Above is a trailer for 2012 Project:Involve participant Andrew Ahn’s film, ‘Dol’ (an official selection at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival).
Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, has selected 30 filmmakers for its 2012 Project:Involve. Among the selected participants are four CalArts Alumni: Andrew Ahn (Film/Video MFA 10), Rhys Ernst (Film/Video MFA 11), Rachel Goldberg (Film/Video MFA 00) and Mason Richards (Film/Video MFA 10).
Project:Involve fosters the careers of talented artists from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry, selecting filmmakers from diverse backgrounds to participate in the nine-month program. The 2012 participants were selected “based on the quality of their projects, their passion, vision, talent and commitment to pursuing a career in the film industry.”
During the program, the filmmakers create short films, work one-on-one with film industry mentors, and gain access to production-based master workshops, career development training and a number of networking opportunities.
The program’s guest speakers include producer-director Dee Rees, producer (and Project:Involve alumna) Nekisa Cooper (Pariah), Stephanie Allain (Hurricane Season, Hustle & Flow) and others yet to be announced. LA Film Fest’s artistic director David Ansenand Zhiv Productions’ Joyce San Pedro will serve as mentors.
“Project:Involve has been an amazing resource for me as a recent film school graduate,” says Ahn. “The workshops, screenings and just getting to know the other Project:Involve members really help with my transition out of film school into the film industry.”
Ahn, who currently serves as the School of Film/Video admissions counselor at CalArts, also adds that the opportunity to meet filmmakers like Dee Rees and Mike Mills is invaluable.
This year’s Project:Involve includes a Sony Pictures Entertainment Diversity Fellowship granted to one participating filmmaker and offers year-round support in the form of a cash production grant and professional development.
See the complete list of filmmakers selected for program here.