Film Independent Announces 2026 Project Involve Cohort for Diverse Filmmakers
LOS ANGELES, CA – In a city often defined by its blockbusters, a vital, beating heart of independent film thrives, relentlessly fostering diverse voices and shaping the future of storytelling. Film Independent, the powerhouse nonprofit behind the Spirit Awards, has just pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated 2026 Project Involve cohort, announcing 33 exceptional filmmakers ready to embark on a transformative year.
This isn’t just about names on a list, it’s about investing in the emerging talent that will define the next generation of Hollywood.
The excitement kicks off publicly on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) in Los Angeles, where the new cohort will be formally introduced during Film Independent’s annual First Look Screening. Audiences will also get a taste of the program’s proven success with screenings of five shorts produced by the previous 2025 cohort, an event open to the public – a true testament to the program’s tangible output.
At the core of Project Involve’s enduring success is its unparalleled mentorship program. This year marks a heartwarming full-circle return as Tina Mabry (known for “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” and “Mississippi Damned”), a past Project Involve Fellow herself, steps into the pivotal role of 2026 Directing Resident Mentor. A roster of industry heavyweights’ll join her: Rachael Fung (“Eye for an Eye,” “Fremont”) as Producing Resident Mentor, Julio Perez (“Euphoria,” “Malcolm & Marie”) as Editing Resident Mentor, and returning experts Ruth Atkinson (Script Consultant) and Aaron Edmonds (Vice President of Film at Hartbeat) as Story and Creative Executive Resident Mentors, respectively. These mentors offer invaluable creative insight, industry knowledge, and career guidance, providing a crucial bridge as fellows navigate their careers.
The program’s reach is also significantly bolstered by generous grants and fellowships. LAIKA proudly returns for another two-year cycle, providing an annual stipend and crucial mentorship from its executives, culminating in the production of unique stop-motion animated short films by five dedicated LAIKA Project Involve Fellows. This focus on animation highlights the program’s diverse artistic support.
Breaking new ground, the inaugural University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television Fellowship, complete with a $10,000 unrestricted cash grant, will be awarded to outstanding alum Rafael Gomez. The second annual Climate Entertainment Commissioning Grant, in partnership with Plot Shift Media, will award one screenwriter a $25,000 grant to develop a new climate-focused fiction feature script – a vital initiative that addresses global challenges through storytelling. Fellowships supported by Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, each offering a $10,000 unrestricted cash grant, will be awarded later, alongside the Panavision Fellowship, which provides a cinematographer with a remarkable $60,000 camera rental package for a future U.S.-produced project.
This vast network of support underscores Project Involve’s integral role in the independent film ecosystem, with principal sponsors including the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Formosa Group, the Golden Globe Foundation, and Picture Shop, among others.
Going into its 33rd year, Project Involve stands as a testament to its mission, having proudly fostered the careers of over 1,000 filmmakers from communities historically excluded from the film industry. The alumni list reads like a who’s who of contemporary talent, including Andrew Ahn (“The Wedding Banquet”), Jon M. Chu (“Wicked”), Lulu Wang (“Expats”), and Kim Yutani (Director of Programming, Sundance).
Francisco Velasquez, Associate Director of Project Involve, perfectly encapsulates the program’s essence.
“In our 33rd year, Project Involve is proud to welcome 33 exceptional Fellows into the Film Independent family. This moment reflects the heart of the program—creativity, collaboration, and growth coming together in a complete cycle. We are incredibly excited to support this cohort as they embark on a transformative journey together. This journey is made possible through the generosity of our longtime partners and sponsors, to whom we extend our deepest gratitude.”
This free, year-long program isn’t just about financial aid; it’s a comprehensive incubator for writers, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, animators, programmers, and entertainment executives. Participants engage in critical one-on-one meetings with film industry mentors, attend specialized workshops, network with professionals, and, most importantly, collaboratively produce five original short films from inception to completion. The success of these films speaks volumes, with past projects like “Single Residence Occupancy” (2025 Atlanta Film Festival Jury Award) and “Black Boy Joy” (2020 NAACP Image Award Winner) earning critical acclaim and significant awards.
The 2026 cohort represents a vibrant cross-section of talent across various disciplines, ensuring a rich tapestry of perspectives and skills: Matty Beavers, Rafael Gomez, Kelvin Kataria, Kate Ketcham, Tianyi Liu (Cinematographers); Loren Escandon, Sydne Horton, Omar Kakar, Robin Wang (Directors); Mario Fierro, Haruka Gerald, Joanna Phillips, Yessenia Sanchez (Editors); Nora Bernard, Uriah McKinney, Lauren Milan Rausaw, Olivia Stark, Meera Vaidya (Executives); Chidi Amadiume, Carver Diserens, Suki “Shuqi” Li, Rachel Moss, Parco Richardson (Producers); Raymond Arturo Perez, Bryce Marrero, Jacky Watson, Nikki Palumbo (Writers); April Maxey (Writer/Directors); and Haley Chung, Alexander Gonzalez, Inna Mikhailova, Rika Nakayama, Carlo Padilla (LAIKA Fellows).
As Film Independent continues its mission to promote unique, independent voices through its various Artist Development programs, Project Involve remains a cornerstone, a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and opportunity in shaping the future of cinema.
CINEMATOGRAPHERS
Matty Beavers
Rafael Gomez
Kelvin Kataria
Kate Ketcham
Tianyi Liu
DIRECTORS
Loren Escandon
Sydne Horton
Omar Kakar
Robin Wang
EDITORS
Mario Fierro
Haruka Gerald
Joanna Phillips
Yessenia Sanchez
EXECUTIVES
Nora Bernard
Uriah McKinney
Lauren Milan Rausaw
Olivia Stark
Meera Vaidya
PRODUCERS
Chidi Amadiume
Carver Diserens
Suki “Shuqi” Li
Rachel Moss
Parco Richardson
WRITERS
Raymond Arturo Perez
Bryce Marrero
Jacky Watson
Nikki Palumbo
WRITER/DIRECTORS
April Maxey
LAIKA FELLOWS
Haley Chung
Alexander Gonzalez
Inna Mikhailova
Rika Nakayama
Carlo Padilla
| For more information on any of the Labs or the projects that have been developed in them, please contact artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org. Additional information and an application form can be found at filmindependent.org. |
