Cate Blanchett Hails Debut of Trailblazing Filmmakers at L.A. Showcase

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The “Proof of Concept” program, established by Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett, producer Coco Francini, and renowned researcher Dr. Stacy L. Smith with a focus on empowering women, trans, and nonbinary filmmakers, premiered the creations of its first group at a showcase held in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening.

Blanchett stated that the showcase is a joyous event showcasing an abundance of fresh, amazing perspectives. Crucially, she emphasized that it’s a celebration of this significant milestone for these directors. It’s clear from here that these directors can now begin to influence and reshape the film industry.

Blanchett joined the event digitally, speaking from London, whereas Dr. Smith, Francini, and Netflix’s Head of Content Bela Bajaria were physically present at Netflix’s Tudum Theater in Hollywood, joining the filmmakers and some of their actors for a celebration.

Blanchett appeared remotely from London, sharing her comments, while Dr. Smith, Francini, and Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria were at Netflix’s Tudum Theater in Hollywood, joining the filmmakers and some of their cast for a celebration.

Francini declared from the stage that the Proof of Concept has achieved our expectations – it’s produced daring, awe-inspiring movies and filmmakers who demonstrate they’re prepared to advance with their projects. Now it’s crucial that the industry pays attention as these talented storytellers reveal the implementation of their ideas and creativity, seeking collaborators to breathe life into future projects. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for each director!

Smith remarked: “Upon releasing Proof of Concept, our aim was to empower filmmakers preparing to join the industry. We understood that these stories would broaden the scope for narratives emphasizing women, transgender, and non-binary viewpoints, thereby boosting the careers of these directors. The movies produced through this program showcase the incredible talent of the upcoming generation.

2023 saw the inception of Proof of Concept, a project born from a meeting between Dirty Films partners Blanchett and Francini and Smith, founder of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, at the Cannes Film Festival. The threesome subsequently set out to assist budding filmmakers by commissioning projects that would function as proof-of-concept for longer works, such as feature films or television series. Each selected filmmaker was granted $50,000 to develop their short film, along with mentorship guidance. With the aid of the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, the program was broadened to encompass documentaries, thereby increasing its potential to foster industry-wide change.

Upon learning that Stacy was teaming up with Coco Francini and Cate Blanchett to develop a program assisting underrepresented filmmakers, our excitement level soared,” stated Bajaria on stage. “We’re ecstatic to lend our support to this worthy cause.

The event showcased a variety of films – some narrative, others documentary – from the first group of ten filmmakers who were chosen to participate in the program. This selection was made by Blanchett, Francini, and Smith, along with an esteemed committee that included Chloé Zhao, Emma Corrin, Eva Longoria, Greta Gerwig, Jane Campion, Janicza Bravo, Lily Gladstone, and Lilly Wachowski. They chose the participants from over a thousand applications they received.

The following short films are part of the Proof of Concept program:

1. Faithful Defenders (Barbara Hall): This short film aims to amplify the voices of Christians who support reproductive rights for women, and believe that their faith requires this stance. It seeks to show that Christianity can coexist with reproductive rights.

2. The Sisters of Scott County (Courtney Hoffman): This story follows Cherry Mary, a woman trying to pass her Commercial Driver’s License test, but finds trouble when her family’s criminal activities put them at odds with the wrong people. Cast includes Kaitlyn Dever, Emilio Rivera, Lachlan Watson, Ayvan William, Indiana Wells, Ava Phillippe.

3. Afufu (Ellie Foumbi): In this film, a live-in housekeeper’s attempt to hide a mistake leads to disastrous consequences for her and her employers. The cast includes Babetida Sadjo, Saffron Burrows, Tate Donovan, Vivian Olyphant, Audilia Batista.

4. Skrrrt! (Gabriela Garcia Medina): A group of high school friends plan a car heist and must convince a salesman to let one of them test-drive a supercar. The cast includes Belissa Escobedo, Keyla Moterroso Mejia, Alycia Pascual-Peña, Daisy Washington, Marlene Forte, Leah Knauer, Paul Scheer.

5. The Search for Magic (Gilly Barnes): This documentary series follows a magician’s quest to rediscover the meaning of magic by asking deeper questions about his illusions.

6. 11:11 (Mahnoor Euceph): When Noori, a 16-year-old Pakistani-American, wishes to become her crush’s type, she is magically transformed into a white, blonde, blue-eyed girl. She must now undo the wish before losing herself completely. The cast includes Tara Raani, Mahaela Park, Caiden Falstrup-Finney, Caleb White, Taylor Geare, Meghan Kolb, Stella Sepaniak.

7. Queerbait (Nate Gualtieri): This film tells the story of a precocious classics student who must choose between protecting his academic future and his dignity when his mentorship with a professor starts to cross boundaries. The cast includes Sydney Mae Diaz, Matthew Floyd Miller.

8. Ella (Nikki Taylor-Roberts): This film follows Ella, a woman who sings her love songs, even in her darkest moments. The cast includes Jill Scott, Destinee Rae McGinnis, Jon Chaffin, Tom Martin, Elisha Lawson, Daniel Staroselsky, Laurence Blum, Dave Ragland, Chad Paetnick, Jacob Tuder, Tyler Murtaugh, Conner Theriot, Paul Drechsler Martell, Shelsie Ducheine, Nachayka Vanterpool, Eboni Deane Edwards, Justin L. Wilson, David Wilson.

9. My Bird Is Sick! (Rebecca Halfon): In this film, an ancient hag living in self-imposed exile must venture into the modern world to seek help for her sick pet crow and friend. The cast includes Janeane Garofalo, Merlina the Raven, Morgan McGhee, Zach Fike Hodges, Rowan Kraxberger, Kiley Lotz, Ben Groh, Clem Cheung.

10. A Man Who Takes Pictures of Flowers (Yoo Lee): This mixed-media documentary follows Jung Myung Kim, a photographer who has dedicated over 40 years of his life to capturing Korea’s wildflowers and finding true happiness in the process. More information about these films and their creators can be found on Proof of Concept’s website.

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2025-04-30 20:50