Breakout Session: Reel Impact: Film, Festivals and Creative Tourism (FRENCH RIVER ROOM)
This session explores how film and tourism intersect in Minnesota, showing how regional storytelling and cinematic infrastructure fuel economic growth. Duluth-based organizations will share how their work supports a thriving creative economy.
1:45 PM - 2:30 PMThu
French River Room
Marketing
Speakers
BREAKOUT MODERATOR: Nell Lawrenz-Wareham
Deputy Director
Explore Minnesota Film
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Riki McManus
Chief Production Officer
Upper Midwest Film Office (UMFO)
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Shari Marshik
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Upper Midwest Film Office (UMFO)
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Vera Bianchini
Film Program Director
Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community
BREAKOUT PANELIST: Tony Cuneo
Executive Director
Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community
Sponsors
Gray Destination Marketing
Join us for lessons on collaboration, community engagement and creative placemaking from one of Minnesota’s most vibrant cultural hubs, plus a look at annual film-related visitation—whether for production or exhibition—and the unique attributes that keep filmmakers and cinephiles returning. This dynamic panel explores the intersection of film and tourism in Minnesota, showcasing how regional storytelling and cinematic infrastructure fuel economic growth, vitality and year-round cultural stewardship. Representatives from key Duluth-based organizations will situate their work within the broader film ecosystem and highlight how these efforts contribute to a thriving creative economy.