BEL in the Field
2025
BEL at the Hollywood Climate Summit:
Moderated by Bridge Entertainment Labs CEO, Steven Olikara, movement leaders and storytellers dug into the why and how film and television can authentically capture the energy and electricity of mass mobilization. They emphasized the need for coalition-building and for storytellers to make an extra effort to step outside of echo chambers. Learn more about the panel here or you can watch the full panel discussion here.
USA Today Op Ed:
We’re thrilled to share that USA TODAY published an op-ed by our President, Steven Olikara, spotlighting the powerful work of Bridge Entertainment Labs and the Better Together Film Festival to bring to life New American Stories of Us.
In a time when most Americans say we’re more divided than ever, our stories—and how we tell them—matter more than ever. This piece speaks to something we believe deeply: that storytelling can be a force for healing, empathy, and civic renewal.
If you’re passionate about culture, democracy, or just want a better dinner table conversation with that relative who always stirs the pot, we hope you’ll give it a read—and share it!
BEL @ the American Democracy Summit: A powerful story about taking on the ‘Primary Problem’ in our elections:
BEL’s CEO, Steven Olikara, led a panel at the American Democracy Summit in Phoenix with award-winning documentarian AJ Schnack, discussing Majority Rules — a film about Alaska’s groundbreaking cross-partisan movement to enact open primaries and other voting reforms that promote depolarization. Learn more about the panel, or watch the new, shorter director’s cut of the movie for free.
Talking Civics and the Silver Screen at the GBH Media Summit:
BEL was honored to be featured at the GBH Media Summit in Boston. Focused on this year’s theme of “Bridging The Divide,” the summit brought together journalists, scholars, philanthropic leaders, and media representatives to explore ways to reduce polarization, increase trust, and strengthen democracy. Read more on our panel discussion about mobilizing people, from the “Civic Stage to the Silver Screen” here.
BEL at USC Screening of True False Hot Cold:
At USC’s Ray Stark Family Theatre, BEL’s CEO Steven Olikara joined director Ben Stillerman and climate communication leader Allison Agsten for a powerful conversation following a screening of True False Hot Cold. The event spotlighted everyday stories behind energy policy—ranchers, hunters, and working families whose lived experiences challenge simplified climate narratives. As Steven shared, “you can never deny lived experience”—a reminder that bridging begins with listening. Learn more about the event or watch all 26 episodes of the series here.
Environmental storytelling that bridges divides:
BEL is honored to partner with and advise the Redford Center on a new initiative on Environmental Bridging Values. Working across nine films, BEL has been excited to develop this effort with the Redford team to better position environmental storytelling to connect with people across a wider range of backgrounds and beliefs.
BEL at SXSW:
At SXSW, BEL hosted a panel with the filmmakers of Creede, U.S.A., exploring how filmmaking can drive change. The conversation highlighted the power of storytelling to foster empathy, challenge biases, and build bridges across divides—inviting both creators and audiences to move from “us vs. them” to “you and I.” Learn more about the panel.
BEL at the Screening of “The Tennessee 11”:
On March 30 at the Overture Center in Madison, BEL joined a powerful conversation on gun safety through the screening of The Tennessee 11. The event featured a diverse panel—including BEL CEO Steven Olikara—and highlighted the urgent need for constructive, bipartisan dialogue. As Steven shared, bridging divides begins with humanizing one another beyond the binaries too often presented to us. Learn more about the event.
BEL and The Elephant in the Room:
Past Valentine’s Day, BEL highlighted the power of love across divides with the romantic comedy The Elephant in the Room. At a recent private screening, BEL President Steven Olikara joined cast and crew for a conversation on how humor, curiosity, and open dialogue can bridge political differences. The film offers a timely reminder: meaningful connection is possible—even in polarized times—when we lead with empathy and respect. Learn more about the event or watch the movie trailer here.
BEL at Sundance:
At Sundance, BEL hosted a panel on Bucks County, U.S.A., a docuseries about friendship across political divides. The conversation explored how deep listening can foster understanding, even amid tension. As shown in the film and its premiere Q&A, bridging isn’t about avoiding conflict—it’s about staying open, present, and grounded in your values. Learn more about the panel.
