ViewerCon 2026: a weekend of creators, filmmakers, and community builders

Selena Mosley · Inside The Impact

4 MINUTE READ

Selena Mosley with her camera on the ViewerCon 2026 red carpet

ViewerCon 2026 media pass held above a camera

My ViewerCon recap

Normally you’re at home, on a flight, or on a train watching the latest season of your favorite show, feeling every emotion each episode throws at you. Then the season ends, the credits roll, and you move on to the next one. Rarely do you get the chance to ask the creators and cast why certain decisions were made, what happened behind the scenes, or what’s coming next.

ViewerCon changed that.

So, here’s how it went.

ViewerCon started the night before with a scenic drive from Boston to Newark, New Jersey. After checking into my hotel, I made sure all my camera batteries were charged, my gear was ready to go, and then got some much-needed sleep before the big day.

The next morning, I headed over to NJPAC, and the moment my pinky toe crossed the doorway, the sky absolutely opened up. It was some of the heaviest rain I’d seen in a long time — it was crazy. And unfortunately, I hadn’t packed my flatiron, so I had to make a quick dash inside before my blowout transformed into an unintentional half-curly, half-straight up-do.

From the moment I walked in, I was warmly welcomed by the ViewerCon team, pointed toward check-in, handed my media pass, and off I went.

One of the first things I noticed was the diversity in the room. People of different cultures, ages, and backgrounds had all gathered in one place because of a shared love for storytelling. What resonated with me even more was being surrounded by so many Black and brown creatives. That’s not something I get to experience often, and there was something incredibly special about being in community with people who looked like me — whether they were just beginning their creative journey or had been in the industry for years. ViewerCon felt like a space where everyone belonged, and I have a feeling I wasn’t the only person who felt that way.

Throughout the day, we moved between the Main Stage and the “Standing on Business” room, while a marketplace of vendors showcased everything from fashion and beauty to community organizations and creative businesses. We heard from the cast of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Joy Reid, Taye Diggs, Bevy Smith, and many more. The day concluded with an exclusive first fan screening of Fightland, the highly anticipated new STARZ drama from executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.

Every session offered something valuable, but the one that stayed with me most was The Future of Storytelling with Taye Diggs & Microhouse Films, featuring Taye Diggs (Actor & Co-Founder), Troy Brookins (Co-Founder & CEO), Shelby Stone (Producer & Co-Founder), and moderated by Chris Witherspoon.

The Impact Behind Microhouse Films

Latest Inside The Impact coverage, Microhouse Films featuring Taye Diggs — Actor and Co-Founder, Shelby Stone — Producer and Co-Founder, Microhouse Films and Troy Brookins — Co-Founder & CEO, Microhouse Films.

“What excited me is the ability to tell a variety of stories with new storytellers and seasoned storytellers that you don’t necessarily get.”
Shelby Stone — Producer and Co-Founder, Microhouse Films

Why ViewerCon Matters

ViewerCon gave viewers something we rarely get: a behind-the-scenes seat.

It created space for conversations that don’t happen through a television screen — networking with creators, learning directly from actors and filmmakers, asking questions, exchanging ideas, and building genuine connections. Being surrounded by experienced storytellers, advisors, producers, and creatives made the “what if?” feel a little more attainable.

You didn’t just leave with behind-the-scenes stories.

You left believing there might be a place for your own story, too.

All in all, I truly enjoyed my time at ViewerCon, and I’m already looking forward to seeing how it continues to grow. Cheers!