SeriesFest Announces First Wave of Events & Stars Attending SeriesFest: Season 10

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Photo of Hasan Minhaj Courtesy of SeriesFest.

In this current climate of peak pop culture, where festivals and conventions reign supreme, it is extremely difficult to stand out as a ‘premier’ destination. Because so many offer the same things. But believe it or not, it is possible and for proof… look no further than SeriesFest. For it truly is the premier celebration of television and episodic storytelling, and it established itself as such, courtesy of events, panels, discussions and contests that genuinely celebrate the art form that is episodic storytelling, and it’s accomplished such wonders on such matters that everyone knows this is where you go to learn about the power of television, and to see great stories from established and fresh new voices. 
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It is also why; this festival has enjoyed great staying power. To the point where it is about to enjoy its tenth, glorious, year of existence and well, to properly celebrate such a momentous occasion, SeriesFest announced the first wave of what we can expect from this year’s ‘Fest, including some of the stars that will be in attendance and some of the events lined up and well, once again, SeriesFest has outdone themselves. Since Hasan Minhaj will headline this year’s closing event at Red Rocks, and Minnie Driver and Betsy Beers will be honored for their incredible work this year as well, and to properly pay respect to what SeriesFest has planned, here are all the details of what you can expect… when SeriesFest: Season 10 gets underway this May.  

'SeriesFest, the annual international festival and non-profit organization dedicated to championing emerging and underserved voices in episodic storytelling, is gearing up for a star-studded, milestone Season 10 in Denver, Colorado, May 1-5, 2024.
 
The Emmy and two-time Peabody Award-winning comedian Hasan Minhaj, best known for his breakout Netflix special “Homecoming King” and his critically-acclaimed, political satire show, “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj,” will headline at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre for the very first time on the festival’s closing night, Sunday, May 5. Named on TIME's "100 Most Influential People in the World," Minhaj originally rose to prominence as a senior correspondent on “The Daily Show” and hosted the White House Correspondents' Dinner. He’s also the co-founder and chief executive officer of 186KFilms that’s producing its first feature “For the Culture” with Amazon Studios.
 
SeriesFest is also thrilled to announce the SeriesFest Soiree, a special night marking the festival’s momentous 10th anniversary. The prestigious gala taking place on Friday, May 3 will honor Shondaland & Betsy Beers, SAG-AFTRA and Minnie Driver.

• SeriesFest honors SAG-AFTRA with the “Luminaries in Television Award”:

Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), an organization dedicated to championing the rights of performers across the entertainment industry, has been a partner of SeriesFest since Season One. The union annually partners on panels around diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), and supports the festival’s live read and “Storytellers Initiative,” cultivating lasting relationships between emerging creatives and industry executives. National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator, SAG-AFTRA, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland will return to SeriesFest to accept the award.

• SeriesFest honors Minnie Driver with the “Excellence in Acting Award”

Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Minnie Driver has captivated audiences with her remarkable talent for several decades bringing depth and authenticity to every role she embodies. From her breakout role in "Good Will Hunting" to her compelling portrayal in "The Riches" and her recent captivating performances in "Modern Love" and "Speechless," Driver's versatility knows no bounds. As anticipation mounts for her upcoming role in STARZ's “Serpent Queen,” this accolade is a testament to Driver's enduring contributions to the art of storytelling.

• SeriesFest honors Shondaland and Betsy Beers with the “Impact in Television Award”:

Shondaland is the global media company founded by award-winning writer and producer Shonda Rhimes. The company fearlessly entertains through storytelling with content for film, streaming, audio, digital and editorial as well as brand partnerships, merchandise and experiences. Betsy Beers, longtime producing partner of Rhimes, has developed and produced some of the company's most influential television series including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Bridgerton,” “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,” “Private Practice,” “Scandal,” “How to Get Away with Murder” and the highly anticipated series "The Residence."  Shondaland has been a SeriesFest partner since 2018 for the “Women Directing Mentorship,” offering unique opportunities for rising female directors.
 
Also in attendance to celebrate Beers and Shondaland will be “Grey’s Anatomy’s” showrunner Meg Marinis, actors James Pickens Jr, Kevin McKidd and Caterina Scorsone. They will also take part in a one-of-a-kind panel earlier that day, “Legacy in Television: Grey’s Anatomy,” reflecting on the impact of the two decades of the iconic medical drama on television history. 

"We are thrilled to celebrate our milestone Season 10 with an extraordinary lineup of talent," said Randi Kleiner, CEO and Co-Founder of SeriesFest. "From Hasan Minhaj's comedic genius to the groundbreaking work of Betsy Beers, Shondaland, SAG-AFTRA, the incomparable Minnie Driver and the timeless appeal of 'Grey's Anatomy,' this year's festival promises something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming audiences to Denver for five days of unforgettable storytelling."
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SeriesFest: Season 10 will feature a diverse array of screenings, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for emerging voices and established creators alike. The full programming lineup will be announced shortly.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the best in episodic storytelling at one of the industry's premier events.

SeriesFest: Season 10 badges and Soiree Tickets are available here. Sign-up for the SeriesFest newsletter at www.seriesfest.com to get access to pre-sale Red Rocks tickets for Minhaj starting March 27 with general public tickets available starting March 28. 

SeriesFest is a non-profit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling. With year-round educational programs, initiatives supporting underserved voices, and professional development opportunities, SeriesFest inspires, educates, and connects a worldwide community of creators. Each year, SeriesFest culminates in a highly curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace. Dedicated to showcasing innovative episodic content, the annual festival also includes in-competition independent pilot screenings, network television premieres, panels, workshops, international series, networking events, parties, and a Closing Night Event at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
 
SeriesFest: Season 10, May 1-5, 2024 is presented with generous support from the following sponsors: Canva, Once Upon A Time Productions, Liberty Global, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Denver Film, Caz Matthews, Xfinity, and United Airlines, along with generous support from the SCFD. Red Rocks Evening of Comedy is supported by Deadline Hollywood.’

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