gideon film festival
Schedule
October 19 - 21, 2026
Monday, October 19
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Registration & Networking
1:00 – 1:45 PM | Welcome, Introductions
Zena Dell Lowe
Gideon opens with Zena Dell Lowe, a Hollywood screenwriter, filmmaker, actress, comedian, and founder of The Storyteller’s Mission. With her signature mix of insight, humor, and storytelling experience, Zena will welcome attendees, introduce the vision for the festival, and set the tone for three days of story, film, media, and connection.
1:45 – 2:45 PM | Panel
Opening Conversation “The Creative and Business Sides of Storytelling”
Steven James & Marc Whitmore
A conversation bringing together the creative and business sides of storytelling. Steven James brings the perspective of an award-winning storyteller and author, while Marc Whitmore brings decades of experience in entertainment management, acquisition, distribution, production, and consulting.
3:15 – 4:30 PM | Workshops
“What No One Is Telling You About Storytelling”
Steven James | Balcony
Ever since Aristotle, story theorists have been looking at story through a temporal lens—beginning, middle, and end, or first act, second act, and third act. But what if there was another way of conceptualizing story on a more elemental level? What if there was a way of understanding story that was easy to visualize and remember and that would apply to any genre you write? Well, there is, and in this seminar you’ll learn how it can transform your writing, storytelling, and filmmaking.
“Expand Your Acting Opportunities with Voiceover”
Kay Bess
The unique world of Voiceover is a natural extension for a stage/screen actor. It draws on the same skills we use to develop character, context, and relationship, and employs an actor’s most vital tool: our imagination! But… we do all of it in front of a microphone using only our voices!
Come hear about the many genres of voiceover: from commercial and promo, to animation, video games, and dubbing, and everything in between. We’ll explore old and new ways to find audition opportunities in the 21st century, learn how to put together a simple but effective home studio, and examine ways to keep your head and heart about you while navigating the exciting, sometimes lonely, and potentially lucrative world of Voiceover! Kay’s credits span brands and networks including Toyota, Honda, Apple, Disney Channel, CNN, Comedy Central, HGTV, Discovery, and more. Kay will share what actors need to know about entering the VO industry, developing the craft, and expanding their opportunities behind the microphone.
Independent Film | “How Films Actually Make Money”
Marc Whitmore | Mainstage
Making a great film is only half the battle. How do you actually make money with it—and return money to your investors? Drawing on decades of experience in talent management, film production and independent distribution, Marc Whitmore takes filmmakers behind the scenes to explore how movies really make—or lose—money. Using real-world examples, he’ll break down budgets, box office, distribution, streaming and ancillary revenue, and show why identifying your audience before you make your film can be as important as the film itself. The workshop concludes with live case studies as Marc invites filmmakers to share their projects and together brainstorm practical ways to turn their films into sustainable, profitable businesses.
5:00–6:45 PM | Dinner & Networking
7:00 – 9:45 PM | Premiere Film Screening & Q&A
Little Audrey
Jeff Thomas | Producer
Bob Saenz | Moderator
The story behind a nearly 30-year journey to bring Audrey Santo’s life to the screen. Inspired by the true story of Audrey Santo, Little Audrey follows a Vatican-ordered investigation into reported miracles surrounding a young woman left in a vegetative state since childhood. The film explores faith, mystery, suffering, and the questions that arise when the extraordinary seems to enter ordinary life.
Featuring: Emily VanCamp, Jennifer Esposito, Josh Bowman, Aidan Quinn, and Robert Wahlberg.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film’s producer, Jeff Thomas, moderated by screenwriter, speaker, and actor Bob Saenz.
tuesday, October 20
9:00 - 11:00 AM | Bonus Morning Film Screening
He Calls Me Daughter
Rick Altizer | Director, Producer, & Writer
(Suggested donation of $10 may be made at the door)
From the award-winning director of the Kendrick Brothers’ documentary Show Me the Father, He Calls Me Daughter is a poignant exploration of father-daughter relationships and the lasting impact they have on a woman’s life. Through honest stories and thoughtful insight, the film examines the deep “father wound” many women carry. He Calls Me Daughter reveals how faith in Jesus Christ brings healing, transforms lives and restores identity. A Heavenly Father changes everything!
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Keynote Speaker
“Taking the Plunge: Speaking the Unsayable Through Your Stories”
Steven James
Stories speak to us in deep ways—but often, the more we try to make them say, the less they do. What is the secret to weaving truth into stories? The answer might surprise you. This thought-provoking and humorous keynote will equip you to tell more powerful, poignant stories without letting an agenda get in the way of telling the truth.
1:30 – 2:45 PM | Workshops
“Thinking for Animation”
Knox Marshall
An inside look at animation and family entertainment with Knox Marshall of Imagination Bay. Drawing from his experience across animated projects, Knox will explore the history and craft of animation while helping writers and storytellers develop a mindset for creating work that truly serves the medium. With humor and a deep respect for the art form, he’ll share insights into storytelling and what it takes to create work worthy of animation.
