Film Fridays at CIFF brings together two of the most respected voices in independent film distribution for a candid, practical conversation about what happens after a film is made—and what filmmakers should be thinking about long before that point.

Jon Reiss, filmmaker, author of THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX OFFICE, and founder of 8 Above, has spent years helping independent filmmakers build audiences, develop smarter release strategies, and take greater control of distribution. Orly Ravid, founder of The Film Collaborative, brings decades of experience in sales, licensing, distribution, business affairs, rights, and entertainment law.

Together, they will explore how filmmakers can find their audience, evaluate distribution options, protect their rights, build leverage, avoid bad deals, and navigate the rapidly changing independent film market. For emerging filmmakers, this is a roadmap. For experienced filmmakers, it’s an opportunity to gain hard-earned strategies from two people who have championed independent films for decades.

Moderated by filmmaker and New Path Pictures co-founder Tom Acton.