WRITERS DAY
Slamdance ‘26 / Writers Day – February 21st, 2026
in collaboration with Heidi Hornbacher and PageCraft
A full day dedicated to craft, career, and candid conversations about the business of writing.
From story structure and sharp dialogue to breakout paths and the realities of writing in today’s industry, this day brings together working writers and filmmakers to share tools, insight, and real-world experience. Join us to sharpen your craft, connect with fellow storytellers, and stay for a writer mixer and evening film programming.
Discussions will be on a wide range of subjects and approaches from those already deeply committed to the NonDē movement including, but not limited to Ami Vora, Jake S. Weisman, Jon Stahl, Dan Siccles, Annalisa Shoemaker, Avi Setton. Jon Reiss, Courtney Romano, Richard Rushfield, Franklin Leonard, Lela Meadow-Connor, Keith Ochwat, Ted Hope, and Donny Broussard.
Program Schedule
10:00 AM – Bulletproof Your Story Structure
If your structure is broken, all the witty dialogue and killer visuals in the world can’t save you.
11:45 – Writing Dialogue That Doesn’t Suck
New tools to elevate your dialogue so your script stands out
2:00 PM – Trailblazers, Breakouts & Breakthroughs
Newly minted feature writer/directors join us for a freewheeling discussion.
3:45 PM – State of the Industry Panel Screenwriting for the 2026 Landscape
Join us for a frank discussion with a group of working screenwriters.
