Talks

Reimagining Rural America Through Storytelling

Presented by Bridge Entertainment Labs

Partner Event

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How can storytelling reshape perceptions of rural America? Join us in exploring and celebrating the whole story of the people and land that nourish this country; their communities and places; and the rural storytellers who lead by example. In an engaging conversation with entertainment executives, marketing leads, creative storytellers, and bridge-building practitioners, we will explore the importance of nuanced portrayals and the power of stories to bridge divides. We will also share resources from the Modern Rural Collective to improve onscreen rural representation and will engage the audience in a Q&A.

Bridge Entertainment Labs (BEL) is the entertainment office for the national movement to combat toxic polarization and build social cohesion in America.

RSVP Link

Featuring:

Steven Olikara (CEO, Bridge Entertainment Labs)
Amanda Farrand (EVP of business and brand development, Imagine Entertainment)
Heather Malenshek (convener, Modern Rural Collective; CMO, Land O’Lakes)
Nick Barnes (agent, Heartland, United Talent Agency)
Ai-jen Poo (executive director, Caring Across Generations; president, National Domestic Workers Alliance; executive producer, Take Me Home)

Partner events are independently conceived and produced by sponsor and partner organizations. These events take place in official Festival locations and all organizations follow the Sundance Film Festival community agreement.

Capacity is limited. Arriving early to secure your spot is highly recommended. RSVP does not guarantee entry which will be first-come, first-served.

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Event Time

Jan 23, 11:30 AM MST
Talks
The Box at The Ray
Park City

Steven Olikara

CEO of Bridge Entertainment Labs, the entertainment office for the national depolarization movement. A Forbes’ “30 Under 30” and USC Schwarzenegger Institute senior fellow, he is a frequent commentator on national media, appearing on CNN, CBS, and more. He is a proud Wisconsin native and subject of the film, The Reunited States.

Amanda Farrand

Amanda Farrand is executive vice president of brands and business development at Imagine Entertainment, building strategic partnerships to expand the reach and impact of its storytelling. Previously at Hello Sunshine, she grew the Fair Play franchise and forged Fortune 500 partnerships. Her career has spanned impact media, major studios, and brand representation.

Heather Malenshek

Heather Malenshek is the convener of the Modern Rural Collective and chief marketing officer at Land O’Lakes, leading global brand and marketing strategy and overseeing the agency Curious Plot. Previously, she was chief marketing officer of Harley-Davidson and has worked across diverse consumer industries. She was named one of Forbes’ “Most Influential CMOs” in 2018 and 2019.

Nick Barnes

Nick Barnes is a Nashville-based agent at global talent and entertainment company UTA. He is passionate about delivering storytelling from the Heartland to audiences worldwide and represents prominent artists, creators, and estates across music, film, comedy, television, and faith-based entertainment. He founded UTA’s Heartland initiative in 2020.

Ai-jen Poo

Ai-jen Poo is the president of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the executive director of Caring Across Generations. Poo is a nationally-recognized expert on the care economy, the author of the celebrated book The Age of Dignity, and the executive producer of Take Me Home, set to premiere in competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.