Black Filmmakers Initiative
A program supporting Black LGBTQ+ filmmakers with cash prizes, submission fee waivers, and travel subsidies
The Black Filmmakers Initiative has been created in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and in recognition of the need to remove structural barriers and create more opportunities for queer Black artists. The Black Filmmakers Initiative provides festival-related cost assistance to Black LGBTQ+ filmmakers, as well as three new cash prizes for Black LGBTQ+ filmmakers, unveiled in October 2020 at the 32nd Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival.
→ NewFest Announces Black Filmmakers Initiative with Funds and Awards for LGBTQ+ Films, Indiewire
→ NewFest Announces Black Filmmakers Initiative with Funds and Awards for LGBTQ+ Films, Indiewire
The Initiative takes a four-pronged approach to empowering Black LGBTQ+ filmmakers and communities:
– Provide funding for Black LGBTQ+ filmmakers to start or continue existing film projects
– Help with covering festival submission fees to ensure that all Black LGBTQ+ filmmakers can submit their projects to NewFest
– Contribute free tickets to Black-led organizations to engage with NewFest events & programming
– Provide funding for travel-related costs for Black LGBTQ+ filmmakers to attend NewFest events
* As part of NewFest’s Black Filmmakers Initiative, we are currently waiving festival submission fees for Black filmmakers with LGBTQ+ stories centering Black characters & voices.
To request a waiver code, please email submissions@newfest.org with information on your completed and eligible project.
2024 Emerging Black LGBTQ+ Filmmaker Award Recipients (awarded at the 36th Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival)
Sekiya Dorsett
(director, CARIBBEAN QUEEN)
Natalie Jasmine Harris
(director, GRACE)
Brandon R. Nicholas
(director, MISS HONEY: THE CATSUIT)
2023 Emerging Black LGBTQ+ Filmmaker Award Recipients (awarded at the 35th Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival)
Miranda Haymon
(director, SIS)
Tramaine Raphael Gray
(director, BECOMING)
Clementine Narcisse
(director, GIRL BLUNT)
2022 Emerging Black LGBTQ+ Filmmaker Award Recipients (awarded at the 34th Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival)
Micheal Rice
(director, BLACK AS U R)
Olive Nwosu
(director, MASQUERADE (EGÚNGÚN))
Michael Donte Jemison
(director, THE SPIRIT GOD GAVE US)
Rashaad Newsome
(director, BUILD OR DESTROY)
2021 Emerging Black LGBTQ+ Filmmaker Award Recipients (awarded at the 33rd Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival)
Whitney Skauge
(director, THE BEAUTY PRESIDENT)
Justice Jamal Jones
(director, HOW TO RAISE A BLACK BOY)
Elijah Ndoumbe
(director, PRAYERS FOR SWEET WATERS)
2020 Black Filmmakers Initiative Award Recipients
Blanche Akonchong (writer/director/producer, MERCURY AFROGRADE)
Elegance Bratton
(co-writer/director/producers, BUCK)
Jovan James
(co-writer/director/producers, BUCK)
Terrance Daye
(writer/director/producer, -SHIP: A VISUAL POEM)
Olivia Peace
(director, TAHARA)
Supporters of the Black Filmmakers Initiative
Support Black LGBTQ+ Filmmakers
Interested in sponsoring the Black Filmmakers Initiative? Inquire about opportunities below!