Austin, Texas
November 5th - 9th
FROM THE TEAM BEHIND
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Midsommar
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Hereditary
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Beau Is Afraid
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Eddington
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Writer-director-producer Ari Aster’s debut feature Hereditary, starring Toni Collette, became a critical and box office success hit for A24 in 2018. Aster continued his genre-challenging work for A24 with his 2019 thriller Midsommar, starring Florence Pugh and Jack Reynor, and again in 2023 with Beau is Afraid, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Patti Lapone.
In addition to writing, directing and producing his feature films, Aster along with his producing partner Lars Knudsen, formed their production company Square peg in 2019 to collaborate with a host of fellow auteur filmmakers, including Robert Eggers (The Northman), Kristoffer Borgli (Dream Scenario, The Drama), Guy Maddin and Evan and Galen Johson (Rumours), and Yorgos Lanthimos (Bugonia).
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Lars Knudsen is an award-winning film producer of over 40 films, including Ari Aster’s Hereditary, Midsommar, and Beau is Afraid, Robert Eggers’ The Witch, Mike Mills’ Beginners, and Andrea Arnold’s American Honey. Collaborating with other auteur filmmakers such as Yorgos Lanthimos, Kristoffer Borgli, David Lowery, and Kelly Reichardt, Knudsen has been instrumental in bringing unique and ground-breaking stories to global audiences. As co-founder of Square Peg alongside Ari Aster, Knudsen’s commitment to nurturing bold and compelling storytelling, has established him at the forefront in shaping contemporary cinema.
Upcoming work includes Aster’s Eddington, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward and Lucas Grimes for A24, and Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia, starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons for Focus Features.
Square peg social is a five-day, intimate gathering designed to break down the walls and barriers that too often exist within the film industry. Real connections and mentorship fueled by honest conversations, the event is designed for those who stand out, push boundaries, and feel passionate about shaping the future of cinema.
At Square Peg Social, we want to create a space for many. We celebrate filmmakers whose voices are distinct, whose work carries an unmistakable fingerprint, and whose presence makes the industry a richer, more authentic place. Our mission is simple: to open doors, share stories, and build a stronger, more inclusive creative community from the inside out.
Knudsen and Aster will invite a group of their closest and most trusted collaborators to create an intimate ratio of established industry professionals to attendees. Square Peg Social is an opportunity for more seasoned filmmakers to help and nurture a new generation of filmmakers with unvarnished advice and mentorship in an informal and welcoming setting over a five day period. It's a living, breathing network designed to guide and empower filmmakers as they take their next steps into the industry.
Over five days of meaningful conversations, and creative exchanges, we want to recognize and support the filmmakers who dare to stand out — those who challenge norms, redefine genres, and push creative boundaries. This is a gathering for filmmakers at every stage of their journey: graduate students, first-time filmmakers, and seasoned producers alike — anyone fueled by a lifelong passion for independent film.
Led by Square Peg, the team known for discovering bold and provocative storytelling, Square Peg Social is where the next generation of singular cinematic voices will find their community and their champions.
inaugural 2025 selected filmmakers
writers/DIrectors
Adam Conversano
Alex Bush
Alexander Thompson
Alexandre Singh
Andrew Ondrejcak
Boma Iluma
Christine Yuan
Conor McCormick
Dezi Gallegos
Grant Conversano
Henry Bernsen
Jamie Hawkesworth
Joshua Locy
Lucy Knox
Matthew Saville
Michael Godere
Natalie Musteata
Nathan Ginter
Neil Ferron
Oliver Bernsen
Oz Go
Pepi Ginsberg
Rachel Dunkel
Sam Mandich
So Young Shelly Yo
Wesley Wang
producers
Alex Bendo
Eli Raskin
Haley Johnson
Harris Mayersohn
Ivy Freeman-Attwood
Kenza Berrada Amor
Sally Oh
Shao Min Chew Chia
Yona Strauss
2025 Industry Collaborators
writers/Directors
Ari Aster
Arkasha Stevenson
Tim Smith
Henry Dunham
Micheal Sarnoski
Alex Scharfman
Producers:
Lars Knudsen
Emily Hildner
Alex Orlovsky
sara murphy
Toby Halbrooks
Anish Savjani
Ann Raurk
Harrison Huffman
Alejandro De Leon
Industry Professionals
Noah Sacco
Sam Hanson
Matthew Greenfield
Jennifer Venditti
Janet Pierson
Jacob Epstein
Brennan O'donnell
Anita Surendan
Roger Green
Ross Wiggins
Pete Thorell
Elliott Hostetter
Ellen Chenoweth
summary of events
Square Peg Social kicks off on Thursday, November 5th with guest arrivals and a welcome social. Friday features a film screening followed by a Q&A with the department heads and creatives involved with the film, director-producer chats, and a group dinner. Saturday is dedicated to industry networking, with casual Q&As, a wide ranging span of panel like events, and an evening dinner and afterparty. Sunday and Monday are loosely scheduled with "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) sessions, including Square Peg’s closest collaborators, or request one-on-one meetings with specific guests, mentors, or creative partners participating in the final day. The goal is to create a flexible format that supports the unique goals and needs of each individual attendee. We will also have a surprise screening made in collaboration with Square Peg from last years event.
*SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO MODIFICATION
Submissions
Rather than a traditional "pitch" or resume-heavy application, we ask for materials that reflect the applicant’s voice inspiration and creative intent.
Personal Statement (around 500 words in the cover letter section of the filmfreeway application)
A brief letter telling us who you are, what drives you as a filmmaker, and why you want to be part of Square Peg Social. Be honest, be raw — this isn’t about polish, it’s about perspective.
Creative Sample
A short film (completed or in-progress)
work-in-progress reel
A scene or excerpt from a feature
A written excerpt (script or treatment, up to 5 pages)
Or something unconventional that reflects your creative identity
Short Film Script
Feature Film Script
A creative deck (or pitch deck) this is a visual and narrative document that presents your project in a compelling and emotionally engaging way.
If sending screener for consideration via online screener: Please use your submission platforms interface (FilmFreeway) and allow screeners to be downloaded and available for playback. Vimeo statistics may be inaccurate as we download the films to view.
Interview / Follow-up (if needed)
In some cases, we may request a short Zoom conversation — not an interview in the traditional sense, but a casual chat to get a feel for alignment and intentions.
Please Note: Selected attendees will be responsible for covering their own travel and accommodations however we are working on securing funding to cover accommodations for this years event. All other aspects of the experience will be fully covered. We will also be offering discounted room rates to help offset lodging costs.
