You’re invited to join us for the presentation of the 2024 Changemaker Awards and Artist Development Showcase, which includes a curated program of short films from Fellows who’ve been supported through various Film Independent Labs and Programs. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers, moderated by 2023 Project Involve Programming Fellow Imani Davis.

The Changemaker Award, presented annually to outstanding Film Independent Fellows, exemplifies Film Independent Artist Development’s mission to champion independent voices and create impactful, positive change by highlighting individuals whose work has made a wide-reaching impact on the industry and in their communities.
 

The Films

Baca
Directors/Editors; Sam Osborn, Alejandra Vasquez (2020 CNN Docuseries Intensive 2020)

When the activist painter Judy Baca conceived The Great Wall of Los Angeles in 1975 as a monument to the history of indigenous peoples in California, she didn’t realize that she was embarking on a 50-year journey that would employ 400 youth painters and amount to one of the largest murals on the planet.
 
Boys
Cinematographer, Kunitaro Ohi (Project Involve 2019)

A young man explores himself through alternate realities in this narrative music video for Cereus Bright.
 
Grace
Writer/Director/Producer, Natalie Jasmine Harris (Fast Track 2022)

Sixteen-year-old Grace prepares for her baptism in the rural 1950’s South. When she learns she must repent before the ritual, Grace contemplates her romantic feelings toward her best friend Louise.
 
Jude
Writer/Director/Producer, Jimmy Goldblum (Fast Track 2013); Producer, Maddy Askwith (Fast Track 2020)

14-year-old Cindy Stoat desperately longs for a better life, and she may have found one in the home of her mysterious neighbor.
 
Make Me a Pizza
Cinematographer, Vittoria Campaner (Project Involve 2020)

BORED HOUSEWIFE seduces HOT PIZZA GUY for free pizza, but is desire worth $29.99?
 
Mara Has Three Jobs in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Producer, Lauren Lukow (Project Involve 2024)

After the loss of her father, a young woman takes on a third job to make ends meet in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
 
The Nectar Instead
Writer/Director/Producer, Yoo Lee (Project Involve 2021); Editor, Mengyao Mia Zhang (Project Involve 2021)

A young fly gets trapped in the fly trap in the stop-motion studio, only to have the existential realization that it spent its entire life chasing after the wrong thing.
 
Reframe
Writer/Director/Producer/Editor, Michael Yuchen Lei (Screenwriting Lab 2017, Documentary Lab 2017, Project Involve 2024)

A broken car window leads to a confrontation that spirals into unforeseen consequences.
 
The Silent Echo
Producer/Co-Writer, Bijon Imtiaz (Fast Track 2021)

Four teenagers from a remote mountain village spend their days in an abandoned bus on a ridge, playing music. When a band competition is organized in a neighboring town, they gather money and courage needed to be part of it.
 
 
For over 30 years, Film Independent Artist Development has been supporting talented creators who provide fresh voices and diverse perspectives to independent film and television by connecting filmmakers to the resources and networks they need to advance their projects and build sustainable careers. Film Independent Fellows, who have been selected to participate in Artist Development and Global Media Makers programs, are recognized around the world for their artistry and changing the cultural landscape through their work. Today, we are proud to have built a robust community of over 2,400 Film Independent Fellows, including Mollye Asher, Shane Boris, Elegance Bratton, Linda Yvette Chávez, Jon M. Chu, Jomo Fray, Siân Heder, Bing Liu, LaToya Morgan, Lulu Wang and Chloé Zhao.
 

Registration Information

Film Lover Members are guaranteed access to, and 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 6:00 pm PT on Wednesday, July 3. | 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 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 DGA Theater provides several levels of secure underground parking on site.
 

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.

Attendees 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.