The True/False mentorship program was launched in 2007 as a way to help new nonfiction filmmakers navigate the sometimes treacherous terrain of the doc film world. Through meetings with seasoned industry professionals, first-time filmmakers get friendly advice on everything that happens after they finish their final cut. From sales agents to online distribution to European press, this is a chance for filmmakers to get unbiased answers on some of the thorniest topics in the movie business.
2020 Filmmakers
MICHAËL ANDRIANALY, director, Nofinofy
YONI GOLDSTEIN & MEREDITH ZIELKE, directors, A Machine to Live In
INA LUCHSPERGER, director, Catskin
LANCE OPPENHEIM, director, Some Kind of Heaven
YASHASWINI RAGHUNANDAN, director, That Cloud Never Left
ELOÍSA SOLAAS, director, The Faculties
2020 Mentors
BRENDA COUGHLIN leads Sundance Institute’s impact and engagement strategy, focused on producing compelling work across disciplines, deepening audience connection, and advocating for artists’ rights. Her projects as an independent producer include Laura Poitras’ films CITIZENFOUR and Risk.
JASON ISHIKAWA is a senior executive at Cinetic Media, where he oversees global sales strategies for the company. Recent projects include Cold Case Hammarskjöld; Hale County This Morning, This Evening; and Midnight Traveler.
WOUTER JANSEN is the owner of sales and festival distribution company Square Eyes. His films have premiered and won multiple awards at Cannes, Toronto International Film Festival, Berlin, Locarno, and International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam.
AMANDA LEBOW is an agent in the L.A. office of Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and specializes in packaging and selling documentary films and series
to studios, independent distributors, and digital platforms.
JACQUELINE LYANGA is artistic director for Film Independent, where she develops strategies for programming initiatives and partnerships and curates screenings and events. Her projects include immersive storytelling showcase The Portal and The New Wave, a series featuring innovative, independent cinema.
NICO MARZANO is head of cinema for London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts and founder and director of FRAMES of REPRESENTATION (FoR), a
laboratory and film festival that promotes and supports the presentation, production, and distribution of new visions of cinema.
Mentorship Program Lunchtime Speaker
MIRIAM LARKIN serves as manager of development for Vulcan Productions, where she focuses on nonfiction creative content management, concept ideation, story development, and engagement and initiation across all media and digital platforms.