Joslyn Jensen, Writer - Funny Bunny

Josh has a wealth of experience and excellent taste. He is the rare consultant that is as good at creative decision making as he is knowledgeable about the ins and outs of film festival programming. I truly believe Josh's supportive presence improves every film that he works on.

Milan Chakraborty, Producer - My Friend Dahmer

I met Josh over 10 years ago in Park City. The whole time I've know him he's been a great champion of independent film and filmmakers. His diverse experience makes him a complete producer from development, to production, to film festivals and distribution.

Mikey Murray, Director - Mind-set

I've been working with Josh for nearly 20 years. His advice has been key part in the progression of my film career.

Keith Miller, Director - Welcome to Pine Hill

Josh Mandel brings so much passion, sensitivity and film world knowledge to the process of making movies. It's great to work with someone who cares about the filmmakers they work with and the films they create the way that Josh does.

Nathan Silver, Director - Thirst Street

Josh is a total cinema lover, tremendous resource, and absolute champion of all those lucky enough to work with him. He goes above and beyond to help filmmakers navigate the treacherous waters of the movie industry. 

Michael Curtis Johnson, Director - Savage Youth

I admire Josh: his own projects and his curation work. He scours the planet for the most daring and thought-provoking movies and filmmakers, seeking out talented people to champion and work with who push boundaries and challenge conventions.  With a keen eye for mischievous content and a deep love of independent movies, Josh is committed to films that deserve to be seen. At Slamdance, Josh has brought together audiences and filmmakers, creating a community of cinephiles who appreciate the power of motion pictures to inspire, provoke, and connect. He's given his life to film. His commitment to the craft has made him a trusted figure in the global film community. He's bold. It's like Bresson says, filmmaking "...is a military art. Prepare a film like battle." Josh is a soldier of cinema. You want to go to war with him. 

Adam Natale, Director - SVA Theatre at the School of Visual Arts

Josh knows the industry, and has provided invaluable advice to newly-graduated filmmakers from our programs.  He's a tremendous connector with an incredible network, and shares his time and knowledge generously.  I have great respect for his work as a film festival programmer and producer, and often seek out his recommendations.  The projects he's working on and filmmakers he's working with are always those to keep an eye on. 

Carl Lucas, Writer - The Old Way

To call Josh Mandel’s knowledge of the world of independent cinema ‘encyclopedic’ doesn’t do him justice.  If you’re planning a festival run for your film, I can’t think of a better weapon to have.

Matthew Campbell, Artistic Director - Denver Film

Josh is a consummate professional within the film and tv industry. Acutely attuned to the contemporary landscape of indie production, Josh possesses excellent taste in identifying and shepherding quality storytelling. 

Craig Parish - Warner Bros. Discovery/Spectrum Originals

Having known Josh professionally for almost 2 decades, his sharp business acumen and deep understanding of Industry trends, never fails to impress. Whether he be acting as Producer, Content Curator, or Rebrand Strategist, Josh is keenly aware how best to maximize assets and revenue streams for the benefit of consumer growth. Be warned: Josh Mandel always arrives early, with his A game and challenges his peers to do the same. 

Michael Repsch, President - Dark Star Pictures

Having worked with Josh on several different projects over the years, I can say with certainty that he is the type of producer that can be considered a distributor's dream. He is efficient, professional, knowledgeable of the process from both sides and a real pleasure to communicate with in general. Seeing that Josh is involved with a feature gives me a level of confidence in not only the quality of film that will be delivered, but also in the partnership/collaboration with the filmmaking team that is so important to the distribution process. 

Precious Chong, Writer - Homewrecker

Josh is a huge asset to an independent film production, savvy, professional, and astute, he'll bring his passion and expertise to the project. He took our low low budget passion project to the next level (prestige film festivals and distribution on Amazon and Shudder).

Christina Kallas, Director - Paris is in Harlem

Josh is a creative producer who understands legal and financial matters: a combination that is rare. He came on board as producer of my feature film Paris is in Harlem after having programmed my film The Rainbow Experiment for Slamdance Breakouts and remaining its loyal champion throughout its international festival career and distribution. Having him in my corner as producer from the start allowed me to concentrate on my process as a writer-director and to prepare in the best possible way for what was a real challenge: a film entirely shot with a steadicam with live music performances and an improvisational feel in the performances, which we ended up having to post produce during the Covid shutdown. Josh worked tirelessly to protect the integrity of the project and to protect me from any pressures and compromises, and was always there to listen and talk, respectfully and knowledgeably. What’s more, he is a kind, honest and honorable person, a mensch. A true champion of cinema, and I am spoilt for having worked with him. 

