FILM INDUSTRY HEARING ON THE HILL 2026

Organized by the DC Independent Film Festival (DCIFF), Washington DC. Serving filmmakers in the nation’s capital since 1999.

Paths to Making More Independent Films in the US and a Review of International Collaborations

LOCATION: South Congressional Meeting Room (CVC 217), U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, accessible at First Street and East Capitol Street, Washington, D.C.

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, February 11th: 9:00 AM – 12.30 PM

Please allow 30 minutes to pass through security to enter the building

(In the event of a government shutdown, the briefing continues but the location changes)

Members of Congress and their aides are invited 

We thank Congresswoman Judy Chu’s office for making the event possible

OVERVIEW: The emphasis on strengthening location film production in the USA has been gaining steam in 2025 and this briefing evaluates where things stand, how incentives are working, challenges and paths forward.  Drawing from actual production experiences, existing data and pertinent analysis, industry leaders and those on the ground discuss new approaches to strengthen film production within the United States and evaluate the realities and future of international joint ventures and co-productions.

While film production of all budget sizes has been leaving the US because it is either too expensive or too complicated to film in-country, tax incentives at a state level have stepped up. Is this enough to create a healthy environment for the media and entertainment industry and the people who work in it? Can this include more foreign films made in the US as well?

FORMAT: Presented by the DC Independent Film Festival, we welcome leaders that both represent and collaborate with the US film community in moderated roundtable discussions. Lead presenters will set the stage with comments and all attendees are encouraged to engage with presenters in a structured Q&A session.

Seating Limited: RSVP Appreciated HERE to ensure seating for everyone

PROGRAM

9:00 am: Tea and Coffee / Meet and Greet

9:30 am: Welcome – Deirdre Evans-Pritchard, Exec Dir, DCIFF

Comments from the Office of Congresswoman Judy Chu

9:40 – 10:50 am: Paths to Making More Independent Films in the US

Katie Pryor, Executive DIrector, FilmUSA

Why America’s leadership in film and television is at a critical crossroads and paths to protecting a vital cultural and economic engine ensuring the U.S. remains competitive and influential in a rapidly evolving global industry.

Josh Rogan, Senior Vice President, Motion Picture Association

Efforts to enact legitimate federal tax competition with foreign locales through the   establishment of a federal film incentive that provides incentives for states without state-level incentives.

David O’Ferrall, District 4 Secretary, IATSE

The importance of US production incentives for the IATSE mission of improving all entertainment workers’ lives both inside and outside the workplace.

10:50 am – 11:20 am: Break

11:20 am – 12:30 pm: Review of International Collaborations and

Mark Maxey, President, Rolling Pictures LLC, PGA Capital Region  Co-Chair

A review of how foreign countries use film as a strategic economic engine not just as  entertainment, and how they have designed policies to compete with and beat U.S. state-level incentives.

Carol Bidault, President, Mediafusion

Frontline experiences in international  joint venture financing and filming on location and what this means for production in the United States.