2025 Cohort
January 2025 marked the launch of the inaugural Prelude program. Our ten fellows connected with more than 30 established filmmakers and industry professionals through mentorship sessions, workshops, talks, and panels. From acclaimed writers to breakout independent directors to senior studio executives, each guest offered a unique perspective on both the art and business of storytelling.
Our first year mentors brought a wealth of experience, including award-winning expertise across the industry, from writers and producers to actors and directors who have worked on projects including Abbott Elementary, American Fiction, A League of Their Own, Broad City, The Morning Show, Hacks, Mystic Quest, You’re So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, Orange Is the New Black, and more.
Program Highlights
Finding Your People with Abbi Jacobson & Amy Poehler
Collaboration with Michelle Buteau & Danielle Sanchez-Witzel
Film Club with Everything Everywhere All At Once Editor Paul Rogers
Multidisciplinary Storytelling with Sebastián Silva & Clea DuVall
A Mock Writers’ Room at Film Independent
Defining Your Voice with Mae Martin
Believing in Yourself with Jen Statsky & Andrew Law
Film Club with Minari composer Emile Mosseri
Trusting the Process with D’Arcy Carden
An Intimate Dinner and Conversation with Natasha Rothwell
Participants
Fellows
Leo Aquino
they/them
Pablo De La Cueva
he/him
Arielle Egozi
she/they
Kim Gomez
she/her
Lex Rivera
he/him
Oba Olaniyi
he/him
Emily Ontiveros
she/they
Sazan Pasori
she/her
Yesenia Valencia
she/her
Danielle Young
name preferred, they/them
Mentors
Michelle Badillo
she/her
Aaron Bergman
he/him
Brian Chamberlayne
he/him
Sammi Cohen
they/he
Naomi Ekperigin
she/her
Cord Jefferson
he/him
Hannah Kitziger
she/her
Andrew Law
he/him
Brittani Nichols
she/her
Desta Tedros Reff
she/her
Image Gallery
