FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Seanna Hore, Ginsberg/Libby
seanna.hore@ginsberglibby.com

Gladys Santos, Ginsberg/Libby
gladys.santos@ginsberglibby.com
 

LOS ANGELES (July 21, 2021) — Film Independent, the nonprofit arts org that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, announced today the creation of the MPAC Hollywood Bureau Writing Fellowship, providing a $10,000 grant to a writer who identifies as American-Muslim and is accepted into any of the upcoming 2022 programs: the Film Independent Screenwriting Lab, Episodic Lab or Project Involve, the organization’s long-running signature diversity and mentorship program.

Film Independent Artist Development programs promote unique independent voices by helping filmmakers create and advance new work. This includes providing over one million dollars annually to visual storytellers through grants and awards. Past Film Independent Artist Development Fellows include Chloé Zhao, Justin Simien, Jon M. Chu, Sian Heder, Lulu Wang, Andrew Ahn, Effie T. Brown and more.

“Film Independent and MPAC have a long relationship and a shared commitment to nurturing talented filmmakers from the American Muslim community,” said Josh Welsh, Film Independent President. “We’re thrilled to build on that relationship with the launch of the the MPAC Hollywood Bureau Writing Fellowship.”

“MPAC’s Hollywood Bureau is thrilled to partner with Film Independent on this paid fellowship for a talented Muslim screenwriter. For over ten years, Film Independent has championed the inclusion of Muslim creative voices, from advising our Hollywood Summit delegates to this partnership that is a key piece in institutionalizing our screenwriting labs. We cannot thank them enough for their tireless efforts toward full inclusion of voices that have been historically excluded from their own narratives in the industry,” says Sue Obeidi, Director, MPAC’s Hollywood Bureau. “We hope the eventual recipient of this fellowship will go on to create authentic characters and stories that elevate perceptions of our communities.”

For more information on applying for grants, awards and Artist Development programs, please contact Angela C. Lee, Associate Director of Artist Development, at alee@filmindependent.org.

Additional information on applying for grants and awards, including the MPAC Hollywood Bureau Writing Fellowship, can be found at https://www.filmindependent.org/programs/grants-and-awards/.
 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is the nonprofit arts organization that champions creative independence in visual storytelling and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff and constituents is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a Member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional or a film lover.

In addition to producing the Spirit Awards, Film Independent produces Film Independent Presents, a year-round screening series for its members that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.

Through annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent’s Artist Development program offers free labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.

For more information or to become a Member, visit filmindependent.org.
 

ABOUT MPAC’S HOLLYWOOD BUREAU

The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)’s Hollywood Bureau changes the narrative of Islam and Muslims in the entertainment industry so that audiences see Muslims as vital contributors to creating social and cultural change in America and around the world. We do this by engaging decision makers and creatives to improve the quality of authentic, nuanced and inclusive presentations of Islam and Muslims. We also create opportunities for Muslim storytellers to tell their own stories. Visit www.mpachollywoodbureau.org.