2025 UMFF Distributor panel

Universe Multicultural Film Festival--2025
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 2025 Universe Multicultural Film Festival Distribution Panel 

TOPICS:

Film distribution is changing day by day,there’s no one model for the trajectory of a feature film’s release. This panel is about:
- what is working and what is not
- What’s the best marketing strategy to ensure a successful release
- How can enterprising filmmakers get the edge on distribution
- Find the best release strategy and marketing plans 

 
Time: 12:30-2:00PM; June 22, 2025
Location: Meeting room at CSTV Theater( 11455 Burbank BlvdNorth HollywoodCA 91601) Admission by  Panel Pass.


The Panel Speakers

Larry C Layfield - Distributor

Larry is a highly accomplished figure within the film industry, renowned for his extensive experience and successes as a lead producer. Notably, he recently achieved acclaim with "The Night They Came Home," a compelling western that premiered in theaters this January and is distributed by Lionsgate. Currently, he is poised for further achievement with his upcoming feature, "Killing Mary Sue," starring Dermot Mulroney, which is slated for distribution this year. With a distinguished career spanning both production and line production roles, Larry has demonstrated exceptional proficiency, securing distribution deals with industry giants such as Universal, Sony, Amazon, and Netflix. His adeptness in talent acquisition is evident in his collaborations with esteemed actors including Danny Trejo, Vinnie Jones, Zachary Levi, Billy Zane, Bruce Dern, Martin Kove, and, most recently, Dermot Mulroney, underscoring his ability to assemble top-tier talent for his projects.

 

Peter Spirer - Director/Producer/Distributor

Peter Spirer is the Academy Award- and Emmy-nominated director and producer behind Rugged Entertainment and One Bowl Productions. His acclaimed work includes over 30 films, with two premiering at Sundance. Feature credits include Just Another Day and Dunsmore. His documentary catalog features Rhyme and Reason (named one of Rolling Stone's 40 greatest music docs), Notorious B.I.G.: Bigger Than LifeThe Legend of 420, and the BEEF series with QD3.

Spirer's Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation—about the Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse Team—is permanently exhibited at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian. Sacheen: Breaking the Silence honors Native activist Sacheen Littlefeather's historic Oscar moment.

Expanding into distribution, he executive produced Queen MimiBurlesque: Heart of the Glitter Tribe, and Who the F**k Is That Guy?, later launching Rugged Releasing to distribute social justice–themed films like Disarm Hate and Bob and the Monster. His current project, Sign of the Times, explores iconic rock billboards on the Sunset Strip, featuring Roger Daltrey, Paul Stanley, and others. Raised in Georgia and Florida, Spirer studied at the University of Miami and lives in Hollywood with his family. He is active in local civic efforts including the Rotary Club and bike safety advocacy through WeHo Byco.

 

Michelle Alexandria - Distributor/Film Financier

Michelle Alexandria is an LA native who began her career in finance at a young age, serving as Finance Director for Jaguar Cars before transitioning into entertainment. While studying acting at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, she developed a passion for film and later pursued film production and distribution at UCLA. Her strong business acumen quickly made her a sought-after advisor in film financing, development, and distribution.

Michelle has produced several successful films, including First Dog—a Redbox hit starring Eric Roberts and Pricilla Barnes—and the award-winning A Life Lived with Denise Richards and Jennifer Taylor. Her recent work includes the romantic dance comedy Ask Me to Dance (2023). In addition to producing, she has served as Head of Sales & Acquisitions for distribution companies and continues to represent films internationally.

She is a regular presence at major festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, and AFM, and is frequently invited to speak on panels, including the Cannes Marché du Film Producers Network. Michelle recently launched her own company, Light Year Pictures, focusing on action, sci-fi, and family-friendly films. With deep industry knowledge and global connections, she remains a valuable figure in the entertainment world.

Jean-François Cavelier - Distributor

Originally from Paris, France, Jean-François Cavelier has more than 30 years’ experience in domestic and international film sales and distribution. He is known among his peers for his strong communication skills and for his relationship-building ability. He held the position of Domestic & International Distribution Consultant for Comerica Bank (Los Angeles), Liberty International (Los Angeles), Pueblo (Geneva, Switzerland), and Syrena (Warsaw, Poland).

Cavelier has been active over the past twenty years in the acquisition and production of media content in Mainland China, Latin America, and Europe as well as in the distribution of Hollywood content to the global markets. He also acted as a producer for the biggest budget feature film ever produced in China, Air Strike, a WW2 epic film, negotiating the hiring of Bruce Willis and Mel Gibson respectively as Lead Actor and Consultant to the Chinese Director. Recently, Cavelier was the co-producer of “Wonders of the Sea”, a feature documentary narrated by Arnold Schwarzenegger and directed by Jean-Michel Cousteau. He is active in the protection of the environment and marine sustainability through the documentary films he represents.

With his production and consulting company Gallico Media, he works with talented producers, screenwriters, and directors. Cavelier also consults with and lectures on a regular basis to filmmakers and producers about the business of film and television distribution – a side of the industry with which most are not familiar.