You’re invited to join us for our annual Artist Development Showcase, which includes the presentation of the annual Changemaker Awards and a curated program of short films from Fellows who’ve been supported through various Film Independent Labs and Programs. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers, moderated by 2025 Project Involve Programming Fellow Zegan Doyle.

The Changemaker Awards, first presented in 2023 to celebrate Film Independent Artist Development’s 30th anniversary, exemplify Film Independent Artist Development’s mission to champion independent voices and create impactful, positive change by highlighting the extraordinary work of Film Independent program alumni, whose body of work and commitment to giving back have made wide-reaching impact on the industry and in their communities.

This year’s recipients will be announced soon.
 

The Films

Dolce – Fräknarna
Director, J.M. Harper (Amplifier Fellowship 2025, Episodic Directing Intensive 2026)

A music video for Dolce’s song “Fräknarna”.
 
God Sleeps on Sundays
Writer/Director, Naishe Nyamubaya (International Programs 2024, Fast Track 2024); Producer, Sue-Ellen Chitunya (Project Involve 2016, Grant Recipient 2016, Producing Lab 2020, Amplifier Fellowship 2023, Fast Track 2024)

A fierce rivalry erupts between a traditional healer and a Christian preacher who is hellbent on building his church on her land.
 
Haint
Producer, Selena Leoni (Project Involve 2021); Cinematographer, Joewi Verhoeven (Project Involve 2024)

When gentrifiers mysteriously begin to die, a Gullah Geechee handywoman who recently lost her home must decide whether to help them or leave the newcomers to their fate.
 
Living With a Visionary
Producer, Mireira Vilanova (Project Involve 2021)

After 50 years of marriage, John must care for his wife while learning to live alongside her vivid hallucinations.
 
Permanent Guest
Writer/Director/Producer, Sana Zahra Jafri (International Programs 2023)

A young woman’s world is rattled by the arrival of a relative who forces her to weigh family obligations against her growing discomfort.
 
The What
Writer/Director/Producer, Christopher Nataanii Cegielski (Project Involve 2016, Grant Recipient 2016, Episodic Directing Intensive 2026)

A routine job for two hitmen unravels when one of them recognizes the target as someone who ghosted him months ago.
 

For over 30 years, Film Independent Artist Development has been supporting talented creators who provide fresh voices and diverse perspectives to independent film and television by connecting filmmakers to the resources and networks they need to advance their projects and build sustainable careers. Film Independent Fellows, who have been selected to participate in Artist Development and Global Media Makers programs, are recognized around the world for their artistry and changing the cultural landscape through their work. Today, we are proud to have built a robust community of thousands of Film Independent Fellows, including Mollye Asher, Shane Boris, Elegance Bratton, Linda Yvette Chávez, Jon M. Chu, Jomo Fray, Siân Heder, Bing Liu, LaToya Morgan, Lulu Wang and Chloé Zhao.
 

Registration Information

Film Lover Members receive priority entry at this event. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

All Film Independent Members and the general public can register for this event starting at 12:00 pm PT on Wednesday, June 24. | Registration is free; one registration per individual.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registrants may pick up tickets as early as 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may not enter the venue without the individual who registered them present. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

The DGA Theater provides several levels of secure underground parking on site.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per individual, per event.

Attendees are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.