Filmmakers to Spend Three Weeks with Non-profit Arts Organization Film Independent, Learning in Hollywood
Los Angeles, CA – (December __, 2023) – The Golden Globe Foundation (Foundation) today announced the renewal of the Residency Fellowships to filmmakers participating in the Biennale College section of the Venice International Film Festival in collaboration with Film Independent. The program aims to educate and foster the filmmakers’ professional development through a three-week residency in Los Angeles. Three directors from Hungary, Italy and Mexico selected by the Biennale College section of the Venice International Film Festival will travel to Los Angeles in 2024.
“We are pleased to renew this exciting fellowship program in collaboration with Film Independent and the Venice International Film Festival to give young filmmakers a wonderful opportunity to learn from established filmmakers and develop the connections to help launch their professional careers,” said Earl Gibson III, Board Chair of the Golden Globe Foundation. “Film Independent has extensive experience in organizing cultural exchange and artist development programs with a particular focus on international filmmakers and we are thrilled to partner with them again to bring this residency program to life.”
In addition to the Biennale College filmmakers, the program will also bring together three talented women directors from India, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, selected by the Foundation and Film Independent to provide a broader international perspective to the cohort.
During their stay in Hollywood, all participants in the residency will be paired with individual mentors – who are respected filmmakers in the industry – to help hone their skills. They will also be given the opportunity to showcase their work, as well as attend screenings and education events hosted by Film Independent. Lastly, they will be invited to attend the Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 25, 2024. “The Venice International Film Festival welcomes the continuation of the Golden Globe Foundation Residency Fellowship and the commitment of the Foundation to support international filmmakers,” said Alberto Barbera, Director of the Venice International Film Festival. “The Foundation’s philanthropy supports the growth of young filmmakers and serves as a vital bridge between Hollywood and the rest of the global film industry.”
The residency experience includes:
- Orientation for the filmmakers to acquaint them with the residency schedule, goals, partners and mentors;
- Film Independent membership to allow attendance at educational activities throughout the program; and
- A robust program of screenings with Q&A sessions, guest speakers, master classes, workshops and writing and directing sessions paired to the filmmaker’s career level.
“As Film Independent continues to support the global community of visual storytellers working in film and television, we are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Golden Globe Foundation with their strong commitment to educating the next generation of filmmakers,” said Josh Welsh, President of Film Independent. “We look forward to welcoming the talented filmmakers from the Venice International Film Festival and introducing them to the Los Angeles creative community.”
The renewal of the Foundation Residency Program (formerly sponsored by the Foundation’s predecessor Hollywood Foreign Press Association) reaffirms the Foundation’s commitment to active mentorship of emerging filmmakers through a custom program designed in partnership with Film Independent. It also continues its partnership with one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals in Venice to promote ties between Hollywood and the global film community.
ABOUT THE GOLDEN GLOBE FOUNDATION:
The Golden Globe Foundation was formed in 2023 following the sale of the Golden Globes to Eldridge Globes, LLC. The proceeds of that sale and existing resources of the organization allow the Foundation to continue a long history of entertainment-related charitable giving. The Foundation and its predecessor, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, have long supported a diverse range of nonprofit organizations assisting underserved communities, universities, and colleges, film restoration projects in the United States and overseas, and programs providing aid and assistance to journalists across the globe. Over the last three decades, the licensing fees from the Golden Globe Awards have enabled these organizations to make donations of more than $55 million to these charities.
ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
For over 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, supporting 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.
