Variety will moderate six panels presented by Adobe at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The panel exhibition will be held at Adobe House from January 23rd to 25th.
“Anatomy of a Document: AI Documentation: Or, How I Became an Apocalypse” will be held on January 23 at 10:30 a.m. The conversation explores the creative decisions, considerations, and production realities that define documentary filmmaking and will be moderated by Angelique Jackson, Variety’s senior entertainment and media writer. Panelists include Daniel Loher, director of “The AI Doc.” Charlie Tyrell, director of “The AI Doc.” Diane Becker, “The AI Doc” producer. and Ted Tremper, “The AI Doc” producer.
“Storytelling for Fans: The Future of Audience Engagement” will be held on January 23 at 12:30 p.m. This conversation, which examines how new platforms and innovative voices are reshaping the way entertainment finds and builds audiences, will be moderated by Angelique Jackson, Variety’s senior entertainment and media writer. Panelists include Stacy Martinet, Chief Communications Officer, Adobe; Jason Cassidy, Vice Chairman, Focus Features. Dawn Yang, Global Head of Entertainment Partnerships, TikTok. and actor Mason Gooding’s “I Want Your Sex.”
“Creative Collaborators: Fireside Chat” will be held on January 23 at 2:30 p.m., where creative teams will come together to discuss the dynamic partnerships that bring movies to life. The show will be hosted by Angelique Jackson, Variety senior entertainment and media writer, and Megan Keene, director of product marketing at Adobe. Panelists include Joybubbles editor Bradford Thomason; Patrick Lawrence, Joybubbles editor. Rachel Morrison, director of “Joybubbles.” Erin Casper, Time and Water editor. Mark Harrison, Time and Water editor. Jocelyn Chaput, Time and Water editor. Undertone editor Sonny Atkins and Undertone colorist AJ McLaudlin.
“Anatomy of a Movie: Union County” will be held at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 24 and will take a deep dive into the creative and technical journey that brings movies to life. This panel will unravel the artistry, breakthrough innovations, challenges and collaborations that go into bringing a film to audiences, from inspiration to production to the final moment on the red carpet. The panel discussion will be moderated by Angelique Jackson, senior entertainment and media writer for Variety magazine. Panelists include Adam Meeks, director, editor and writer of “Union County.” Will Poulter, actor, “Union County”. Sean Weiner, “Union County” producer and editor. Stephen Weinberger, director of photography, “Union County.” and actress Annette Deo, “Union County.”
“Showtime! Park City: Gen AI Showcase” will be held on January 24th at 12:30pm and will focus on the new wave of shorts created with the support of generative AI. The panel discussion will be moderated by Cynthia Littleton, co-editor-in-chief of Variety, and will include opening remarks from Mike Polner, vice president of PMM and GM Creators at Adobe. Panelists include Momo Wang, director and creator of WINK, and Taryn O’Neill, writer and director of MythOS.
“Shaping the Future – Voices of Next-Gen Filmmakers” will take place on January 25th at 10 a.m. and will highlight a group of next-generation filmmakers whose work has been supported and nurtured through Adobe creative programs. The panel discussion will be moderated by Angelique Jackson, senior entertainment and media writer for Variety magazine. Panelists include “American Pachuco” documentary editor Daniel Chavez; Stephanie Ahn, writer and director of “Bedford Park.” Gisele Bonilla, director of “The Musical.” Anuja Swamy, director of ‘Pankajya’. and “Rock Springs” screenwriter and director Vera Miao.
“Our partnership with Adobe at Sundance always provides a platform for deep conversations about topics that elevate the conversation around filmmaking,” said Variety Publisher and Co-President Dear Lawrence. “We look forward to bringing six thought-provoking panels to the mountaintop.”
Located on Main Street, Adobe House will serve as a creative home during the festival, bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders, and emerging voices for conversation, connection, and creative exchange.
Coverage of the conversation will be published on Variety.com and Variety’s social platforms after the event. To attend the Sundance session, register here.
