Have We Done Enough?

Another year of reflecting, connecting and doing better.

Author

MiFILM Admin
December 30, 2023

As MiFILM approaches its 4th year, we reflect on the incredible journey we've shared. Your unwavering support has made initiatives like The Branded Lab, our impactful Mentorship programs, inspiring MiFILM Spotlights, and enriching Workshops possible. 

Yet, in our pursuit of excellence, we recognize there's always room for improvement. Your experiences and insights are invaluable, and that's why we're reaching out for your feedback through our End-of-Year survey. As we turn inward to enhance our leadership and explore new avenues to amplify marginalized voices, your input will guide us in refining our approach and ensuring MiFILM remains a beacon of inclusive creativity. 

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey—we're eager to grow together, create together, and continue pushing boundaries.

MiFILM Team

Gianfranco, a recent AFI Conservatory graduate with an MFA in Directing, had the privilege of studying with some of the most renowned filmmakers in the industry. During his time at AFI, he gained a deeper understanding of the creative process and the ability to collaborate effectively with actors, producers, production designers, editors, writers, and cinematographers on four student film projects, the last being his thesis film When Big People Lie (2024).  

Gianfranco’s short film, JEROME, was recently selected as part of the FLIP THE SCRIPT program, a prestigious mentorship program for emerging directors which includes funding and mentorship from notable individuals, including producing legend Frank Marshall, Lulu Wang, MJ Rodriguez, Blake Griffin, Kendrick Sampson, Ben O'Keefe, and Elle Johnson. JEROME is currently in consideration for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short, and we are in discussions with HBO about acquisition.

His work is confident and full of heart. It demonstrates his ability to tell stories visually compellingly, connect with audiences on an emotional level, and have a proven track record of success in delivering high-quality cinematic experiences on time and within budget.

He understands that many production companies are highly selective and often get behind their directors, and he is honored to be considered by any means. He would be a valuable asset to your team.

Alberta Poon, Director & 2022 MiFILM Branded Lab Fellow

As a mentor in the MiFILM Branded Lab in 2022, I had the joy of getting to meet some great up and coming directors who are working to break into the commercial space. The lab offers an opportunity for directors that may not have experience with pitching and developing commercial projects, to flex their muscles with the help of industry pros across production and agency partners. As a mentor, I spent time with my mentee, Alberta Poon, talking through creative, and advising her from a production standpoint. She showed so much potential and capability in the space that we continued our conversation over the next several months after the lab’s conclusion and eventually offered Alberta a spot on the Tidetivity Studios roster. We’re grateful to the MiFILM for creating a program like this and are even more grateful to have a talent like Alberta as a part of our team. 

Melissa Daniels, Founder & Executive Producer of Tidetivity Studios

To all of our members, partners, and sponsors, we look forward to 2024!

MiFILM Members Speak at The Gotham Week Expo Sessions presented by Variety; Branded Lab Fellows speak at the Diversity Behind The Lens Panel hosted by MiFILM, SLMBR PRTY, and Johannes Leonardo.

P.S. Interested in partnering with us in 2024 to help continue to make our initiatives and programming accessible to all? Send us an email at [email protected]. 

Reply

or to participate.