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

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

LOS ANGELES (August 7, 2024) — Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization celebrating 40 years of the Film Independent Spirit Awards, announced today the expansion of the MPAC Hollywood Bureau Fellowship, providing a $10,000 grant to a filmmaker who identifies as American Muslim and is accepted into any of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs. The MPAC Hollywood Bureau Fellowship previously focused on supporting American Muslim writers participating in Film Independent’s Screenwriting Lab, Episodic Lab and Project Involve, and has been awarded to Azza Malik, Sarah Mokh and Karina Dandashi.

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, Siân Heder, Bing Liu, LaToya Morgan, Beth Schacter, Justin Simien, Lulu Wang and Chloé Zhao.

“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 this relationship with this expansion of the MPAC Hollywood Bureau Fellowship across all our Artist Development programs, encouraging American Muslim filmmakers across fiction and nonfiction – writers, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers and executives – to consider applying to our programs.”

“MPAC’s Hollywood Bureau is thrilled to partner with Film Independent on this fourth annual paid fellowship for a talented Muslim filmmaker. For over ten years, Film Independent has championed the inclusion of Muslim creative voices, from advising our Hollywood Summit delegates to this partnership. 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 Artist Development at artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org.

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

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

For 40 years, Film Independent has helped filmmakers get their projects made and seen. The nonprofit organization’s core mission is to champion creative independence in visual storytelling in all its forms, and to foster a culture of inclusion. We support a global community of artists and audiences who embody diversity, innovation, curiosity and uniqueness of vision.

In addition to producing the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the organization supports creative professionals with Artist Development programs, grants and labs. Signature mentorship program Project Involve fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from underrepresented communities. Education events and workshops equip filmmakers of all ages and experience levels with tools and resources. Global Media Makers, a cultural exchange program produced in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, provides career-building opportunities for international film professionals. And year-round screening series Film Independent Presents offers a robust program of unique cinematic experiences, including screenings, conversations, Live Reads and Bring the Noise musical events.

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.