Variety shines a spotlight on rising stars across the creative landscape with its Storytellers to Watch list, recognizing boundary-pushing voices working in both new and traditional media. From playwrights and podcasters to novelists, singer-songwriters, and graphic novelists, these are the visionaries shaping the future of storytelling.

This special panel at Filmland 2025 features a curated selection of this year’s Storytellers to Watch honorees. Moderated by Variety editor Peter Debruge, the conversation will explore each artist’s creative path, the evolving landscape of narrative media, and the personal stories behind their breakout successes.

In addition to the panel, we will also present the 2025 Filmland: Arkansas Audience Awards, celebrating outstanding work from Arkansas filmmakers as chosen by our festival audiences.

Join us to hear directly from some of the most exciting talents in storytelling today, right here in Arkansas, before the rest of the world catches on.

The full 2025 Storytellers to Watch list can be found here. The storytellers joining the panel are:

• a.k. Payne

• Holly Brickley

• Tembi Locke

• Josh Sharp

• Sophia Gibber