What We're Sharing, Watching, & Looking Forward to This March

Intern Spotlight

As our team continues to grow, we’re excited to introduce the interns who are contributing their time, creativity, and energy to our community. This spotlight section is a way to highlight who they are and what they’re interested in. Each feature will include a short introduction along with their baby photo and a favorite song — a simple way to share a bit of personality and help you get to know our team beyond their roles.

Hi all, I’m Apollo! I am a double major in Africana Studies and Screenwriting with a minor in Business. As a new intern with MiFilm, I am the most excited about gaining access to an ever growing community of Black and Minority creatives that shares feedback, company and opportunities. I aspire to build, inspire and showcase a community that’s truly For Us, By Us, and MiFilm has that same objective.

Favorite Song: “To Be Young, Gifted & Black” by Nina Simone

Hey everyone, I’m Joao. What excites me most about working with MiFilm is their commitment to supporting independent filmmakers from marginalized communities and giving them a safe platform to share their stories. Working closely with the founders is especially inspiring to me. I aspire to become a director who not only tells meaningful stories but also brings communities together through leadership and collaboration, much like they do. Growing up in a Latin community in Brooklyn, I often felt caught between two worlds. My goal is to create unique stories that not only resonate with Latin communities but with all communities.

Favorite song: “Brillantes Con Carbon” by Trio Los Jaibos

Hey everyone, I'm Zhaire Felton. I'm a Film Production major at Brooklyn College, minoring in Television, Radio, and Emerging Media. It is my passion to amplify the voices of Black and Minority communities through film and other art mediums — which is why I am so excited to be working with MiFilm. A company driven with the same purpose. In an industry that lacks proper representation, I am grateful to be working with a community that supports the prosperity of underrepresented artists.

Favorite Song: “Springtime” by Casseus

Film Recommendations

Sinners recently took him four Oscars this year, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordon and Best Original Screenplay for Ryn Coogler. Visually stiking and emotionally layered, this film is elevated by phenomenal performances across the board. Set in the 1930s, it thoughtfully engages with themes of racism, sharecropping, and systemic oppression, while grounding its story in character relationships that feel clear, intentional, and deeply moving. By the film’s end, its emotional payoff really lands — and it’s one we’d highly recommend.

Gachiakuta takes the anime world by storm as it stands out for its bold trash-punk aesthetic and striking visual style — but there’s much more beneath the surface. Beyond its eye-catching exterior, the series is rooted in dystopia, discrimination, class division, and the value of the people and things society too often throws away.

Big World (小小的我) is a deeply moving, tear-jerking watch that leads with heart without losing its emotional honesty. Centered around disability, family, and resilience, the film offers touching representation while telling a story that feels both intimate and quietly powerful. It’s the kind of film that leaves a lasting impression — tender, motivational, and incredibly heartfelt.

Funeral Parade of Roses (1969) is a visually daring and genre-defying classic that remains deeply influential in queer and experimental cinema. Set within Tokyo’s underground nightlife scene, the film centers a transgender woman and pushes against boundaries of identity, form, and storytelling in ways that still feel bold today. For anyone interested in film history, queer cinema, or avant-garde storytelling, this is a title worth checking out.

The Pitt has quickly become a must-watch, earning a devoted following who return to it week after week. Bold, inventive, and full of unforgettable moments, it keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. Its energy, storytelling, and unforgettable moments make it easy to see why it captivates audiences — a film that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

MiFilm Flashback & Fastforward

As March comes to a close, we’re going to recap some of the amazing opportunities MiFilm has had the opportunity to be apart of. Our projects ranged from supporting screenings to connecting with our community in meaningful ways. As we look ahead, there’s plenty on the horizon — new initiatives, collaborations, and events that we’re excited to bring to life. It’s been a great start to the year, and we can’t wait to share what’s next with you as well!

Starting strong with The American Cinematheque’s New Black Hollywood event was a vibrant celebration of emerging Black filmmakers and rising industry leaders, bringing together a diverse community of creatives, executives, producers, and film enthusiasts. Hosted at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, the evening radiated energy and joy as attendees engaged in thought-provoking conversations, shared discoveries, and celebrated the achievements of Black talent in today’s entertainment landscape.

The panel, moderated by Emmy-nominated actor and cultural architect Michael Oloyede, highlighted the breadth and depth of voices shaping the industry. From insightful discussions on storytelling to reflections on the power of community, the session offered meaningful takeaways for both aspiring filmmakers and seasoned professionals alike. The event showcased not only the talent on stage but also the power of collaboration and connection within a diverse creative ecosystem.

