SeriesFest, the annual television event held in Denver, recently concluded its tenth iteration with a focus on independent creators from around the world. The festival played host to 45 pilots that competed for recognition and awards, providing a platform for emerging talent to showcase their unique perspectives and storytelling abilities.
One of the standout winners of the event was Shazia Javed’s “Potluck Ladies,” which took home the drama award. The pilot follows the lives of three immigrant women living in the suburbs of Toronto, exploring themes of loneliness, vulnerability, and the need for support. Directed by Javed and starring Natasha Krishnan, Elisa Moolecherry, and Kavita Musty, “Potluck Ladies” stood out for its poignant portrayal of immigrant experiences.
On the comedy side, Jesse Toledano’s “Broken Toilets” captured the audience’s attention with its unconventional storyline. The pilot follows Yossi Klein, a young Hassidic man with a passion for hip hop, as he navigates the challenges of managing his father-in-law’s buildings in a low-income neighborhood. With a cast that includes Luzer Twersky and Dede Lovelace, “Broken Toilets” offers a fresh perspective on identity, music, and cultural boundaries.
In addition to the individual pilot awards, SeriesFest recognized a variety of projects that pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling. “Breakthrough,” a documentary series exploring athletes’ struggles with identity crises and depression, won the unscripted category, shining a light on a different aspect of the human experience.
The festival also awarded “The Haunting of Trisha Lozada” the Pitch-A-Thon prize, acknowledging its creative concept and engaging storytelling. With a focus on innovation and diverse voices, SeriesFest continues to celebrate projects that challenge norms and spark important conversations within the industry.
SeriesFest’s Independent Pilot Competition serves as a launchpad for up-and-coming creators, providing them with a valuable opportunity to showcase their work to industry professionals and audiences alike. With a mission to champion independent artists, the festival aims to amplify diverse voices and offer a platform for emerging talent to thrive.
As Randi Kleiner, CEO and Co-Founder of SeriesFest, noted, “Our Independent Pilot Competition embodies the very essence of SeriesFest and aligns with our core mission. With ten seasons under our belt, we’ve been able to establish a platform for showcasing up-and-coming creators, providing them with an outlet to amplify their voices and share their projects with industry executives, established on-screen talent and below-the-line creatives.”
SeriesFest continues to make a significant impact on the television industry by highlighting the work of independent creators and fostering a community of innovation and creativity. The festival’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and diverse voices ensures that groundbreaking stories find a place to shine in the ever-evolving landscape of television.