SeriesFest returns for a blockbuster Season 9

After a bit of a pandemic slowdown, SeriesFest, which celebrates emerging and underserved voices in episodic storytelling, is back bigger and better than ever, over owing with top-notch television viewing for all audiences.

“We’re excited to engage with everybody in the community about all the great stories being told,” said Randi Kleiner, co-founder and CEO of the Denver-based non-pro t. “We’re looking forward to people getting together to be part of great conversations about all the exciting things happening in the industry.”

Running from May 5 through May 10, SeriesFest Season 9 features a wide range of in-competition pilot screenings, panels, workshops and premieres from big studios, including Net ix, Amazon Freevee and Universal Television.

In addition to an array of episode showings, the lineup includes fascinating panels like, “Actors with Disabilities Making eir Mark in Hollywood: What More Needs to be Done,” “ e Art of Adaptation: Beyond the Book” and “Turning Podcasts into Television’s Next Big Hit with Orbit Media.”

As usual, the event wraps up at Red Rocks with a night of special performances — this year the evening features headliner Chelsea Handler and guests Jay Pharoah and Adam Ray. ere will also be a screening of Fox’s “Animal Control,” with star Joel McHale on hand to discuss the show and perform a stand-up set.

Whether audiences attend one of the special events or just catch a screening, they’re in for a television viewing experience that most don’t have — one that features the episodes shown on the big screen and the chance to connect with others.

“So much is happening in the industry right now and that’s what is so exciting,” Kleiner said. “You really have the opportunity to see the shows you love, meet the creators and learn

Coming Attractions

something you didn’t know.”

With so many great options, here are two SeriesFest events audiences shouldn’t miss.

‘Grown’ screening —

Many viewers know Jocko Sims from his roles on shows like “ e Last Ship” and “New Amsterdam.” But for “Grown,” Sims explored the power of storytelling in a di erent way — as executive producer, writer and director.

“I’ve been a creator for pretty much all of my life… and this was something I’ve always wanted to do but didn’t have the time,” he said. “But I took the time and made it a priority and it has been such a ride ever since.” e pilot, which won SXSW’s TV pilot competition, is about 14-year-old Rogelio (Josiah Gabriel), who recently lost his father and is struggling with what it means to be an adult. He and his friends Larry (Tristan-Lee Edwards) and Chaz (Giovanni Cristo ) decide to sneak into a strip club, leading to a reckoning about who Rogelio thinks he is and who he wants to be.

“Grown” will be screened as part of the Independent Pilot Competition: Comedy Block 1 at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, at 6:15 p.m. May 17, and will also be shown to local high school students as part of High School Day.

“Grown’s” participation in the festival is a sort of homecoming for Sims — “New Amsterdam” made its premiere at SeriesFest back in 2018. He’s eager to be back to share a story that means a great deal to him and hopes it connects with viewers, particularly students.

“I’d love for the youth to be inspired in whatever way they can,” Sims said.