As part of Genesis House and The Gotham Film & Media Institute’s inaugural shorts fellowship program, three emerging New York City-based filmmakers have been chosen to receive $10,000, including Shanice Brette (“Mumma”), Annie Ning (“The Only Man to Ever Exist”) and April Wen (“A Natural History”). In addition to the stipend going toward finishing funds for their narrative shorts, the three chosen filmmakers will receive specialized one-on-one mentorship sessions, access to Genesis House programming and events, industry screenings and panels during Gotham Week, and networking opportunities with established filmmakers. “These filmmakers embody the kind of bold creativity and fresh perspective that Genesis House was created to champion,”Genesis Motor North America’s chief operating officer Tedros Mengiste stated in an official statement.
“Through this fellowship, we’re proud to support emerging storytellers at a pivotal moment in their creative journey while fostering a community where ambitious ideas, meaningful collaboration and new voices can thrive.” This year’s mentors include“Dìdi”director Sean Wang,“All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt”director Raven Jackson,“Madeline’s Madeline”director Josephine Decker and Authentic Brands Group producer Matthew Gross. “By pairing these emerging filmmakers with distinguished mentors, we’re providing additional resources at a pivotal moment in the filmmaking process,”Gotham Film & Media Institute’s executive director Jeffrey Sharp added in an official statement.
“We’re proud to partner with Genesis House on an initiative that reflects our shared commitment to expanding opportunity and elevating distinctive voices in film and media.” The fellowship recipients were marked at a cocktail event on July 22 at Genesis House in Manhattan.