Emerging Voices: Crafting Shorts with Antigravity Academy & Dolby Creator Lab
This conversation brings together three filmmakers whose short films were developed through Antigravity Academy’s Short Film Studio in partnership with Dolby Creator Lab and will be premiering at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The filmmakers will share how their projects evolved from early concept to a Sundance Film Festival world premiere, offering a practical look at building teams, navigating production, and shaping the creative vision from script through post.
They’ll also dive into their collaboration with Dolby technologists to finish their films in Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, exploring how immersive sound and high dynamic range (HDR) color helped elevate emotional storytelling and sharpen the cinematic experience.
A grounded, inspiring session for anyone curious about the creative and technical journey of making a short film — and how programs like this can empower the next generation of filmmakers.
Partner events are independently conceived and produced by sponsor and partner organizations. These events take place in official Festival locations and all organizations follow the Sundance Film Festival community agreement.
Capacity is limited. Arriving early to secure your spot is highly recommended. RSVP does not guarantee entry which will be first-come, first-served.
Co-moderator: Carlos López Estrada
Carlos López Estrada is an Academy Award–nominated Mexican filmmaker and founder of Antigravity Academy. He directed Blindspotting, Summertime, and Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon. He won two Emmys for Noche UFC, chairs the Academy’s Latino committee, and is in post-production on his next film, DED.
Co-moderator: Amanda Schneider
Amanda Schneider is the global lead of creator enablement programs for Dolby Creator Lab, supporting emerging creators across film, television, music, gaming, and podcasting. She is the executive producer of the Dolby Creator Talks podcast and has held creative, producing, and leadership roles at Dolby for over five years.
Gabriela Ortega
Gabriela Ortega is an award-winning Dominican filmmaker and actor, a USC graduate, Sundance Labs alum, and one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Independent Film.” Her short Huella premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2022 and her upcoming feature Piratas received the 2023 SFFILM Rainin Grant. She stars opposite Moisés Arias in the upcoming film 52nd State.
Amandine Thomas
Amandine Thomas is a French American director, writer, and editor, and she is one half of THUMPER, the creative duo whose work includes Viaje de Negocios (2024 Sundance Film Festival) and Susana (2025 Sundance Film Festival). Most recently, she released the documentary short hello beautiful please follow back, a Vimeo Staff Pick.
Gerardo Coello Escalante
Gerardo Coello Escalante is a Mexican director and screenwriter. He was nominated for an Ariel Award in 2025 for his short film Viaje de Negocios. His work has screened at the Sundance Film Festival, Aspen Shortsfest, Morelia Film Festival, Palm Springs ShortFest, and Sarajevo Film Festival. He was a Sundance Screenwriters Intensive fellow in 2019 and a Sundance Ignite fellow in 2018.
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Presenting Sponsors
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Presenting Sponsors
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