SeriesFest, the annual television event held in Denver, has wrapped up its tenth iteration with the announcement of winners in its pilot competition. The festival drew in independent creators from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of stories and talent. Among the winners were Shazia Javed with her drama pilot, “Potluck Ladies,” and Jesse Toledano’s comedy pilot, “Broken Toilets.”
“Potluck Ladies” follows the lives of Sumaira, Azra, and Ruby, three women living in “The Wives Condos” in Toronto while their husbands work abroad. These women find solace in weekly potluck lunches, where they can escape the loneliness of immigrant life. However, as their facades start to crumble, they must lean on each other for support and vulnerability. The pilot, written and directed by Javed, stars Natasha Krishnan, Elisa Moolecherry, and Kavita Musty.
On the comedy side, “Broken Toilets” takes a different approach to storytelling. Directed and written by Jesse Toledano, the pilot follows the story of Yossi Klein, a Hassidic man with a secret love for hip hop. While managing his father-in-law’s buildings in a low-income neighborhood in NYC, Yossi meets two aspiring hip hop artists who he forms an unlikely musical trio with. The pilot stars Luzer Twersky and Dede Lovelace.
The winners of the SeriesFest pilot competition showcase the diversity and range of stories being told by independent creators. From exploring immigrant life in Toronto to the intersection of hip hop culture and Hassidic Judaism in New York City, these pilots offer fresh perspectives and unique voices in television.
SeriesFest CEO and Co-Founder, Randi Kleiner, expressed the festival’s dedication to championing independent artists. With ten successful seasons, SeriesFest has provided a platform for up-and-coming creators to showcase their work to industry professionals and audiences alike. The festival serves as an outlet for amplifying diverse voices and sharing innovative projects with the world.
SeriesFest continues to be a vital space for celebrating independent creators and their groundbreaking work in television. The winning pilots exemplify the festival’s commitment to diversity, creativity, and storytelling. As the television landscape evolves, platforms like SeriesFest play a crucial role in uplifting and supporting the next generation of storytellers.