenous Filmmakers Lounge held during the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, on Main St. right in the middle of all the action.
The lounge was developed as a place for Indigenous filmmakers to listen to panels, network, relax and get warm. Known officially as the Inaugural Indigenous Filmmakers Lounge, partners included Cherokee Nation Film Office, Paramount, Viacom/CBS, and a multitude of additional partners and supporters. The event was a recognized “Proud to be Legit” Sundance program where Amy Redford, daughter of Robert Redford, and Bird Runningwater, Sundance Institute’s Indigenous Program Director, made opening remarks and welcomed the participants, panelists and sponsors. Notable participants included Effie Brown (producer and CEO of Gamechanger), Wilmer Valderrama (actor), Tilane Jones (producer and President of Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY), and many others.
“We have a vision to continue building a space for Indigenous filmmakers to shine and inspire the next generation of creators. We do this through intentional community building, outreach, and mentorship.” - Pete Sands, Founder
