Austin, Texas
October 23rd - 26th
FROM THE TEAM BEHIND
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Midsommar
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The Northman
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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 four-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 30 of their closest and most trusted collaborators to create a one-to-one 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 intimate setting over a four day period. It's a living, breathing network designed to guide and empower filmmakers as they take their next steps within the industry.
Over four days of meaningful conversations, creative exchanges, and shared meals, 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.
summary of events
Square Peg Social kicks off on Thursday, October 23rd with guest arrivals and a welcome social.
Friday features a screening of an Ari Aster film followed by a Q&A with the department heads and creatives involved with the film, director-producer speed dating, and a group dinner.
Saturday is dedicated to industry networking, with casual Q&As, a high-profile music-in-film panel, and an evening dinner and afterparty. The event concludes Sunday with a dynamic "Pitch Day" or "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session, where attendees can either present their projects to top financiers—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.
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 (500 words max)
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 (choose one)
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.
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 lodging accommodations for the event. All other aspects of the experience will be fully covered. We will also be offering discounted room rates to help offset lodging costs.
