Presenting the 2024 Film Independent Changemakers
The Changemaker Awards are back! Now in their second year, the Changemaker Awards spotlight outstanding Film Independent Fellows whose contributions have significantly impacted the entertainment industry and their communities.
This year the award will be presented to Linda Yvette Chávez (Project Involve 2010, Screenwriting Lab 2015), Tze Chun (Project Involve 2008, Fast Track 2010), and Grace Lee (Documentary Lab 2012).
Linda Yvette Chávez, known for her fearless storytelling and inclusive narratives with projects like the Oscar-nominated Flamin’ Hot and the acclaimed Netflix series Gentefied. Tze Chun, a versatile writer, director, and showrunner, has garnered praise for his work on shows like Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, and I’m a Virgo, showcasing his talent and creativity across different genres. Grace Lee, an award-winning documentary director and producer, has grappled with issues like politics and race with works like And She Could Be Next and American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs.
“It is our privilege in Artist Development to nurture and support talented artists early on in their careers. To see them now flourish as storytellers while remaining deeply committed to giving back and mentoring the next generation of artists is exceptionally gratifying,” said Angela C. Lee, Director of Artist Development, “Linda Yvette Chávez, Tze Chun and Grace Lee are the embodiment of what the Changemaker Awards represent and we couldn’t be more thrilled to spotlight their contributions to our community and culture.”
For over three decades, Film Independent’s Artist Development programs have supported filmmakers at all levels of their career, providing them with resources and guidance to navigate the madness that is navigating and thriving in the film industry. With a robust community of over 2,400 Fellows, like Mollye Asher, Shane Boris, Elegance Bratton, Jon M. Chu, Siân Heder, Marvin Lemus, Bing Liu, Billy Luther, LaToya Morgan, Beth Schacter, Justin Simien, Lulu Wang and Chloé Zhao. Film Independent continues to champion creative independence and diversity in filmmaking.
The Artist Development Showcase will feature a curated selection of short films by some seriously talented Film Independent Fellows, as well as the presentation of the 2024 Changemaker Awards. The ceremony and showcase are open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate the future of independent cinema. For more information and registration, click here.
This year’s Artist Development Showcase will include the following films:
Baca, from directors/editors Sam Osborn and Alejandra Vasquez (2020 CNN Docuseries Intensive 2020)
Boys, from cinematographer Kunitaro Ohi (Project Involve 2019)
Grace from writer/director/producer Natalie Jasmine Harris (Fast Track 2022)
Jude from writer/director/producer Jimmy Goldblum (Fast Track 2013) and producer Maddy Askwith (Fast Track 2020)
Make Me a Pizza from cinematographer Vittoria Campaner (Project Involve 2020)
Mara Has Three Jobs in San Juan, Puerto Rico from producer Lauren Lukow (Project Involve 2024)
The Nectar Instead from writer/director/producer Yoo Lee (Project Involve 2021) and editor Mengyao Mia Zhang (Project Involve 2021)
Reframe from writer/director/producer/editor Michael Yuchen Lei (Screenwriting Lab 2017, Documentary Lab 2017, Project Involve 2024)
The Silent Echo from producer/co-writer Bijon Imtiaz (Fast Track 2021).
Film Independent promotes unique independent voices by helping filmmakers create and advance new work. To become a Member of Film Independent, just click here. To support us with a donation, click here.
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