“The New Actor”
Siaka Massaquoi | Backstage
Ready to pursue acting but unsure where to start? Join Siaka Massicot for a practical introduction to the business of acting, covering training, headshots, résumés, self-taped auditions, casting platforms, and creating your own opportunities. Learn when to seek representation, how to recognize scams, and how to build a realistic 90-day action plan to develop your skills, create usable footage, and start submitting for work.
“Secrets of a Hollywood Script Reader”
Leann Barna
Secrets of a Hollywood Script Reader takes writers behind the scenes to show what professional script readers, development executives, producers, and studios really look for when they read a screenplay. Drawing on real-world industry experience, this workshop reveals how readers evaluate a script from the very first page, what makes a story stand out in a crowded submission pile, and the common mistakes that can quickly earn a “pass.” Participants will learn how readers assess concept, structure, character, dialogue, pacing, tone, marketability, and overall execution, plus practical strategies to make their screenplay more professional and competitive. Whether you’re preparing to submit to producers, agents, managers, contests, or studios, this workshop will help you see your screenplay through the eyes of the person on the other side of the submission.Leann Barna brings experience in screenwriting, creative development, filmmaking, and education, with past work connected to Disney Channel, NBCUniversal, MarVista Entertainment, PureFlix, and Pinnacle Peak Pictures.
3:15 – 4:30 PM | Panel
Imagination Bay | Vicarion
Knox Marshall & Scott Blanding
Go behind the scenes of VICARION with Knox Marshall and Scott Blanding of Imagination Bay as they share selected scenes and a proprietary trailer, followed by Q&A. They’ll also discuss Imagination Bay’s broader work in animation and family entertainment, along with their interest in connecting with writers who care deeply about craft, convictions, and family and kids entertainment.
5:00 – 6:45 PM | Dinner & Networking
5:00 – 6:45 PM Special Session with Bob Saenz
“How to Become a Paid Working Screenwriter”
(Additional cost of $20, includes pizza and drinks. Must RSVP and pay at checkin)
A Talk and Q&A bonus session with Bob Saenz sharing in-sites from his 30 years of production and screenwriting experience. Bob will discuss what it takes to break in, stay in, and endure an ever changing industry, He’ll answer all those nagging questions honestly about the actual business of screenwriting along with pizza and drinks.
7:00 – 9:45 PM | Film Screening & Panel
Just One More | Twinbolt Media
Kaleb & Kyler Cook | Writers & Directors
Kenny Saylor | Executive Producer
John Duffy | Moderator
A raw, real, entertaining and beautifully written movie that takes you through several people's journeys of addiction and its ripple effects.When recovering addict Jess meets Charles, a dying man praying that God will use him “just one more” time, their lives collide in unexpected ways. As Jess wrestles with shame and doubt, she begins to discover hope, redemption, and the possibility of a future beyond addiction.
Featuring: Emma Filley, Lance E. Nichols, Christian McCartney, Lily Brody, and Todd Terry
The screening will be followed by a panel with the filmmakers behind Just One More.
wednesday, October 21
9:00 – 11:00 AM | Script Contest Brunch!
Hosted by Third Coast Film
A private brunch for the selected finalists in the Gideon FLASH! Screenwriting Contest. The morning will include the announcement of the Top 4 finalists and Grand Prize Winner, along with time to connect with industry guests involved in the contest.
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Keynote Speaker
Rick Altizer
“The Power of Focus: for all Filmmakers”
A powerful film begins with a clear focus. When filmmakers understand the heart of their story, every creative decision becomes an opportunity to strengthen its impact.
Join the award winning director of He Calls Me Daughter and Kendrick Brother’s Show Me the Father, for an inspiring look at the power of focused filmmaking. Drawing on his directing experience, he’ll explore how a clear central vision can guide a film from its earliest concept through the final edit—and help filmmakers make the difficult decisions about what belongs in their story. Whether you’re developing your first film or refining your next project, The Power of Focus will challenge you to clarify your message, sharpen your storytelling, and create films that stay with audiences long after the credits roll.
1:30 – 2:45 PM | Panel
“Soup to Nuts” Film Development & Distribution Panel
Brian Williams & Dave Mechem
A start-to-finish look at how films move from development to distribution. Brian Williams of Third Coast Film and Dave Mechem of EKKL Entertainment will discuss what helps projects succeed, what works in the faith-based film space, and the challenges of finding and reaching the right audience.
3:15 – 4:30 PM | Panel
Shamrock Motion Pictures Panel
Will Bigham & Cat Gray
An inside look at building an independent production company, from selecting and developing projects to moving them into production. Will Bigham, winner of Steven Spielberg’s On the Lot, and producer Cat Gray bring decades of combined experience across film and production through Shamrock Motion Pictures. They’ll share lessons learned, common challenges filmmakers underestimate, and what Shamrock is looking for as it continues building its slate.
5:00 – 6:45 PM | Dinner & Networking
7:00 – 9:45 PM | Film Screening & Panel
Third Coast Film
*SPECIAL SECTION!
Brian Williams | Founder & Executive Producer
Charly White | Development
Mike Snider | WME
Closing-night film presentation from Third Coast Film, followed by an industry conversation with Brian Williams, Charly White, and
Mike Snider.