State of the Industry & the Art of Programming with Nicolas Curcio and Imani Davis

The No Film School Podcast

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8d ago 1:09:11

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In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, host GG Hawkins connects with two key voices in the film-industry ecosystem. First, she chats with screenwriter and filmmaker Nicolas Curcio to take the pulse of the movie business at the close of 2025—what’s changed, what’s hopeful, and what still needs to shift. Then, GG talks with programmer and curator Imani Davis of the American Cinematheque to explore the art and mechanics of programming—from year-round curatorial work to the annual Proof Film Festival, which helps shorts leap into features.

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and guests discuss…

The emotional and career‑landscape “temperature check” for creators post‑strikes and entering 2026
The role of social media, creator‑voice, and audience‑building in today’s writer/director paths
Why embracing a “patchwork” of gigs (writing, podcasts, video content) may be more realistic than the old one‑track screenwriter dream
Why clean spec scripts are “back” and what that signals for writers getting in the door
What a film programmer actually does—how someone like Imani rates submissions, builds curatorial strategies, leverages relationships
The difference between ongoing programming (year‑round screenings at an institution) vs. annual festival programming (with a fixed offer to submit, schedule, panels)
Inside the Proof Film Festival: what makes a short film “feature‑expandable,” and what kind of statement or vision catches the eye of programmers & studios
How programmers balance gut feelings, industry data/timeliness, and filmmaker readiness when selecting films
The specific flaws and tired tropes they’re seeing in short films right now (yes: the “influencer vlogs” and basic “AI cautionary tales”)
How to start in programming: from basement screenings and volunteer festival committees to full‑time curatorial work
The importance of mentorship, networking, and building community around film culture
Lastly: quick advice to emerging creators — find a way to stand out, build your voice, and force people to pay attention

Memorable Quotes:

“The studios … they are incredibly self‑aware about the moment that the industry is in … but they’re also like incredibly open to trying new things, giving young filmmakers a chance.”
“I used to think … in six months from now, if I don’t have my next studio job, I’m a failure or my career is over. And that has been something I’ve accepted: there are successful screenwriters who don’t just do this.”
“At the Proof Film Festival … after each short we show a 90‑second statement of intent video from the filmmaker saying: ‘Here’s my plan for the next phase of this project.’”
“What I’m looking for in a short: niche world, unique character, something I haven’t seen that way — like niche sports film about a fencer in a character‑driven way.”

Guests:

Resources:

Nicolas Curcio on Instagram: @nicolascurcio
Proof Film Festival: Proof of Concept Film Festival – American Cinematheque
GG’s directorial debut feature, I Really Love My Husband, now streaming on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.

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