This year tested us. It was the kind of hard that comes when you're doing something that’s never been done before or facing challenges you never anticipated. But through it all, 2024 was also filled with immense blessings. In the face of every obstacle, our community proved resilient, innovative, and unstoppable.

As we close out the year, we want to honor two trailblazing programs that championed our cause in the branded space and beyond: Free The Work and Commercial Directors Diversity Program (CDDP). Both programs boldly supported our mission to empower storytellers of color and have left an indelible mark on our collective journey.

2024 showed us that even when the path is difficult, we’re more than equipped to weather the storms. Together, we’ve forged new ground, built deeper connections, and redefined what it means to tell stories that matter. Here’s to what we’ve built—and to all that’s ahead

Our Manifesto Sparked a Movement

This year, the release of our 2024 Manifesto sent ripples through the indie filmmaking world, redefining what grassroots creativity looks like. We were honored to have Keri Putnam highlight our efforts in her address on The State of Indie Film, cementing the importance of diverse, purpose-driven storytelling.

Read the full study here

Make News Film Showcase Goes Global

This year, our Make News Short Film Showcase expanded its reach, screening in two cities here at home and making a surprise international stop in Hong Kong! Organized by the Hong Kong Arts Centre, the ALL ABOUT US Film Festival 2024 expanded its content beyond screenings only, including exhibitions, a community guided tour, “Human Library”, etc. This year's event ran from 30 November to 15 December, continuing to spotlight local Ethnic Minorities, transcending boundaries and connecting our hearts.

Seeing our stories connect with audiences halfway across the world was a powerful reminder of the universality of the voices we amplify.

Grants & Resources

First of all, you should rest. But if you’re getting geared up for 2025 :

Office Hours On-Demand
Need guidance on navigating the film industry or scaling your next project? Access our recorded Office Hours with leaders like Jon Reiss, Founder of Above8, and Jordan Michael, Line Producer, via our YouTube Channel.

Microbudget Filmmaking Season 4 Guides
Remember that podcast we launched with Zanah Thirus that started from Twitter trand and charted top on Spotify? Each episode comes with guides filled with templates, checklists, and contacts to help you make your low (or no) budget films. Start the new year with clarity and strategy using our MBFP workbooks, which were created to help filmmakers like you build sustainable careers. Visit microbudgetfilmpodcast.com

HYPERALLERGIC
Check out this list of last-minute residencies, fellowships, grants, open calls and jobs, and more for December!

We made finding community easier in 2025. Find more opportunities, updates, and peer support in our new Facebook Group for BIPOC and Disabled Filmmakers. Join Now

Upcoming Events

Start the new year with a fresh perspective. Join Zanah Thirus as she breaks down grassroots, anti-establishment approaches to filmmaking in a world built for the mainstream.

📅 When: January 7th, 2025 at 6:30 PM EST
📍 RSVP Here

As we wrap up 2024, we want to thank each and every one of you who’ve read, shared, and supported our work. You’re not just part of this community—you are this community. Let’s make 2025 even more revolutionary, more inclusive, and more impactful.

With love,
The MiFILM Team