The New Voices Filmmaker Grant, a new program in cooperation with Netflix to help aspiring LGBTQ+ filmmakers, was unveiled today by NewFest, New York's foremost LGBTQ+ film and media group.
“NewFest is thrilled to partner with Netflix in launching the New Voices Filmmaker Grant to equip emerging LGBTQ+ filmmakers with the resources, tools and exposure they need to succeed,” said David Hatkoff, Executive Director of NewFest. “This is how the industry changes – focusing on the pipeline. By supporting the next generation of LGBTQ+ filmmakers, NewFest and Netflix will work to combat the structural barriers that have historically led to a lack of authentic representation, and at times harmful decisions. This program is a step toward increasing queer representation and expanding opportunities for talented queer storytellers.”
According to NewFest, four filmmakers will be chosen for the New Voices Filmmaker Award, which will provide each of them with a $25,000 grant to promote professional development and the creation of new work. NewFest will support a bespoke mentorship track as part of the project, which will provide possibilities for networking.
Fellows' work will be shown and they will take part in activities at NewFest's New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, one of the world's largest queer film festivals. Fellows will also have the option to attend other North American film festivals as NewFest guests.
NewFest's collaboration with Netflix is part of Netflix's Fund for Creative Equity, which aims to increase behind-the-scenes opportunities for underrepresented communities in the television and film industries. Over the next two years, the program will fund four filmmakers per year.
LGBTQ+ filmmakers in the United States who have not previously made a feature film or had a film (short or feature length) widely distributed by anybody other than themselves will be eligible for the program. A jury of LGBTQ+ programmers, community leaders, renowned filmmakers, and industry professionals will choose the Fellows in May 2022.
The inaugural class of fellows is presently accepting applications, with a deadline of February 28.
