Slamdance is a community, a year-round experience, and a statement in which everyone is invited to take part. The first Slamdance Film Festival was held in 1995 by a wild bunch of filmmakers who were tired of relying on a large, oblique system to showcase their work. Since then, Slamdance has proven year after year that independent grassroots communities can take risks on bold talent and launch careers that change the industry. Our artist-led community continues to discover and nurture diverse, international creators through various programs throughout the year, focusing on new writers, digital and interactive art, grants and mentorship, DIY film education, film screenings and of course, the Slamdance Film Festival.
HEADQUARTERS
Peter Baxter is a filmmaker and President and co-founder of Slamdance. Baxter has led Slamdance for 25 years as a revolutionary force synonymous with the discovery of emerging talent. Baxter’s work includes directing “Spirit Game” that premiered on Starz and screened at the United Nations and producing “Q: Into The Storm” for HBO and “Day Shift” for Netflix.
Peter Baxter President & Co-Founder
Taylor O. Miller is an award-winning documentarian & published author passionate about storytelling through photography, film, & writing. She received her PhD, ABD, from The European Graduate School in Saas-Fee Switzerland. She travels the world for her work, from the islands of Micronesia to the Silver Bank Whale Sanctuary, from India to Detroit. Most recently she was invited to speak at Google to discuss THIS IS DETROIT, a Docu-Series she has been the Director of Photography on for 2.5 years.
Taylor Miller Festival Director, Co-Founder Slamdance Unstoppable
Anna Lee Lawson – Chapman University Film/Screenwriting Graduate. 20+ years in script consultant, content curation and festival programming. Multi-faceted artist (filmmaker, writer, actor, comedian, video artist). Head Mentor with Young Storytellers, helping 5th graders craft screenplays. Anna holds an overall passion for the art of storytelling and empowering voices.
Anna Lee Lawson Film Festival & Screenplay Competition Manager
A passionate storyteller and creative based in Los Angeles, Lizzie Friedrich joined Slamdance in 2024 and now serves as Festival Coordinator, supporting filmmakers through nationwide events, accessibility programming, and community-driven showcases. As an emerging filmmaker and recent graduate, she pursues video editing and digital storytelling projects that amplify bold, inclusive narratives.
Lizzie Friedrich Festival Coordinator
A passionate documentary storyteller and recent Occidental College graduate, Lily Calvert joined Slamdance in 2025 and now serves as Social Media and Digital Content Manager. In their role, Lily aims to elevate independent voices, expand the festival’s online community, and craft dynamic content that champions bold, boundary-pushing storytelling.
Lily Calvert Digital Content & Social Media Manager
Eddie Bernard has spent the past 20 years managing digital and on-site marketing campaigns for a variety of premiere studio film and music properties and directors. He was the Producer of The Asbury Park Music and Film Festival 2016-2020. In addition to Slamdance, he has managed the digital marketing for clients Francis Ford Coppola, David Mamet, Utopia, American Zoetrope, and Fest Forums.
Eddie Bernard Social Media & Marketing Consultant
Krystin Braverman is a Los Angeles based festival and live events professional with over a decade of experience in film festivals, live entertainment, and large scale cultural events. Her background includes roles in production and operations with organizations such as TCM Classic Film Festival, Outfest, AFI Fest, and Film Independent’s Spirit Awards, as well as international event work in Australia.
Krystin Braverman Festival Producer
A lifelong fan of good stories worth sharing, Austin is proud to join the Slamdance fam and open the doors for excellent independent film. He brings experience in commercial, live event, and festival production, including the annual Turner Classic Movies Film Festival and AFI FEST. You’ll also find him posting weekly Pub Trivia events and periodically competing on game shows. Get out there and discover something new!
Austin Welsh Operations Manager
Hayden is a screenwriter, producer, and emerging marketing professional. A recent graduate of Occidental College, he’s passionate about bringing powerful, new stories to audiences across film, television, gaming, comics, and all mediums.