Co-presented by Scene & Heard and Minorities in Film, the gathering underscored the importance of community-driven initiatives in elevating underrepresented voices. Attendees left inspired, connected, and energized, carrying with them a renewed appreciation for the innovation, resilience, and cultural impact of Black filmmakers. The evening was a powerful reminder that joy, creativity, and meaningful dialogue can coexist — and thrive — at the heart of Hollywood.

The Global Artist Assembly: Non-fiction & Truth at Berlinale brought together documentary filmmakers, industry leaders, and audiences for an evening of reflection, conversation, and collaboration. Hosted by Video Consortium and Minorities in Film at the Brotfabrik, the event explored how truth, facts, and storytelling are increasingly contested in today’s world, where technology, belief, and politics intersect with reality. Through a hands-on workshop, panel discussion, and breakout sessions, participants engaged deeply with questions about the future of documentary filmmaking and the role of non-fiction in reclaiming narrative authority.

Moderated by a team of experienced industry professionals, the panel featured voices from around the globe, including Alfredo Castro Ortigoza, Heidi Brandenburg, Emma Strauss, Stephen Bergson, and Almagul Menlibayeva. Together, they discussed the shifting landscape of truth in media, the challenges and opportunities posed by AI, and the ways non-fiction filmmakers can continue to hold power to account. The conversation was both thought-provoking and grounded, offering actionable insights for practitioners and enthusiasts alike.

Following the panel, breakout groups gave attendees the chance to share their own experiences, discuss how these issues affect their work, and exchange ideas in a more intimate setting. The evening concluded with drinks and continued conversation, allowing connections to deepen, reflections to settle, and the discussion of truth and storytelling to extend beyond the formal program. The event celebrated diversity, community, and creativity, leaving participants inspired, informed, and energized about the future of documentary practice.

We had the chance to host our March Office Hour with Jordan Michael for an insightful session focused on tax credits and fiscal sponsorship — two key topics for filmmakers navigating the financial side of the industry. The discussion covered the history and purpose of tax credits and incentives, the differences between credits, rebates, and other funding tools, and the importance of approaching the application process with clarity and credibility.

The session also provided a helpful introduction to fiscal sponsorship, including how it works, its advantages, and practical ways filmmakers can use it to support their projects. Altogether, it was a valuable conversation that offered both foundational knowledge and real-world guidance for creatives looking to better understand the business behind filmmaking.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue creating spaces for learning, connection, and support for filmmakers in the months to come. Here are some things we have planned for you!

• April Office Hour: Another opportunity for creatives to learn, ask questions, and gain insight into the many moving parts of the film industry. Whether you’re seeking guidance, clarity, or simply community, we hope you’ll join us.

• Seen in Full: Disabilities in Focus: Spotlighting disability-centered storytelling this April through its InFocus: Disabilities program. A meaningful celebration of inclusion, representation, and the talent of filmmakers with disabilities.

• New Membership Launch: We’re excited to be launching a new membership experience soon — stay tuned for more ways to connect, engage, and grow with our community.

Opportunities & Grants

We know how helpful the right opportunity can be, so we wanted to share a few grants and resources we’ve come across this month. Whether you’re building, applying, or just exploring, here are some things to keep on your radar.

• Film Independent Grants and Awards offers multiple grants for fiction, nonfiction, and documentary projects, along with workshops for prospective applicants. While many programs are currently closed for 2026, two labs are open: the

• Documentary Producing Lab (Fall 2026) and the Fiction Producing Lab. Costs vary: free for Filmmaker Pro Members (one waived fee per year), $45 for Members, $65 for non-Members. Accepted participants must join Film Independent at the standard membership rate of $105.

• SFFILM Opportunities⁠ currently has Documentary Film Fund. The regular deadline is June 9 ($30 fee) and the Final Deadline July 7 ($50 fee). There is also the Rainin Filmmakers with Disabilities Grant – Awards up to 4 projects annually in the fall for feature or short, narrative or documentary films, including at least one San Francisco Bay Area filmmaker. Grants range from $5,000–$25,000, with access to SFFILM’s FilmHouse and artist development programs. Thanks to the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, there is no application fee this year.

• Sundance Foundation Giving has a variety of programs supporting filmmakers and creative projects that are worth exploring and mentioning. The 18–25-year-old grant applications are closed for 2026, but will reopen in 2027. Their Equity, Impact, and Belonging provide additional resources and support for filmmakers, though details for 2026 are still being announced.