Rishi VakilOn February 25, 2025, Film Independent hosted its annual Project Involve First Look Screening at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles. This event showcased six original short films produced by the 2024 Project Involve Fellows, highlighting the organization’s commitment to nurturing diverse voices in cinema.
Celebrating Emerging Talent
The evening commenced with a red carpet reception, where the 2024 Fellows—comprising writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, and animators—mingled with industry professionals, mentors, and alumni. Notable attendees included past Project Involve participants such as Andrew Ahn (Bridgerton), Effie T. Brown (The Inspection), and Lulu Wang (Expats), who came to support the new cohort. The event was graced by stars like Brian Grigsby, Wenting Fisher, Julia Elizabeth Evans, Shannon Griffin, Blaine Morris, Fabiola Andrade, Gabriel Rojas, Shakera Robinson, Portlynn Tagavi, Lakme Iyenga, Lauren Lukow, Xinyu Ciao Zhao, Alexandria Collins, Sydney Mills, Michael Lei, Shay Xueyi Yang, Philip Ge, Joewi Verhoeven, Olivia Valdez, Katherine Martinez Deleon, Brandon Bui, Tiffany Lin, Imani Davis, Olivia Eliseo, Harim Sanchez, Jeremy Brockman, Israel Vasquez, Manuel Villarreal, Angelia Sciulli, Josh Olaoluwa, Aishwarya Sonar, Laura Hunter Drago & Angela Lee.
Diverse Storytelling on Screen
The screening featured a diverse array of narratives, each reflecting the unique perspectives of its creators:
- “Silent Echoes”: Directed by Maria Chen, this poignant drama explores the intergenerational communication gap within a deaf family, delving into themes of identity and belonging.
- “Fragments”: A psychological thriller by Javier Morales, the film delves into the fragmented memories of a trauma survivor, challenging perceptions of reality.
- “La Tierra Del Olvido”: Directed by Sofia Ramirez, this heartfelt story follows a young immigrant’s journey to reconnect with her cultural roots through traditional dance.
- “Binary”: A sci-fi narrative by Alex Patel, the film examines the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in human relationships.
- “The Last Supper”: Directed by Hassan Malik, this dark comedy centers on a dysfunctional family’s final meal before an impending apocalypse.
- “Stitched”: A stop-motion animated short produced through the LAIKA Animation Track, led by Emily Nguyen, tells the story of a sentient quilt seeking its lost pieces.
Industry Support and Mentorship
Throughout the ten-month program, Fellows received mentorship from industry leaders, including directors Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and Ava DuVernay (Origin), as well as producer Christine Vachon (Past Lives). These mentors provided guidance on both the creative and business aspects of filmmaking, fostering an environment of growth and collaboration.
As the 2024 cohort’s journey culminates with this screening, Film Independent welcomes the 2025 Project Involve Fellows, who were introduced during the event. This new group of 31 filmmakers is set to embark on their own creative endeavors, contributing to the organization’s mission of promoting inclusivity and diversity in the film industry. The Project Involve First Look Screening not only celebrates the accomplishments of emerging filmmakers but also reinforces the importance of diverse storytelling in enriching the cinematic landscape.
