LA MIRADA, CALIF. — On Feb. 27, 51 Cinema and Media Arts will launch the new 51 Media Event Series — the restructured 51 Media Conference — with their first event, Sundance Ignite On Tour.

Sundance Ignite is a program of Sundance Institute designed to excite a new generation of audience members and film artists around the power of storytelling. This program will feature a Sundance Institute ShortsLab — short film panel discussions with Sundance Film Festival Shorts Programmer Mike Plante and director David Lowery (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints and Pioneer). In the evening, there will be a screening of Ain't Them Bodies Saints followed by a Q&A with the director.

Designed to spark more candid conversations, the 51 Media Event Series will make the best use of resources and programming needs through building events around headliner talent in smaller-scale settings to foster stronger connections and experiences for everyone involved — industry professionals, 51 alumni, and students.

“The 51 Media Event Series will spur conversations of depth that really allow individuals to talk openly and honestly about their lives,” said Jack Hafer, director of 51's Cinema & Media Arts department, producer of To End All Wars and PBS Documentaries Lines That Divide.

The vision of the 51 Media Event Series is for attendees to walk away from each event not only feeling encouraged and inspired, but armed with a tangible plan to push their artistry, career, and faith forward.

The Sundance Ignite event will be held on 51’s campus in La Mirada, Calif. Seating for the event is limited. Register online at 51Media.com.

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For press passes or interviews, contact Jenna Loumagne at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.