We see a slight shift. At the forefront of expanding opportunities for Latino Filmmakers has been the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) co-founded by actor/producer and artivist, Edward James Olmos back in 1997. Now 26 years later the message about U.S. Latino filmmakers is finally resonation with some of the Hollywood’s gatekeepers. This morning Amazon Studios and the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) announced LALIFF Works in Progress, a finishing fund to enable independent US based Latino filmmakers in the completion of a feature film. Funds will be allocated to films in the final stages of production with a unique directorial voice, cultural significance, and commercial viability.
Individual directors and independent production companies are invited to submit a picture locked cut of their feature length scripted or documentary film. A jury of post-production professionals will divide the funds among the three top projects, based on their post-production needs. Funds recipients will be announced at this year’s LALIFF, which is presented by the Latino Film Institute (LFI) and takes place in Los Angeles May 31-June 4.
Throughout its history, LALIFF has bestowed the Gabriel Figueroa Lifetime Achievement Award to such industry icons as, Raul Julia, Pedro Almodovar, Carlos Saura, Maria Felix, Anthony Quinn, Nelson Pereira dos Santos, Federico Luppi, Rita Moreno, Ricardo Montalban, Antonio Banderas, Ignacio Lopez Tarso, Gustavo Santaolalla and, of course, Gabriel Figueroa himself.
“We are very excited to announce the expansion of our collaboration with Amazon Studios through the inaugural LALIFF Works in Progress initiative. By supporting this program, Amazon is supporting our work as we continue to elevate Latino voices in a landscape where it’s difficult for filmmakers from our community to secure post-productions funds”, said Academy Award® nominated actor, founder of the Latino Film Institute and co-founder of LALIFF, Edward James Olmos.
“At Amazon Studios we strive to remove barriers to success in the creative process. It is part of the equity work we are committed to doing” said Latasha Gillespie, global head of DEIA for Amazon Studios and Prime Video. “LALIFF Works in Progress is a compelling example of our Inclusion Policy and Playbook in action.”
LALIFF Works in Progress is an expansion of Amazon Studios and LFI’s current relationship; Amazon Studios is the exclusive sponsor of LFI’s Youth Cinema Project (YCP) Alumni program for the 2022-2023 school year. The program connects over 300 students to hands-on access and learning opportunities across the industry, including mentoring and assistance with college applications. The sponsorship also includes the inaugural YCP Fellowship initiative, which provides 19 college bound students with resources to make a high-quality short film to strengthen their film school applications and scholarship opportunities. The finished film will screen at LALIFF in June.
The LALIFF Youth Program, a screen education program that took place at the festival, set the groundwork for what would eventually become the statewide, public school educational film program known as, the Youth Cinema Project.
Visit here for more details on the LALIFF Works in Progress program and how to submit.
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