Senator Vincent Hughes, Etienne Maurice, Shirley Lee Ralph arrives on the carpet at the 2nd Annual FilmGood & Wellness Festiva at WalkGood LA in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Kavi Peshawaria)
Events
WALKGOOD LA CONCLUDES INSPIRING 2ND ANNUAL FILMGOOD & WELLNESS FESTIVAL, CELEBRATING DIVERSITY, INNOVATION, AND COMMUNITY
| WalkGood LA successfully concluded its 2nd Annual Film and Wellness Festival, an inspiring five-day event that brought together industry leaders, creators, and community members for a celebration of film and wellness. Drawing over 375 filmmakers, storytellers, and attendees, the festival featured more than 25 dynamic panelists, includingSheryl Lee Ralph, Jharrel Jerome, and Lena Waithe. It has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ cultural calendar. “Our goal was to redefine what it means to connect through art and wellness,” said Etienne Maurice, Founder of WalkGood LA. “We are creating spaces where stories are not only told but experienced, where every frame can inspire change and every moment can spark healing.” This year’s festival showcased a diverse range of programming, including screenings of Amazon MGM’s Unstoppable and OWN’s Mistletoe & Matrimony. Six impactful short films by underrepresented filmmakers were selected from over 125 submissions, with special recognition given to two standout creators. Jamaican filmmaker JP Williams won the audience prize for his short film BLV, while South Asian directorRadha Mehta took home the grand jury prize for her powerful short film Dosh. Post-screening Q&A sessions deepened the dialogue, and industry mixers facilitated connections with major studios like Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television, and Amazon MGM Studios. “FilmGood is a home for creators,” said Jaie Peshawaria, Director of Operations at WalkGood LA. “It is a space where diverse voices come together to share stories, build connections, and grow as artists. When filmmakers are supported by both confidence and community, they can achieve anything. That is what we are building here.”The festival also fostered community engagement through popular activities like RunGood, a community running group, and BreatheGood, a yoga series, which drew approximately 100 participants. These programs highlighted WalkGood LA’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces for dialogue and growth both on-screen and off. Looking ahead, WalkGood LA plans to continue expanding the festival’s focus on creative exploration and wellness. Future festivals will emphasize partnerships with corporate and community organizations, connecting individuals through meaningful interactions that bridge the artistry of filmmaking with healing practices. These efforts aim to create a lasting impact, ensuring that FilmGood remains a beacon for creativity and community in the years to come. |
| 2nd Annual FilmGood & Wellness Impact and Statistics: Over 375 filmmakers, storytellers, community leaders, and audience members attended FilmGood programs during the 5-day festival. There were 25 featured industry panelists and workshop hosts, including notable names such asLena Waithe (“The Chi,” “Twenties,” “Master of None”), Jharrel Jerome(“When They See Us,” “Moonlight”), Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary,” “Moesha”), Lisa Ann Walter (“Abbott Elementary,” “The Parent Trap”), Morgan Cooper(“Bel-Air”), Doug McHenry(“Jason’s Lyric”), Ralph Farquhar (“The Proud Family”), Bruce Smith(“The Proud Family,” “Bebe’s Kids”), Lawrence Lamont (“One of Them Days”), Kelci Parker (VP of Adult Animation, Hulu), Jax Clark (SVP of Development, Hoorae), Nic Maye (“Two Distant Strangers”), Myles Bullock Be (“Fight Night”), Denzel Whitaker (“Black Panther,” “The Great Debaters”), and more. The festival established partnerships with over five studios, networks, and production companies, including Sony Pictures Entertainment/Tristar Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video, Disney, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, and others. The event featured three feature film screenings, including Amazon MGM’s “Unstoppable” and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network’s “Mistletoe & Matrimony.“ Eight short film screenings showcased works from underrepresented filmmakers. The six short films that comprised the official Shorts Program block were selected from over 125 submissions to the festival. The festival also hosted two community wellness activities: RunGood, a community running and walking group that attracted approximately 100 attendees, and BreatheGood, which included a yoga class, meditation, and sound bath. ABOUT WALKGOOD LA:WalkGood LA is a dedicated non-profit organization based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, committed to fostering wellness and facilitating community healing. Our mission revolves around creating inclusive and accessible environments that encourage holistic well-being through various avenues, including movement practices, artistic expression, and engaging community activities. Since our establishment, WalkGood LA has proudly hosted an array of events designed to cater to individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels. Our offerings include invigorating yoga sessions led by experienced instructors, tailored for everyone from beginners to seasoned practitioners. Additionally, we provide immersive sound baths that offer a unique opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation, allowing participants to experience deep meditative states through the soothing power of sound. In line with our mission of personal growth and community engagement, we also organize creative workshops that empower individuals to explore their artistic side while connecting with others. These workshops not only foster creativity but also build a sense of belonging within the community, helping to strengthen social ties. For more details about our programs and upcoming events, please visit www.walkgoodla.org. You can also connect with us on social media to stay updated on our latest activities: Facebook: @WalkGoodLA and Instagram: @WalkGoodLA | @FilmGoodorg. |
