You are invited to join us for a celebration and screening of the 2024 Project Involve short films. Film Independent is proud to present these six shorts, which are the culmination of the most recent edition of Project Involve. We will also be introducing our 2025 PI cohort.

Entering its 32nd year, Project Involve is our longest-running Artist Development program, dedicated to empowering filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds. We’re honored be a leader in the push to create a more inclusive and equitable industry. Join us in shaping the future by making a donation today.
 
The 2024 Project Involve Short Films and Fellows are:

#1 Bad Dad

A jaded ex-supervillain is visited by his long-lost daughter and learns what being a father is all about.

Director: Natalie Camou
Writer: Kyle Selby
Producer: Bofan Zhang
Executive Producer: Shakera Robinson
Cinematographer: Karissa Leicht
Editor: Augustine So

A Violent Noise

A troubled musician mourning the loss of his brother tries to finish one of their songs.

Writer/Director: Michael Yuchen Lei
Producer: Philip Yuzhong Ge
Executive Producer: Ciao Xinyu Zhao
Cinematographer: Joewi Verhoeven
Editor: Shay Xueyi Yang

Deep Dish Dimples

When a black trans man goes to bury a body, he’s confronted with his past identity.

Director: Manuel Villarreal
Writer: NOVA CYPRESS BLACK
Producer: Josh Olaoluwa
Executive Producer: Brandon Diep Bui
Cinematographer: Angelia Sciulli
Editor: Israel Vasquez

Dormilón

In a quest to become the performer of his dreams, Dormilón, a starry-eyed and middle-aged janitor living in an abandoned theater, must confront his nightmares face-to-face.

Writer/Director/Animator: Olivia Marie Valdez
Lead Animator: Sydney Mills
Producer: Katherine Martinez DeLeón
Executive Producers: Brandon Diep Bui, Imani Davis (2023 PI Fellow)
Cinematographer: S. Lakmé Iyengar
Editor: Tiffany Lin

Just Wait

A young wife fights to be heard by her husband as a hurricane rages outside their house and danger lurks inside.

Director: Blaine Morris
Writer: Julia Elizabeth Evans
Producer: Fabiola Andrade, Brian Grisby (2020 PI Fellow)
Executive Producer: Shakera Robinson
Cinematographer: Wenting Fisher (2023 PI Fellow)
Editor: Shannon C. Griffin

Mosh

A desperate father struggles to bond with his son while taking him to a concert for his birthday.

Director: Portlynn Tagavi
Writer: Harim Sanchez
Producer: Lauren Lukow
Executive Producer: Ciao Xinyu Zhao
Cinematographer: Jeremy Brockman
Editor: Olivia Eliseo
 

Registration Information

Film Lover and Secret (shhh…) Members receive priority entry at this event. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

All Film Independent Members and the general public can register for this event starting at 5:00 pm on Thursday, December 5. | Registration is free; one registration per individual.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registered Members may pick up tickets as early as 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may not enter the venue without the Member/individual who registered them present. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

Masks are optional. This is subject to change as we continue to monitor public health guidance.

The Directors Guild of America provides several levels of free, secure underground parking on site. Enter via Hayworth.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per individual, per event.

Registrants are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.