Matthew Miller, Producer/Co-Writer - BlackBerry

Josh is a terrific asset to any project.  His knowledge and experience in the independent world and studio system gives him a unique position to offer perspective on both worlds.  He is a positive, determined and level-headed guide throughout any production, and I’d cherish the opportunity to collaborate with Josh once again. 

Blake Robbins, Director - The Sublime and Beautiful

I first met Josh in 2014 when my film The Sublime and Beautiful played Slamdance Film Festival, almost 10 years ago now...If you're reading this- here is why I think you should be so lucky to get to work with Josh. Two foundational reasons. He's about a good a person as you're ever gonna meet. And that shouldn't be lost in all of this - Josh might blush or squirm at the notion, but he's truly a great fucking guy with about as much character as anyone you're ever gonna meet. The other foundational reason - I truly have never met anyone with a greater understanding and appreciation for the history of cinema. After my film played Slamdance I began to help with programming and soon realized over those 6 or 7 years that nobody, I mean nobody has seen more movies than Josh, can discuss them more eloquently or understand more precisely how each film fits into the history of cinema as a whole. So when you put those two things together you have in Josh a remarkably gifted resource as described so well by all the other glowing recommendations on this page. And I'll leave with this I wish more than anything that I was currently making a film with Josh what better endorsement can there be? 

Paul Taylor, Director - Driftwood

After premiering my directorial debut feature at the Slamdance Film Festival I had no idea what to do next, where to go, or who to contact, if anyone. I was lost. I was confused. I was green as hell. Enter Josh Mandel who patiently fielded all of my questions and concerns, providing professional, practical guidance and support while shepherding me through the elusive, ever-evolving industry that is independent filmmaking. 

Joji Koyama, Director - Kuro

Josh is an exemplary cineaste and a tireless champion of independent filmmakers. His enthusiasm, warmth and incredible generosity of spirit are a true gift. 

Serge Abiaad, Director of Sales - La Distributrice de Films

Josh has been a great champion of our films since we started corresponding for Slamdance about 10 years ago.  I tend to call him the Flash of programmers as he is always prompt to reply. I’m proud to call him an ally, and have been the beneficiary, on many occasions, of his acute feedbacks and tireless support.” 

Nate Bolotin, Partner - XYZ Films

I met Josh at UCLA in graduate school in 2005, a few years before I co-founded XYZ Films. I immediately recognized his impeccable taste and passion for film and tv. Josh would constantly bring to my attention emerging talent out of the festival world in part due to his senior programming role at the Slamdance Film Festival, including filmmakers like Matt Johnson (BlackBerry) who were just starting out. He knew how to spot great storytellers. I also had the pleasure of working with Josh on projects that he produced, which were always impressive. His expert knowledge of the independent film sector coupled with a vast network of valuable relationships enables Josh to be influential and make a positive impact on the projects and the people he works with. 

Heather Young, Director - Murmur

I met Josh in 2020 when I attended Slamdance with my first feature film. He was extremely welcoming and made me feel like I belonged there. He is a passionate supporter of independent cinema and makes the filmmakers he works with feel truly valued. 

Ania Trzebiatowska, Programmer - Sundance Film Festival

I met Josh a very long time ago and quickly realized that he’s a real gem of a person. He’s a cinephile and a curious soul, always on the lookout for exciting new voices. But he’s also one of the most diligent, organized and reliable producers I know, a true champion of the artists he chooses to work with. Whenever he recommended a film to me, I always knew I had to pay attention or else I would be missing out. But most importantly: he’s a lovely and generous human being, a rare combination of talent and a great personality. Anyone would be lucky to have him on their team.

Ben Umstead, Producer - Tormenting the Hen

Whether it’s navigating the business matters of production and distribution or playing in the nuances of cinematic storytelling, Josh Mandel is a sage. Filmmaking is not a vocation or career for him. It is his passion. It is of his spirit. 

Paul Rachman, Co-Founder - Slamdance Film Festival; Director/Producer - American Hardcore

I have been programming independent and emerging directors' films with Josh at Slamdance for more than 10 years. His deep critical insight to story, style and new talent is unmatched. He has a keen eye for films and filmmakers with a vision and a voice who will have an impact and a career in the very treacherous but precious landscape of indie cinema in which he is a fantastic navigator. Paul Rachman, Co-Founder Slamdance Film Festival,