At Sundance Film Festival 2026, 11th Hour Productions led the conversation around independent filmmaking, finance, community, and how exactly to get films made. Through industry panels and an active presence throughout the festival, the production company cultivated discussions centered on creativity, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.

Founded in 2020 by Les Enloe, 11th Hour Productions emerged from a deep understanding of the industry’s working culture. Drawing from decades of experience around film sets, Enloe built the company with a focus on respect, education, and thoughtful collaboration. His son, Stephen Enloe, serves as CFO and Producer, bringing his own background in production and a next-generation perspective to the company’s operations. Building on a company name Les Enloe had used for decades, 11th Hour Productions reflects a generational commitment to storytelling and responsible production practices.

This perspective was evident throughout the company’s programming at Sundance 2026.

On Sunday, Enloe joined Panney Wei, award-winning producer and founder of Harpe Ventures; Lindsay Hadley, CEO and cofounder of Harbor Fund; and Stephen Mastrocola, executive producer at Buffalo 8, for The Capital Roadmap: Modern Independent Film Financing. The panel explored how independent films are financed through private equity, tax incentives, pre-sales, and soft money, while also examining what drives investor confidence, distributor interest, and audience engagement.

The conversation centered on how trust, alignment, and care shape lasting financial partnerships. Panelists spoke about building deals with intention, approaching risk thoughtfully, and creating shared vision among everyone invested in a project, from financiers to creatives. Much of the discussion focused on maintaining genuine partnerships grounded in respect and kindness, particularly when those relationships are tied to shared assets.

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On Monday, Enloe moderated The Human Connection: How Film Festivals and In-Person Activations Have Grown in Value. He was joined by Mike McNamara, founder of Festie Bestie; Brynne Norquist, CEO and cofounder of Hiike; Tyler Knohl, CTO and cofounder of Hiike; and producer Crystine Zhang, whose film Josephine recently took home the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and the Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic during the festival. The panel explored how film festivals create space for genuine connection and creative momentum. Speakers reflected on the importance of choosing festivals with intention, emphasizing how thoughtful vetting helps filmmakers protect both their time and resources. In-person moments, shared conversations, and time spent together were framed as catalysts that shape careers, partnerships, and the projects that grow from them.

Together, the panels reflected 11th Hour Productions’ broader approach to filmmaking and transparency in collaborations. The company maintains a genre-agnostic slate that includes narrative features, documentaries, and short-form projects. Across formats, their work centers on empathy, human connection, and stories designed to leave a lasting impression.

At Sundance’s most recent run in Park City, 11th Hour Productions deepened its commitment to conversation, education, and community through the 11th Hour Lodge, which became a cultural living room of the festival. The space welcomed filmmakers, creatives, and industry professionals into ongoing dialogue, learning, and connection, reinforcing an environment shaped by collaboration, intentional storytelling, and genuine industry engagement.

Learn more about 11th Hour Productions here.